For Erica, building her first home wasn’t about creating something grand—it was about creating something personal. From navigating land delays to making the most of a volume builder’s constraints, she approached the project with equal parts strategy, creativity, and soul. The result? A thoughtful, layered family home that reflects her style, story, and the transformative role of lighting in design. 

Building the Bones, Crafting the Soul 

Erica knew the framework of a volume build would provide a reliable foundation—but she also knew that true individuality would come through the details. “The build was the bones,” she says, “and I could layer in our own flair through finishes and décor.” 

With clever floor plan tweaks, minimal structural changes, and a focus on maximising natural light, she reimagined the spaces to fit her family’s needs. She omitted elements she knew she could enhance later—like mirrors, wall hooks, flooring, and splashbacks—making room for truly personalised touches after handover. 

Every corner of the home became an opportunity: to make small changes with big impact, to inject warmth, character and meaning, and to embrace the power of thoughtful design choices. 

Lighting as the Finishing Touch—and the Atmosphere Creator 

Lighting, for Erica, was never an afterthought. It was a defining feature. “Lighting makes or breaks a mood,” she explains. “It highlights furniture, plays with textures, and at night, it sets the tone.” 

During the day, each lighting piece becomes a sculptural element. At night, it creates intimacy and ambience. Erica was intentional about choosing fixtures that were as beautiful as they were functional—carefully layering light to support both form and feeling throughout the home. 

Discovering About Space

Erica discovered About Space through the Xola pendant—an architectural statement she spotted in another home during her research. Drawn to its slim, elegant profile and bold LED performance, it became her first pick and gateway into the brand’s expansive collection. 

From there, it was a matter of curating a suite of fixtures, each handpicked for a specific purpose, mood, and moment. 

Erica’s About Space Picks & How They Brought Her Vision to Life 

Xola 

A sleek linear pendant in brass, Xola became the centrepiece over Erica’s kitchen island. “It was dainty, but powerful—exactly what we needed,” she says. The warm tone of the brass offset her black and white palette, while the low-profile design preserved views of the statement slab backsplash. 

Caroline Double 

With soft curves and a cloud-like silhouette, the Caroline Double pendant brought a sense of calm to her daughter’s nursery. “It felt like fabric dancing in the wind,” she recalls. “Perfect for a gentle, soothing space.” 

Villi Wall Half 

Placed high along a raked ceiling wall, Villi Wall Half sconces were chosen in white to blend seamlessly with the wall but still add textural interest. Their dimmable glow lights the hallway to the kids’ rooms, highlighting height without harshness.

Klips 

The Klips outdoor wall light in brass brings warmth and elegance to Erica’s monochromatic exterior. “It’s small, but powerful—and works beautifully with the angles of our skillion roof.”

Wilma 

Wilma ceiling lights with travertine detail were an instant yes. “Travertine is timeless and luxurious,” Erica says. Paired with black bases, they beautifully complemented her ensuite cabinetry.

 Forte 

A minimalist addition to the powder room, the Forte was chosen to enhance without overpowering. Its compact shape worked harmoniously with an asymmetric mirror and strong architectural lines. 

Erica’s Advice: Let Lighting Be a Feeling, Not Just a Fixture

For those unsure where to begin, Erica offers clear guidance: “Before choosing a fixture, decide how you want a space to feel. Is the light functional, atmospheric, or sculptural? Will it support other features, or be the focal point?” 

She suggests mapping light points onto house plans early, using moodboards or mockups to visualise how lighting interacts with finishes, furniture, and architecture. “Once you know the feeling you want,” she says, “you’ll find the fixture that fits.” 

Follow Erica On Instagram: @ahw___.erica