Meticulous design of considered, beautiful and liveable interiors.

interior designer sydney northern beaches kitchen bathroom

"Tamiko changed our entire perspective on what the interior design process could be.

She is methodical, communicative, thoughtful, patient and just a joy to work with."

Jess Robinson

About

Imagine walking into your newly built or renovated home, where every detail feels intentional and every space works perfectly for your family and lifestyle.

TAMIKO GLEESON
FOUNDER + INTERIOR DESIGNER

Howard Lane Designs is an interior design and styling studio based in Newport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, which supports busy professionals design bespoke beautiful and functional kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. With a strong process built on clarity, empathy and thoughtful planning, Tamiko will guide you from your renovation or new build vision to execution with ease.

With a waiting list for new projects, now is the time to start the process for collaborating with our studio.

SECURE MY PROJECT TODAY!

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FULL SERVICE

Design specialists in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries for new builds or renovations

CUSTOM JOINERY

Bespoke solutions that enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your home

FURNITURE CURATION

Clients save thousands of dollars with access to trade-only suppliers and pricing

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES

modern bathroom kit kat tiles renovation

Prepare for success and
enjoy the renovation process!

Take the guesswork out of your renovation or new build with our Renovation Planner.

This comprehensive guide outlines the 9 essential steps to follow for a successful home project, helping you stay organised, make informed decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you're designing a kitchen, bathroom, or full home transformation, this planner will give you the clarity and confidence to approach your project with ease.

A recent poll asked me to answer five questions. Attempting all five in one post? Wildly futile. So instead, welcome to the first Q+A in a series of posts. 🤍

Q: What inspired you to transition from teaching to interior design?

I’ve always loved design and the building industry. My dad was a mechanic, and growing up around him gave me a deep respect for craftsmanship—the skill of planning, creating, and building with your hands.

As an executive in schools, my success in leadership was built on strategy: designing systems, pre-empting problems, communicating effectively, and executing well-considered plans with precision. These same skills are invaluable in interior design.

For me, design is so much more than aesthetics. It’s about sharing knowledge, eliminating the possibility of hindsight or regret, and creating spaces that feel ‘just right’ for my clients. A lifelong passion for learning keeps me evolving, growing, and pushing creative boundaries - I never want to become stagnant.

Ultimately, the transition to interior design allowed me to combine my empathy, passion and expertise while also giving me the flexibility to spend more time with my children.

Have you made a career change? What inspired your transition? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

Beautiful kitchen finishes from a recent design consultation 🤍

#kitchendesign #kitchenrenovation #kitcheninspiration #materialboard #flatlayinspiration

What features resonate with MCM homes?

Below are 5 quintessential elements that you will see in mid-century modern homes (or designs inspired by that time).

🌵Open-Plan Living – Seamless indoor-outdoor connections with large windows, sliding glass doors, and open layouts that embrace natural light and airflow.

🌵Flat or Low-Pitched Roofs – Often featuring wide eaves that provide shade and enhance the home’s horizontal lines.

🌵Timber and Natural Materials – Use of Australian hardwoods, stone, and brick to create warmth and texture.

🌵Minimalist Aesthetic – Clean lines, geometric shapes, and uncluttered interiors with built-in cabinetry for functionality.

🌵Feature Brickwork or Breeze Blocks – Decorative masonry elements that add texture, privacy, and passive cooling benefits.

Photos taken at the (literally euphoric) @sundowner_house - where one can quite easily imagine themselves with a cocktail by the pool or some wine and cheese in the open plan living looking over the hills and ocean of Newport.

Looking to buy? It’s currently on the market 😍

#midcenturymoderndesign #midcenturymodern #mcmfurniture #midcenturydesign #northernbeacheslocal

Same kitchen, different options 💫

Kitchen design: @howardlanedesigns
Joinery: @localcabinets

You’re renovating your mid-century modern inspired kitchen, and deciding on a splashback.

I have a favourite.

What’s yours?

If you’re planning a renovation or new build this year, this free guide is for you.

It contains 9 essential steps to ensure you have a successful design project and experience.

Comment ‘planner’ below, or click the link in my bio to download your free guide.

#sydneyrenovation #sydneybuilder #interiordesign #sydneyinteriors #renovationlife #renovation

When choosing tiles, don’t limit your design (and outcome) by only referring to one physical or digital sample.

Take note of the variation category of your desired tile. If you are after a seamless, flat finish, be sure to choose a tile with close to no variation.

Juxtaposed, if you are after a contrast in colour and depth, ensure you choose a tile with greater variance!

