Sarah's Davidson's Home in the Making
Finding “The One”
After years of searching and six near misses at auction, Sarah Davidson and her husband, Nic, were on the verge of giving up. “We started looking during the pandemic, when everything felt uncertain,” Sarah said. “It took years to find something that fit our budget and lifestyle.”
Then, luck struck. Nic spotted an off-market listing that hadn’t been well promoted — and it turned out to be the one. “We wanted to be close to family but have space to grow ours,” Sarah said. “Somehow, this ticked both boxes.”
The 1990s build wasn’t perfect, but it had potential. “We put in an offer that day, and it was accepted the next!” Sarah recalled. Two weeks after the settlement, they found out they were expecting their first baby boy - the timing couldn’t have been better.
The Start of a DIY Dream
With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a large backyard, the home had great bones but needed some TLC. “Think terracotta floors, green laminate benchtops, and blue floral splashbacks,” Sarah said.
Nic’s handy background (thanks to his builder dad) meant they could take on a lot themselves. “We knew we could manage an aesthetic refresh and keep it cost-effective,” Sarah said. “Once we found out our little bundle was on the way, it made it even more special. We were building our first family home.”
Light, Warmth, and Family Life
From the outset, Sarah wanted the home to feel open and full of natural light. “Our living area is the first thing you see when you walk in,” she said. “I wanted it to feel warm, grand, and family-friendly.”
The existing blinds blocked the light, so sheer curtains became her top priority. “I think they were in before we even had plumbing!” she said.
Why She Chose DIYBLINDS™
When it came to window furnishings, Sarah didn’t shop around. “We’d heard amazing things from friends who used DIYBLINDS™, so it was an easy choice,” she said. “The process was seamless - samples, measurements, materials, install - all so simple.”
Her favourite? Allusion Pearl sheers. “They’re elegant and timeless, but still soft and welcoming,” Sarah said. “They completely transformed the living space.”
A Look Inside Sarah’s Home
Living Room
Soft neutrals, a modular sofa, and sweeping Allusion Pearl sheers make this space warm, open, and perfect for family life.
Kitchen
“I love sheers, but I needed something wipeable near the sink,” Sarah said. “We went for a neutral blind that complements the brass and gold accents — elegant but easy.”
Master Bedroom
“The bedroom had to be practical and calm,” Sarah said. Layered window furnishings give her full control: roller blinds for privacy, Allusion Pearl sheers for soft light, and a motorised block-out curtain for total darkness. “She’s motorised,” Sarah said. “I don’t even have to get out of bed to open them!”
Teddy's Room
For their little boy, Sarah chose white plantation shutters. “They’re classic, neat, and perfect for naps,” she said. “And no temptation for little hands to climb sheers!”
The Magic of Motorisation
Adding motorised curtains was a game-changer. “With a baby on the way, convenience was everything,” Sarah said. “Being able to open or close them with a button feels luxurious but also super practical.”
Sarah’s Tips for a DIY Reno
“It’s such a rewarding process,” Sarah said. “Plan ahead, communicate often, and stay flexible. Things always change.”
Her biggest advice? Don’t be afraid to give it a go. “When you step back and see what you’ve created, it’s the best feeling. Our home means even more because we made it ourselves.”