HONESTY BOX

+ Where have you saved money? Becks: My husband and I love to research and find something more special than stock-standard items, without paying the earth for them. So we shopped around and also imported items ourselves both for our kitchen and lighting scheme. The time and e ort was certainly worth it.

+ Where have you splurged? On our balanced-pressure ducted heat-pump system with integrated ventilation. We have total control over the temperature in each room and fresh air circulation. Total luxury and comfort year round!

+ What was your best buy and why? Our extra Citta oak dining table, which Giovanni turned into custom vanity tops for our bathrooms. We love the personality the wood brings to those spaces and the continuity of having gorgeous oak throughout the house.

+ Best memory in your home? The first evening after moving in, sitting at the kitchen island with my husband, glass of bubbles in hand, looking out at the beautiful sunset over the water, realising that we had made it! All the hard work, all the planning, all the research, all the late nights, all the sourcing – it had all come together.

+ What would you never do again? I can’t say there is anything we wouldn’t do again.

+ Best lesson learned? Spend the money on forever things like your wiring, fixtures, fittings and structural preferences, because these are the items you need to plan early so you can incorporate them into the build. Once you move in, it’s often too late.