Of course, another factor that will produce a beautiful finished product, is then your choice of grout colour and space between tiles. But that’s a topic for another day 😉

#interiordesign #tileinstallation #tiledesign #interiordesignsydney #sydneyinteriors #bathroomdesign #kitchendesign

5 Key Considerations for a Functional Kitchen 💫

Designing a kitchen that’s both stylish and practical? Here are five essential elements to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Layout Matters – A well-planned kitchen makes cooking effortless. Keep the zones (cooking, cleaning, food storage, kitchen essentials, food preparation) efficient to minimise unnecessary steps and create a natural flow.

2️⃣ Smart Storage – Clutter-free kitchens start with clever storage. Deep drawers, pull-out pantries, and clever corner solutions help maximise every mm of space while keeping essentials within easy reach.

3️⃣ Layered Lighting – A mix of task, ambient and accent lighting ensures your kitchen is both functional and inviting. Think under-cabinet lights for prep areas, statement pendants for style, and warm overhead lighting for a welcoming feel.

4️⃣ Durable Materials – Your kitchen works hard, so choose surfaces that can handle daily wear. Stone benchtops, easy-to-clean splashbacks, and high-quality cabinetry will keep your space looking beautiful for years to come.

5️⃣ Future-Proof Design – Trends come and go, but a timeless kitchen will stand the test of time. Opt for a neutral base with the flexibility to refresh through styling and hardware updates, and consider future changes and potential locations for new plumbing or electrical for appliance upgrades later down the track.

Planning a kitchen renovation? Enquire today to see how we can help you create the best design.

#kitchendesignideas #kitchenreno #kitchendesigner #kitcheninterior #kitchenrenovation

Every day is different. And this was my day today!

Grateful to have my ten month old in tow as I work with beautiful clients and projects 🤍

#interiordesign #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign #interiordesigninspiration #adayinthelife

Sydney | interior designer | northern beaches

Fancy a tipple?

Some whisky bar design concepts for our Forestville Project. Very (jealous) excited to see this come to life.

What’s your favourite combination?

#whiskybar #homebar #bardesign #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign

What’s your favourite combination? 🥃

Detailed Documentation 🤔

What is it?

Your design bible. It’s a major deliverable we produce to communicate the design intention of your project. From floorplans, elevations, sections, materials, renders, joinery, electrical, plumbing and a whole lot more.

It’s the go between of you and your builder, to ensure the builder and trades have these plans to execute your space as designed.

A collaborative effort between client, builder and designer, it’s a must have when planning your renovation or build. A lot of effort and time goes into this document, and we love when our communication is appreciated by builders and trades alike.

Has been a pleasure collaborating with @trjandsons and can’t wait to continue seeing progress on our Forestville House project.

#sydneyrenovation #sydneybuilder #interiordesignsydney #sydneyinteriors #kitchendesign #bathroomdesign #interiordesigner

Forget the kitchen triangle…

Consider these 6 essential zones when designing your perfect kitchen 💫

1️⃣ Consumables Zone: Keep all your food, pantry items and refrigerated goods in one area for easy access when unloading groceries or grabbing ingredients while cooking.

2️⃣ Non-Consumables Zone: Store everyday essentials like plates, bowls, glasses and utensils. Keep these near the sink or dishwasher for convenience, and consider smaller zones based on use like mugs near the coffee station or spices and oils near the cooktop.

3️⃣ Cleaning Zone: Group your sink, dishwasher, and bin together to streamline clean-up.

4️⃣ Preparation Zone: This is your main workspace, often on a countertop or island. Make it functional and social by placing it where you can interact with family or guests while prepping meals.

5️⃣ Cooking Zone: Love to cook? Place your cooktop, oven, and microwave where they’re most practical for you and your lifestyle.

6️⃣ Leisure Zone: A newer addition in open-plan kitchens, this area is perfect for casual meals, homework, baking, or even arts and crafts. It’s where function meets family life.

✨ A well-zoned kitchen doesn’t just look great, it works seamlessly for you and your family.

#kitchendesigner #kitchendesignideas #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriors #kitchenreno

Mosman Ensuite | Bathroom Concept Designs

#interiordesign #bathroomdesign #bathroominspiration #luxurybathroom #ensuitebathroom #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign

Before + After 💫

Through your renovation journey it can be easy to lose sight of the finished product.

Our 3D visualisations take that guess work away, and we will guide you through the peaks and troughs and support you along the way.

Here’s our Newport Bathroom with an impressive flashback to its former self.

#beforeandafterhomeedition #bathroomdesign #bathroomrenovation #bathroomreno #interiordesignstudio #interiordesignsydney #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriordesigner #bathroombeforeandafter

How good is technology?

Better yet, how good is being organised?

Every client and their building team gets access to an online client portal, @programahq

It has been a game changer for keeping clients and trades informed of the most up-to-date plans, specs and schedules.

