When asked to describe her design approach, Rachel Dixon is quick to emphasise adaptability. “I would say I’m an adaptable interior designer,” she explains. “I approach each project with fresh eyes, always aiming to deliver design advice that matches the client’s individual needs and wishes.”
For renovation projects, she believes it’s essential to honour the existing character of a home. Whether it’s a beautiful aspect, natural light source, or period feature, she looks for opportunities to enhance what’s already there and improve the quality of everyday living. “New builds give greater scope for individual flair and more room to experiment with trademark design elements,” she says. “I feel like a home should be a personal sanctuary that reflects a sense of who you are. I work closely with my clients to understand that before even thinking about how to plan a space.”
If there’s one defining thread throughout her work, it’s cohesion. “I try to make the home feel cohesive from one room to the next, so that all areas belong to one another.”
Bringing Ideas to Life
While technology plays an important role in modern design, her process begins with traditional tools. “I am a hands-on, measuring tape, scale ruler, and sketch pad designer,” she says. “I try to furnish the space in my mind’s eye before locking in dimensions for fixed joinery and fixtures.”
This approach helps avoid pinch points and wasted floor space while maximising functionality and flow. Once the design direction is established, photo-realistic 3D renders are produced to help clients visualise the completed space. “This gives them peace of mind during the hard parts of the project and helps avoid costly changes of mind during the building phase.”
When specifying products, quality and longevity are non-negotiable. “I always specify products that come with strong warranties and quality control standards to deliver interiors that stand the test of time.”
She also places significant value on craftsmanship, choosing to work exclusively with trusted tradespeople who take pride in their work. “I only use tradesmen who love what they do, which always seems to result in impeccable finished interiors.”
A Project to Remember
Of all the projects she has worked on, 88 Becker Road remains the most rewarding. “It has been my most rewarding project to date due to the overall scope of the project and the level of trust and free rein given to me by my clients.”
The project took three years from conception to completion, but the outcome was well worth the investment of time and effort. “The results speak for themselves, and the home stands out as a beacon of quality design in the neighbourhood.”
Creating a Home of Her Own
Having spent years designing homes for others, her own home tells a deeply personal story. “We purchased our current home 16 years ago, and we have almost completed renovating the entire property,” she says. “We lived in the home and renovated room by room with a young family in tow, so I really know what it feels like to experience all the highs and lows of the building process.”
While living through a renovation has given her valuable perspective, it’s not something she would rush to repeat. “It’s a much more civilised process to be able to live elsewhere while the work is underway.”
Now, with the renovation nearing completion, she’s looking forward to simply enjoying the space. “I planned the design of our home to match our lifestyle, and it is a welcoming place that is very lived in.”
Interestingly, when the family first purchased the property, the ornate ceiling roses and cornices were among its few redeeming features. These details became the foundation for many of the design decisions that followed. “I used them to influence my choices in fixtures and finishes. It’s an eclectic oasis of personal treasures, art collections, music, and family.”
Why Nood Co?
For Rachel, Nood Co’s appeal lies in the combination of quality, variety, and colour. The extensive range and distinctive palette offer specifiers the flexibility to have fun with colour and confidently incorporate it into their projects.
Rachel echoes that our Sample box is an invaluable resource during project planning, making it easier to coordinate basin selections with surrounding fixtures, finishes, and materials. Having physical samples on hand allows for more confident decision-making and helps ensure a cohesive final result.
Credits & Collaborators:
88 Becker Road Project | Forster NSW | Architect: Lee Severn, 7 Building Designs | Built by Matthew Wheeler, Coastline Building Renovations | Shot by Steve Dixon
June 05, 2026
Nood Co
