Our Services
You know what you want your home to feel like. You just don't know how to get there.
You've got the Pinterest boards. You've been to the tile shops. But somewhere between the floor plan and the finishes, it's started to feel overwhelming, colours, fixtures, layouts, a hundred decisions that all need to be right, and no time to make them.
That's where I come in.
The Problem With Going It Alone
Most renovations don't fail because of bad taste. They fail because of decision fatigue.
You end up choosing a tile because you're tired of choosing tiles, not because it's right. A room gets furnished piece by piece over eighteen months and never quite comes together. Or worse, you spend the money and the result still doesn't feel like you.
For busy professionals investing in a renovation, new build, or full home furniture and styling package, the real risk isn't spending too little. It's spending well, on the wrong things.
What We Do
Nikki McGar Interiors is a full-service interior design studio based in Barwon Heads, working across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast. We help clients make every design decision count, from the first concept sketch to the last cushion on the sofa.
Interior Design for Renovations & New Builds
We work alongside you and your builder from concept through to completion, resolving layout, lighting, materials and joinery long before they become expensive problems on site. If you don't already have a builder, we can introduce you to trusted local builders we work with. You get one clear point of contact and documentation your builder can actually work from, not a folder of half-finished ideas.
Furniture, Art & Styling
For homes that need pulling together, we curate furniture, art and styling as a complete, cohesive package. Every piece is chosen to work with the others, and with how you actually live, not assembled room by room over months of guessing.
Custom Curtains & Blinds
Window furnishings are quoted, fabricated and installed as part of the same considered process, fabric, function and finish all resolved upfront, so they're never the afterthought that lets a beautiful room down.
How we work together... Every project starts with an initial design consultation, so we can understand you, your home and how you want to live in it.
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Phase 1 Concept & Direction
We establish the overall vision, layout and feel of your home. This is about making sure we’re on the right track before any detailed decisions are made.
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Phase 2 Design Development & Documentation
This is where everything is resolved; materials, lighting, joinery, layouts and documented clearly so your builder can execute it properly. Nothing left to interpretation on site.
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Phase 3 Construction Support
I stay involved through the build to make sure the design is executed as intended, finishing with furniture, art and styling so the home is complete the day you move back in.
The earlier these decisions are made, the better the outcome.
Once construction begins, many of the most important elements are already locked in and changes become costly, stressful, and often compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does interior design cost?
Every project starts with an initial design consultation, $330. From there, every project and scope of work is different, so we'll provide a clear proposal after your consult outlining the investment in our services.
Do I need to be doing a full renovation to work with you?
Not at all. Some clients are mid-build with an architect and builder already engaged, others come to me for a full home design package, furniture and styling included, with no renovation required.
Do you offer furniture and styling without a full renovation?
Yes. Many clients come to me to have their home professionally furnished, styled and finished, no renovation required.
Do you have builders or trades you can introduce us to?
Yes. I work regularly with a number of trusted local builders and trades across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast. If you don't already have a builder, I can introduce you to people I work with.
Do you work with my builder or architect?
Yes, this is often how projects start. I work alongside your existing team, providing documentation they can build from and staying involved through construction to make sure the design is executed as you wish.
How long does the design process take?
It depends on the scope of your project, a furniture and styling package moves faster than a full home renovation with construction documentation. Timeframes are always discussed and confirmed.
What areas do you service?
I'm based in Barwon Heads and work across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast, including Jan Juc, Bells Beach, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Wallington. I also take on select projects in Melbourne.
Do you supply custom curtains and blinds?
Yes, curtains and blinds are quoted and delivered as part of the same process, matched to the fabrics, colours and finishes used throughout the rest of the home.
What happens after I book a consultation?
We'll talk through your project, your home and how you want to live in it. From there, I'll put together a clear proposal outlining scope, process and investment, so you know exactly what's involved before we begin.