There are no version # of any PDF schedules here. Trades simply need to use their phones to scan a QR code on site, and they have instant access to all your PC items, measurement specs, delivery information, etc.

What system do you have in place?

#interiordesigner #interiordesignsydney #sydneyrenovation #newbuildhome #renovationlife

Can you see it?

A beautiful kitchen design, that currently doesn’t exist?

This morning I had a meeting with our client where we went through her future kitchen and home, and talked about lighting, furniture, joinery placement and more.

3D visualisations are standard as part of our design services. This makes conceptualisation and planning so much easier to do, and is a truly collaborative effort between our clients and studio.

Want to see your plans come to life?

Submit a project enquiry - link in bio 💫

#kitchendesign #kitchendesigner #sydneybuilder #kitchenrenovations #sydneyrenovation

To what extent can you use 3D visualisations?

Our Woollahra House bathroom already included playful willow green tapware from @watermonopoly in its design, but there was also the potential to include a matching green toilet as part of the space.

With some quick tweaks, our 3D renders could help our clients know how far they wanted to incorporate the green into their bathroom.

What colour would you choose?

🤍 or 💚?

#bathroomdesign #bathroomdetails #easternsuburbssydney #interiordesignlovers #bathroomremodel

Phillip Bay Duplex // A stunning kitchen fit for a professional chef 🤍

This kitchen coming to life in 2025 💫

@polytec
@mamoliving
@ihbconstruction

WOOLLAHRA HOUSE 💫

A family bathroom in desperate need of an elevated update. Think a luxurious palette including natural materials of Moroccan Limestone, Aella Arabescato Marble and walls awash with a weathered patina of a traditional line wash in Bombe Alaska.

Tied seamlessly together with polished nickel tapware with beautiful pops of willow green accents.

Floor tiles @tilesofezra
Wall tiles @teranovatiles
Paint @porterspaints
Tapware @theenglishtapwarecompany

#luxurybathroom #luxurybathrooms #bathroomdesigns #bathroomdesignideas #quietluxury #beforeandafterhomeedition

Lately during introductory calls, I’m told “I wish I had engaged a designer sooner.” And while it may have saved a lot of time, stress, and last-minute decisions, I always reassure them - today is still the best time to start.

Whether you’ve been thinking about a renovation for years or just realised you need help now, it’s (usually!) not too late to get the right guidance.

Mention I say ‘usually’… because there are some caveats to this.

▫️If your builder is already on site, with frames up asking about plumbing heights as their plumber is coming tomorrow - feel free to download my bathroom measurements guide, but otherwise, I wish you well!

▫️Interior designers likely already have a waitlist or ongoing projects filling their calendar. This means they will not be able to start working on your plans immediately, so reaching out early ensures you secure a spot in their schedule and allows ample time for thoughtful planning and design.

Remember, engaging a designer sooner rather than later helps avoid delays and ensures your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

The earlier we can collaborate, the smoother and more enjoyable the process will be.👌

If you have a project in mind for 2025/2026 - now is the time to make a project enquiry (link in bio).

#interiordesigner #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriordesigner #kitchendesign #bathroomdesign

2024 💫

What a year you have been.

🛁 13 bathrooms
🍴 7 kitchens
🧼 3 laundries

👶🏼 ( + 1 baby!)

Thank you to all my wonderful clients and trades I’ve worked with this year.

Here’s to another great year that’s already set for more beautiful spaces and homes 🤍

#interiordesigninspiration #interiordesignsydney #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriordesigner #bathroomrenovation #bathroomreno #bathroomdesigns #kitchendesign #kitchenremodel #kitchenreno #kitchendesigner

You’ll need to save this ⤵️

I’m constantly in awe of what builders can create literally with their bare hands.

From a vacant block to a much loved home, a quality builder will creating something special for you and your family.

But this doesn’t mean they have all the answers; and nor should they. We as people are not all the same (different preferences, lifestyles and needs), and therefore our homes should reflect this uniqueness too.

Above are just some of the important questions your builder will ask you, and you will need to have answers for.

Sometimes (okay often), this may be done on the run if a plan hasn’t been put into place. This leads to quick, not thought out decisions that can be quickly met with regret or costly amendments later.

So how to foresee and prevent on-the-run decisions? Have a plan in place and clearly documented and communicated to your builder, the earlier the better. By engaging an interior designer, this can all be done with (or for) you, but also expertly delivered, and collaboratively executed by your building team.

P.S No-one loves last minute decisions, unless it’s a flight ticket to Vegas for NYE. 🎉

🙋🏻‍♀️ Can confirm that was fun!

