PODCAST · leisure
Your Forever Home
by Frances Cosway
The Forever Home Podcast is for those building a new home or renovating to create the Forever Home of their dreams. Focusing on sharing key information to ensure you’re planned and prepared for the journey, we’ll share how to ensure your home is functional, sustainable, durable, and aesthetically beautiful. We cover the big items, like finding the right land, building, home design, interior design and decorating, but also lots of the little details that get lost along the way that can have a big impact on the end result. Guests will join Frances to share their insight and expertise on various topics, so you’re getting well rounded information from a wide source of specialists. Host, Frances Cosway, is an author, interior designer and Forever Home expert who has helped hundreds of people create Forever Homes that are designed for their lifestyles and reflects who they are.
Episodes
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E171 - The Hidden Cost of Pinterest Design Inspiration
Inspiration images from Pinterest, Instagram and magazines can be a brilliant starting point for your home design, but they don't always tell the full story. In this episode, Frances explains what those beautiful images may not show, the hidden costs of trying to copy them, and how to use...
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E169 - Home Design to Suit Every Season
A truly well-designed home should feel comfortable in every season—not just when the heating or cooling is switched on. In this episode, Frances shares the design decisions that help homes stay naturally cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and more enjoyable to live in all year round. From…
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E168 - Little Home Design Mistakes That Make Homes Frustrating to Live In
A home can look beautiful but still be frustrating to live in. In this episode, Frances explores the small home design mistakes that often go unnoticed until after you move in—from door swings and appliance placement to landing spaces and everyday functionality. Learn how thoughtful planning can...
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E167 - How to Create a Warm and Welcoming Home
What makes a welcoming home feel warm, inviting and comfortable — rather than cold or clinical? In this episode, Frances explores how layering, texture, lighting, colour, natural materials and thoughtful styling choices can completely transform the feeling of a space. From timber and textiles to...
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E165 - Volume Builder vs Custom Build: Key Differences Explained for Your Forever Home™
In this episode, Frances shares a firsthand experience inside a volume builder's colour selection and lighting appointments — revealing how these meetings unfold, including the pressure, choice limitations, and hidden upgrade costs that often catch homeowners off guard. She compares this with the...
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E164 - Designing Interiors for Life: Creating Accessible, Flexible Interiors
Creating accessible interiors in your home isn't about ageing — it's about choice, comfort, and staying in your Forever Home™ for longer. In this episode, Frances explores practical, design-led ways to improve accessibility and flexibility, from floor plans and bathrooms to kitchens and lighting,...
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E163 - How to Reduce Decision Fatigue During Your Home Renovation
Decision fatigue is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face during a renovation or new build. In this episode, Frances breaks down why the constant stream of choices becomes so overwhelming, the impact it can have on your project, and the practical steps you can take to reduce stress, stay...
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E162 - Christmas Decorating: How to Create a Beautiful, Cohesive Theme for Your Home
In this festive episode of the My Forever Home™ Podcast, Frances walks you through how to create a Christmas theme that flows beautifully from your tree, to your table, and throughout your home. She shares how she designed her own Australian botanical Christmas and offers practical ideas to help...
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E161 - How to Create a Cohesive Home Design: Flow, Function & Feeling
In this episode, Frances dives deep into what it really means to create cohesion and continuity in your home — and why it matters more than you might think. From consistent materials and colour tones to layout flow and emotional connection, Frances walks you through the key elements that help…
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E160 - Why Function Must Come Before Form
If your home doesn’t work, it won’t matter how beautiful it looks. In this episode, Frances dives into why function must come first when designing your forever home. She shares what functionality really means, how to futureproof your spaces, and why open-plan retreats and missing doors might be...
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E159 - Lighting Design for Mood, Function and Aesthetics
In this new episode, Frances dives deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical role of lighting in your home. She explores how strategic lighting design can elevate not just the look but also the functionality and emotional feel of each space. From task lighting to the ambience created...
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E158: Kitchen Trends and What Will Stick Around
In this new podcast episode, Frances walks you through the key kitchen design trends emerging for 2025 and beyond—plus which ones are here to stay. From coloured cabinetry (hello green and navy!) to textural finishes like fluted glass and curved profiles, she shares what’s gaining traction and…
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A Personal Update: Special Episode
In this special episode, Frances shares a personal update and explains why the podcast has been quiet in recent months. It’s a heartfelt message to her community, with gratitude and honesty at its core.
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E157 - How to Prevent Design Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands
In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances discusses the hidden costs of design mistakes and how they can impact your renovation or new build. She shares real-life examples of costly errors and explains how working with an interior designer can help you avoid them. Tune in to learn...
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E156 - From Property Developer to Dream Home: Amanda McEwin’s Design Journey
In this episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances speaks with Amanda McEwin, a successful property developer, about how she built her dream home. Amanda shares her experience of engaging an interior designer and they helped her navigate design challenges and solutions with her budget...
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E155 - What Does an Interior Designer Do and Why You Need One for Your Forever Home™
In this episode of the My Forever Home™ podcast, Frances explains why you may need an interior designer to save money, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce decision fatigue during your renovation or new build. She discusses how some designers provide practical solutions, guiding you through...
