The who, what, why and how of Alix Helps Interiors
We’re changemakers, joy bringers and style lovers with an eye for the beautifully functional.
Based in Sydney, we’re interior designers and decorators who help people all over the city create stylishly practical homes to love – and feel proud of. It’s quite possible you’ll never want to leave your home, once we’ve sprinkled our magic over it.
Teaming up with our trusted artisans and trades, we design bespoke residential interiors with beautiful finishes. But before we get to that part, we get to know you. How you work, rest, play, entertain – in your dreams and in reality.
Then we get down to business, bringing together your must-haves, lust-haves and your hidden needs to create a home that reflects who you are.
We’re here to make your life – and your home – happier.
The big question - what do you actually do? Why do I need you?
How involved do we need to be in the design process?
You’re involved in the decisions that matter, but you’re not expected to manage the design.
Most of our clients are busy professionals with demanding jobs and family lives. They want a beautiful, well-considered home, but they don’t want to spend their evenings researching tapware or comparing tile grout colours.
Our role is to lead the design process, present thoughtful options and guide decisions so the project moves forward with clarity and confidence.
You’ll always have the final say, but we’ll make sure you never feel overwhelmed by the detail.
Do you have a signature style?
Not really.
Our job isn’t to impose our taste on your home, It’s to help you articulate yours.
Some clients love calm, tonal interiors. Others lean towards richer materials and layered textures. The common thread in our work is thoughtful design, beautiful materials and a home that feels genuinely aligned with the people who live there.
When should we bring an interior designer into the project?
Earlier than most people think.
The greatest impact we can have is when we’re involved while architectural plans are still being developed. That’s when we can influence spatial planning, joinery, lighting and how the home will actually function day-to-day.
Bringing an interior designer in late often means working around decisions that could have been resolved more elegantly earlier.
What types of projects do you work on?
Most of our work involves whole-home renovations, new builds and significant interior transformations where we guide the project from concept through to completion. That said, we also understand that not every project needs that level of involvement.
Sometimes clients simply want help furnishing a room, refining a layout or making confident decisions about materials and finishes. In those cases, we can tailor a package or Design Review session to provide the right level of guidance.
The important thing is finding the level of support that best suits your project.
How much does it cost to work with you?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the honest answer is that it depends on the scope of the project.
Interior design is not a one-size-fits-all service. Every home, client and brief is different, which means the time and expertise required can vary considerably.
Before preparing a proposal, we take the time to understand:
• the size and complexity of the project
• whether architectural coordination is required
• the level of documentation needed
• whether furnishing and procurement will be involved
• the timeline and consultants engaged
From there, we prepare a detailed fee proposal so you can clearly understand what’s included.
We’re always happy to have an initial phone conversation to discuss what fees might look like for your project. We believe transparency around costs is essential, and we want our clients to feel comfortable discussing the financial side of the project from the outset.
How do you approach budgets?
Openly and realistically. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is setting a number before understanding what things actually cost.
Our role is to help you align your design ambitions with a realistic investment level so the project can progress without constant compromise or frustration. Great design doesn’t necessarily mean spending more, but it does mean making informed decisions.
Walk In Robe design features at our Strathfield Project.
Do you project manage the build?
Once you have appointed a builder for your renovation, they are responsible for the site and all the trades.
We undertake design management at this stage, ensuring the design details are executed and advising on any variations.
We complete regular site visits to check progress however the responsibility for the build time frames and the execution of plans sits with your appointed builder. Your builder is the project manager.
Do we really need to move out?
Nine times out of ten, yes. Trying to live on site whilst works are carried out will not only drive you up the wall, you'll slow down progress and potentially add cost.
Do both decision-makers need to be involved?
Ideally, yes.
Design projects move most smoothly when the key decision-makers are aligned on the vision, the investment level and the pace of the project.
If one person is enthusiastic about the design direction while the other feels uncertain about the investment, the process can quickly become frustrating for everyone involved.
We encourage couples to have open conversations about priorities and budget early in the process so that the project can move forward confidently.
Can we purchase furniture or materials ourselves?
In most cases, our studio manages sourcing and procurement for the items we specify.
Many of the suppliers we work with are trade-only and do not sell directly to the public. Managing procurement also ensures everything arrives correctly, on time and in the right quantities.
While trade pricing is sometimes available, our role is not simply to help clients access discounts, it’s to design and deliver a cohesive interior where every element works together.
Why do you charge for the initial consultation?
Because it’s much more than a quick chat.
Our engagement phase typically involves travelling to your home, spending time understanding the property and your goals, reviewing plans and sharing professional advice about the direction of the project.
Afterwards, we return to the studio to prepare a detailed scope, fee estimate and design proposal tailored to your project.
This process represents a significant amount of time and professional input from the studio, and it ensures we begin the project with clarity and a well-considered plan.
How do payments work?
Our projects run on a Payment = Progress basis.
Design stages are invoiced in advance so that work can be scheduled and delivered by the studio. This allows us to allocate the appropriate time and attention to each project. Clear structure and timely payments help keep projects moving smoothly and ensure our focus remains on delivering excellent design outcomes.
What makes someone a great client?
Trust, openness and a shared excitement about creating something special.
The projects that bring the most joy - for both us and our clients, are those where there’s a genuine partnership: clear communication, respect for each other’s expertise and a willingness to explore ideas.
When that alignment exists, the process is not only smoother, it’s far more enjoyable!
Do you have a preferred builder or specific trades?
Yes, we have a pool of builders and trades people that we love working with on a regular basis. Depending on the size of your project we will recommend the builder and trades we feel are the right fit. Renovating can be stressful, and it’s important you engage trades you feel you can work with during the process of building your home.
How do we get started?
The best place to begin is with an initial phone conversation. This allows us to understand your project, answer any early questions and determine whether we’re the right fit. From there, we arrange an on-site consultation and begin defining the scope of the project. Click the Get in Touch button below to send us some details, and we'll be in touch.