Want a copy of the ten questions asked above? Comment ‘questions’ and I’ll send you a DM 👌

#buildingdesign #interiordesignersydney #interiordesignaustralia #interiordesigntrends #sydneyrenovation #bathroomdesigns #bathroomrenovation #kitchendesigner #kitchenrenovation

From my crew to yours, Merry Christmas 🎄

📷 @pony_rider

What a way to end the year for our Copacabana Residence project. 💚

A newly built bedroom with adjoining ensuite, ready for family and friends to enjoy for the Christmas and New Years holidays! ☀️

The tip of the iceberg of transformations set to occur for this enviable beachside home, but already such an impact for our lovely clients.

Finished project ↔️ design concept

#centralcoastnsw #centralcoastbusiness #bathroomdesigns #bathroomtiles #bathroominterior #bathroomdesign #coastalhome #coastalinteriors #interiordesign #interiordesignsydney #moderncoastal

Just one of the spaces starting to take shape in readiness for completion early next year. 💫

Can’t wait to see this beautiful ensuite of Forestville House come together. 🤍

Interior design: @howardlanedesigns
Builder: @trjandsons

Featuring some of our favourite suppliers:
@tiles_by_kate
@adpaustralia
@meiraustralia
@nook_collections
@spring.hill.designs

#homerenovations #sydneybuilder #bathroomdesigns #bathroominspiration #sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign #bathroominterior #northernbeachesbuilder #northernbeacheslocal

3 of my most favourite things…

1. Quality packaging
2. Handwritten notes
3. Beautiful textiles

Excited to explore these @oat_studio fabrics for projects in 2025 🤍

#textilepattern #textilelove #fabricselection #customfurnituredesign #linenlove #linenfabric

Small glimpse of this powerhouse of a kitchen in the works for 2025 🤍

#travertine #kitchendesigner #kitchendesigns #kitcheninspiration #kitchengoals

Rough-In: What is it? 🤔

Before rough-in even begins, a detailed walk-through of the site is essential. This step allows us to meticulously review the design, ensuring every electrical point, plumbing fixture, and service aligns perfectly with the design intent. It’s our chance to confirm everything is on track before the “behind-the-scenes” essentials, like electrical and plumbing are installed.

Why This Step Matters? ⭐️

The walk-through ensures no detail is overlooked, from lighting placement to power access for your appliances. By the time rough-in starts, we’ve already ironed out potential issues, saving time and avoiding surprises.

Impact on the End Result? 💫

Thoughtful planning before and during the rough-in stage guarantees a polished, cohesive final result. This step is the key to creating a home that is as functional as it is beautiful, with every element seamlessly working together.

A pleasure collaborating with @trjandsons bringing Forestville House to life 💪

#sydneyrenovation #sydneybuilder #renovationproject #renovation #interiordesignerslife #interiordesigntips #homerenovation #forestville #houserenovations #housereno #houseremodel

How to choose the perfect tile 💫

When selecting tiles for your home, it’s not just about what looks good, it’s about what works for your lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide to common tile types and why knowing their differences can save you time, money, and maintenance headaches:

⭐️Ceramic Tiles
Cost: Budget-friendly ($-$$).
Maintenance: Easy to clean, but not as durable as porcelain.
Style: Endless designs and colors.
Application: Ideal for walls

⭐️Porcelain Tiles
Cost: Moderate to high ($$-$$$).
Maintenance: Low-maintenance and stain-resistant.
Style: Mimics stone, wood, or concrete beautifully.
Application: Great for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and outdoors (look for slip-resistant options).

⭐️ Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Travertine)
Cost: Premium ($$$-$$$$).
Maintenance: Requires sealing to prevent stains and etching.
Style: Timeless and luxurious.
Application: Stunning in kitchens and bathrooms but consider the upkeep.

⭐️ Terracotta Tiles
Cost: Moderate ($$).
Maintenance: Needs regular sealing to prevent water damage.
Style: Warm, earthy tones for a rustic vibe.
Application: Best for indoor spaces or covered outdoor areas.

🤔 Need help choosing the perfect tile? Get in touch and we will guide you through every detail—including access to exclusive trade prices and 3D visualisations of your space.

Current musings for an organic, character filled home 🤍

#sydneyinteriors #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriordesigner #houserenovation #kitchenrenovation #bathroomrenovation #flatlaytoday

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@howardlanedesigns

HOWARD LANE DESIGNS

Meticulous design of considered, beautiful and liveable interiors.

Jess Robinson

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Prepare for success and
enjoy the renovation process!

Follow us on Instagram

Unlock immediate expert design tips and exclusive offers!

HOWARD LANE DESIGNS

Meticulous design of considered, beautiful and liveable interiors.

Jess Robinson

g

Prepare for success and enjoy the renovation process!

​

Follow us on Instagram

Unlock immediate expert design tips and exclusive offers!

Prepare for success and
enjoy the renovation process!