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E154 - The Power of Holiday Reflection to Find Clarity for Your Home
In this episode, Frances reflects on how the quiet of the holidays gives us the perfect opportunity to assess what isn’t working in our homes. She shares personal experiences of the things that have bugged her, how it’s easy to live with them, and how holiday time is the best time to make a…
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E153 - Reviving Christmas Traditions: A Personal Reflection
In this heartwarming episode, Frances reflects on the Christmas traditions that shaped her childhood and how those rituals have evolved within her own family. She shares the joys of giving, the personal meaning behind handmade holiday gifts, and how simple traditions can bring a deeper connection...
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E152 - What's the Difference Between Concept Plans and Internal Elevations
Frances unpacks the crucial differences between concept plans and internal elevations in this latest episode, shedding light on how they can help you achieve your dream home design. She explains how concept plans provide the big picture of your space, while internal elevations dive into the...
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E151 - How to Choose the Perfect Window Treatments for Your Home
Frances dives into the world of window treatments, uncovering the crucial factors to consider when selecting the right options for your space. From maximising energy efficiency to enhancing aesthetics, she explores how the right window coverings can transform your home. Whether you're…
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E150 - Behind the Scenes of 150 Episodes: Highlights and Stories
Join Frances in this special 150th episode as she reflects on the incredible journey of the My Forever Home podcast. Discover highlights from past episodes, popular guest insights, and the evolution of this award winning podcast since its inception during the pandemic. Tune in to celebrate this...
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E149 - How Renovating Shows are Affecting the Design and Build Industry
In this episode, Frances explores how renovation TV shows impact our expectations and understanding of the design and build industry. She delves into the difference between the outcomes showcased and the practical challenges of real-life projects, and what is often missed that affect a good…
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E148 - How Do I Design A Home for Multi-Generational Living
In this new episode, Frances explores the concept of adaptive home design for multi-generational living. Discover practical tips for creating flexible, adaptive spaces that can evolve with your family's needs over time, ensuring your home remains future proof if multiple generations live…
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E147 - Why Laminate Is Making a Comeback: Trends, Sustainability, and Style
In this new episode, Frances reflects on how home design trends have evolved and come full circle over the years. She dives into the story of Laminex, an iconic Australian brand, and explores the resurgence of laminate materials in contemporary design. Discover why laminate is making a comeback...
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E146 - The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Home Office
This episode has Frances outlines the attributes to design the ideal home office—one that is both functional and a space you want to work in. She offers valuable insights on key considerations for setting up your home office, including optimal storage solutions, strategic placement of power…
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E145 - How to Design a Cosy Home
Learn how to create a cosy home with Frances' top tips on how to layer, create texture and make a space feel relaxing and yours to come home to. Winter is a perfect time to create a different look and feel in your home, with top tips on how to do it in this episode.
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E144 - Guest on 'Show me the Money' Podcast: Curating Space: How Your Environment Shapes, Soothes, Holds and Tells your Tale.
As the guest in this podcast episode, Frances shares how she creates meaning, presence, and memories in a home and shares her passion for helping clients to create their Forever Home™. She outlines how she started her business, why she does what she does and the things she’s passionate about.
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E143 - Observations, Discoveries and Delivery
Frances outlines what she's been observing over recent times, the discoveries she's uncovered and her response to these. This has prompted the launch of her first magazine to answer the burning questions people are consistently asking, and in this episode she outlines what she's been observing…
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E142 - Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Learn what to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen or BBQ space for your home. Frances outlines materials, orientation and weather protection, right down to ventilation and appliances.
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E141 - Choosing External Colours
Understand what to consider when selecting external colours for your home. Frances outlines the significance of lighter-coloured roofs as well. You will uncover the essential principle of "less is more" in colour and material selection, alongside practical guidance to achieve a home with ‘street...
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E140 - Creating an Emotional Return (ROI) on your Forever Home™
In this insightful episode of the My Forever Home podcast, Frances delves into the concept of “Emotional ROI”. She explores the significance of emotional investment when creating a Forever Home™, emphasising its distinction from financial ROI typically associated with property development.…
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E139 - Insights into Renovating or Building a New Home with James Treble
In this insightful episode, fellow interior designer James Treble joins Frances to discuss the art of creating timeless and functional homes. Covering topics such as budgeting, future-proofing design principles, and how to get ideas, Treble shares valuable insights for both renovation and new…
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E138 - Alternatives to Engineered Stone
Frances delves into the engineered stone ban in Australia and explores alternative options for homeowners. From porcelain to laminate, Frances discusses factors such as durability, aesthetics, and budget, advising listeners on many alternatives available and why you may choose one material over...
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E137 - Exploring the New French Look
Frances sits down with Lauren Li, author of ‘The New French Look’, to discuss the French approach to design and decorating. They explore the core components of the "New French Look," along with regional variations, along with what sets French design apart from the Australian approach. A fabulous...
