The Story

I’ve always loved beautiful houses. Even as a schoolgirl in the 1980s, growing up in the country, I’d sit at the kitchen table every Saturday morning with the real estate pages from The Age. Long before the days of online listings, those pages were my window into a world of graceful old homes. I’d imagine living in them, restoring the ones that needed renovation, and just enjoying those that didn't! Looking back, it was probably a good thing the internet didn’t exist then - my schoolwork might never have stood a chance!

My love of houses eventually turned into a love of renovating them - although I didn’t see it coming at first. The first time I took on a renovation, more than 25 years ago, I remember swearing I’d never do it again. I was working full-time, spending every spare moment sanding, painting, and learning as I went - often with aching arms and a house that looked far from finished. Weekends disappeared into late-night trips to the hardware store and early mornings covered in paint. But when it was all finally done, and I stood back to take it in, I knew exactly why I’d done it. There’s something about bringing an old home back to life that feels incredibly rewarding - and of course, that first renovation wasn’t my last.

Years later, while in the middle of yet another renovation, an opportunity came up to buy a long-established retail business in Hobart that specialised in renovation products. I was instantly intrigued. Within days, I’d signed the sale contract - driven by a mix of excitement and instinct. A few months later, I found myself the proud new owner of a store filled with hardware, lighting, bathroom fittings, and the endless possibilities that come with them.

Those first months were a blur - learning everything I could about architectural hardware, paint finishes, tapware, and customer service, all while figuring out how to run a retail business. It was a steep learning curve, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. Over the next 17 years, I grew that Hobart store, Fragments, into a trusted destination for renovators who shared my passion for restoring and reimagining beautiful homes. Along the way, I built lasting relationships with wonderful suppliers - people who care about craftsmanship and quality as much as I do.

In 2023, I moved to Canberra to be closer to my daughter, who's studying at ANU, and began a new chapter - The Renovation Shop. It brings together everything I’ve learned over the years: an eye for timeless design, a deep understanding of renovation products, and a genuine desire to help people create homes with warmth, character, and soul.

At The Renovation Shop, every collection is personally chosen - from solid brass door hardware and handmade fireclay sinks to Italian tapware and classic lighting. These are the details that make a house feel like home - the ones you reach for, notice, and appreciate every day.

I hope you enjoy exploring our collection, and that it helps you create a home you truly love. Because for me, it’s never just been about products - it’s about the stories we build around them, and the beautiful houses we make our own.