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E1336 - Furniture Layout and Why It's Critical Before You Start Building
Frances outlines why it's so important to create a furniture layout at floorplan stage in this episode. This is essential listening to avoid big mistakes! She outlines the implications that can occur when a furniture layout is not done before building starts, using a real life example and the...
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E135 - 2023 Reflections and Wrap Up
Frances reflects on 2023 on a personal and design perspective and shares highlights of the year including finished homes, awards, media coverage and what's in store for 2024.
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E134 - Client Case Study - Renovating a Federation Forever Home
Frances is joined by her client, Bernadette, in this special case study episode. Bernadette shares her renovation journey, from when she first set eyes on the home 20 years ago, through to creating her project team and the joys and frustrations of her extensive renovation. This is an honest…
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E133 - Decluttering Made Simple: Before your Renovation or New Build
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of clearing out years and years worth of 'stuff', then this is the episode for you. Frances is joined by decluttering expert, Amy Revell, who shares her wisdom on how to prepare to pack up and move for a renovation or new build. How to create a…
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E132 - Thermal Wrap Cabinetry - What You Need to Know
Frances outlines exactly what thermal wrap is in this episode, and why it's a great product to consider for cabinetry in your home. With guests from Albedor Industries, she also delves into the myths surrounding thermal wrap, how it is made and the sustainability measures Albedor are undertaking…
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E131 - Mudroom Design Considerations
Frances discusses what to consider when designing a mudroom. How it needs to function, and be designed around what you need to store in it. She also discusses other considerations for where items can go in the home if the mudroom is not large enough for everything. Finally, she outlines the ideal...
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E130 - Renovating your Forever Home Vs Renovating for Profit
Frances is joined by Peter Karaolganis from Presenting Homes Australia to discuss the different decisions made when renovating your Forever Home compared to renovating to flip and make a profit. Peter and Frances discuss materials, build quality, flexible floorplans and multigenerational living…
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E128: The Block - Design Goals and Commentary
Frances is watching The Block this season and viewing it with multiple lenses. In this episode she shares her observations about the 50's theme, the impact sponsors have on material choices, following a brief for the right outcome, orientation, plus design meeting the target audience, and how...
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E127: The Influence of Travel on Interiors
Having just come back from a 5 week European holiday, Frances discusses how travel can provide inspiration and influence on your interiors back home. Frances shares her key takeaways from each city she went to (London, Paris, Amsterdam and Baku) and what to notice and look for when you're on...
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E126: Orientation and Why It's Important
The orientation of your home and the direction each room faces, impacts livability and the comfort levels in your home. The ability to naturally warm your home in winter and keep it cool in summer are achievable by managing the sun and using it to your advantage at design stage. Frances shares…
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E125 - Renovating: Solid timber floor considerations
If you are renovating, and not sure what to do with the original timber floors, Frances outlines what some floor options are, in this episode. They may not need to replaced, and Frances discusses some choices and considerations you can explore to understand the best outcome for your home.
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E124 - Bathroom Layout Considerations - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E14
Frances shares her top tips on bathroom layout considerations and what to keep in mind for optimum functionality.
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E123 - The Paris Agreement and The Impact on What you Buy - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E13
In this episode Frances is joined by Richard Earp, who is super passionate about the environment and all things sustainabilty. He has been leading his company, Earp Bros, for years in meeting strict sustainability criteria, so he knows a thing or two. Together they discuss the impact of the Paris...
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E122 - Choosing Sustainable Tapwear - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E12
In this episode of the podcast Frances is joined by Tim Sellars from Faucet Strommen. They chat about what makes a sustainable tap different, and what to look for when choosing a tap made to last, along with the qualities of Australian Made tapwear.
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E121 - What Clients are Wanting More of - Sustainable Homes and Living Season E11
Frances outlines the changes she's seeing in what clients and people are wanting for their homes. The shift in mindset and how this is impacting material choices, homes design and what's important for people when creating their Forever Homes. This this a summary of her observations with working...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Forever Home Podcast is for those building a new home or renovating to create the Forever Home of their dreams.
Focusing on sharing key information to ensure you’re planned and prepared for the journey, we’ll share how to ensure your home is functional, sustainable, durable, and aesthetically beautiful.
We cover the big items, like finding the right land, building, home design, interior design and decorating, but also lots of the little details that get lost along the way that can have a big impact on the end result.
Guests will join Frances to share their insight and expertise on various topics, so you’re getting well rounded information from a wide source of specialists.
Host, Frances Cosway, is an author, interior designer and Forever Home expert who has helped hundreds of people create Forever Homes that are designed for their lifestyles and reflects who they are.
HOSTED BY
Frances Cosway
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Your Forever Home have?
Your Forever Home currently has 98 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Your Forever Home about?
The Forever Home Podcast is for those building a new home or renovating to create the Forever Home of their dreams. Focusing on sharing key information to ensure you’re planned and prepared for the journey, we’ll share how to ensure your home is functional, sustainable, durable, and aesthetically...
How often does Your Forever Home release new episodes?
Your Forever Home has 98 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Your Forever Home?
You can listen to Your Forever Home on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Your Forever Home?
Your Forever Home is created and hosted by Frances Cosway.
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