At home with Raffaela Jenkins.

Meet Raffaela Jenkins – a Melbourne-based content creator and mum of three with a love for interiors and styling. She’s beautifully showcased our Curtains, Blinds, and Shutters in her home.

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Raffaela Jenkins

Topic	At Home With
PHOTOGRAPHY	Raffaela Jenkins
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Life in the Jenkins household is filled with family joy, cosy moments, and plenty of laugher — just the way Raffaela loves it!

Her social media space is a reflection of her love for interiors, family life, and styling. Over the years, she has showcased her home with our Sheer Curtains, Roller Blinds, and Plantation Shutters. Each piece compliments her style, while making every space feel functional.

Three words that best describe you?
Down to earth, family oriented, and creative!

What’s your ideal day?
A slow morning with a coffee, spending time with my family, pottering around the house, and working on a creative project. Maybe even a visit to a local homewares or plant store, then winding down with a home cooked meal and a cosy night in.

What’s your favourite colour?
Blue and green tones have always been my comfort colours. They remind me of nature, the outdoors, and a sense of calm. I think that’s why I truly feel at ease in my home, as it’s surrounded by greenery, and I intentionally bring those hues inside. Whether it’s through decor, artwork, or plants, these colours create a connection between the outside world and my interior.

What is your most cherished possession?

Two years ago, my family travelled to Italy, but we couldn’t join them at the time. Looking back, I wish we had, as it was their last trip together before my dad passed. While they were away, they bought me back a traditional Sicilian Moro Head, a small piece from their experience that keeps me connected. Now, the vase sits in my living space — a daily reminder of that trip and the love my dad had for his heritage.

Another treasure I hold close to my heart is a drawing my dad made of our home. As an architect, he often shared ideas for our extension, but I never saw a final design. After he passed, my mum found a completed sketch in his handwriting — something I had never seen before. It feels like a part of him is still with me, and I hope to bring his vision to life one day.

I also have his old turntable and vinyl collection. Now, my daughter Indi has her own turntable in her bedroom, and I love hearing his music play from her room. Her favourite to play is Dolly Parton, just like dad used to!

Recently, my mum passed down one of her cherished ceramic pots. She has always loved pottery, collecting unique pieces from a local gallery when I was little. Funny enough, I’ve grown to share that same love.

What’s on your interiors wish list right now?
It’s always growing — there’s always something new I fall in love with! Right now, I’m dreaming of new floating floorboards to bring more warmth and texture to our space. We currently have floorboards, but they’re old and damaged, and I love the look of wide-engineered boards. They instantly revive a space and give it more of a modern feel.

I’m also wishing for custom joinery in our study to make it more functional. Lately, I’ve also developed a love for linen Roman Blinds. They add such elegance to a space, especially when layered with Sheer Curtains.

What’s your interior style?

I have a mix of styles rather than just the one. I’m drawn to Japandi for its warmth, simplicity, and focus on natural textures, but I also love subtle mid century, modern touches. I appreciate clean lines, organic materials, and a thoughtful design, but I also want my home to feel inviting and lived in, not overly styled or cluttered.

“Window furnishings make such a difference. They soften the space and make it feel more finished and cosy. ”

— Raffaela Jenkins

What’s your favourite room and why?
My favourite room has always been our living space — it’s what made me fall in love with the house the moment we first walked through it. The window seat, overlooking a beautiful seasonal tree, is something I’ll never take for granted. Even now, as I sit at my desk writing this, I find myself drawn to that spot, taking in the light, the greenery, and the ever-changing view. It’s a daily reminder of why I love our home so much.

What are the 3 most important things that make your house feel like a home?
1. Personal touches. I love filling our home with things that tell a story – like handmade ceramics, vintage finds, or pieces that hold sentimental value.

2. Warmth and texture. Whether it’s through soft furnishings, natural materials, or layers of textiles. I always try to create a space that feels cosy and inviting.

3. Connection to nature. Large windows, greenery, and natural light play such a huge role in making our home feel open and peaceful.

What was your biggest splurge when designing your home?

Our kitchen, without a doubt! However, it’s the heart of our home — the place where we gather, cook, and share meals as a family, so it was worth every cent. It’s also the first space you see when you walk into our house, so I wanted it to make an impact. I have also always dreamed of having a green kitchen! I love how it turned out.

What lessons did you learn when designing your home?

Don’t follow trends just for the sake of it. I’ve learned that when I buy something just because it’s ‘in’, I end up moving on from it quickly. Instead, I now focus on pieces that I truly love and can see in my home for years to come.

What does your design process look like?

I always start with a Pinterest board. I find it so helpful to collect images and see patterns emerge in my styles I gravitate towards. From there, I create mood boards and do lots of sketches. Seeing everything visually laid out gives me the confidence to then make decisions.

“I love the clean, structured look of Shutters, which we have in our laundry. For our living room and bedrooms, I love layering Blinds with linen Sheer Curtains to create a softer, more inviting feel.”

— Raffaela Jenkins

What are your top three design/styling tips for building or renovating a home?
1. Take your time. Rushing can lead to regret. Living in the space and seeing how you use it before making major decisions is key.

2. Invest in timeless pieces. Quality over quantity always! Choose furniture and finishes that will stand the test of time.

3. Layer textures and materials. This adds depth and warmth to a space, making it feel more considered and inviting.

What qualities do you look for when choosing materials, furniture, or accessories?

I always look for natural materials, like timber, stone, leather, and linen. They age beautifully and add warmth to a space. I also value craftsmanship and pieces that have a handmade feel.

Are you a Curtains, Blinds, or Shutters person?

A mix! I love the clean, structured look of Shutters, which we have in our laundry (and plan to add to the bathrooms when we renovate). For our living and bedroom spaces, I love layering Roller Blinds with linen Sheer Curtains to create a softer, more inviting feel.

What products did you choose from dc+b?

We chose Plantation Shutters, Roller Blinds, and linen Sheer Curtains.

You’re given a limited renovation budget. How would you spend it wisely to transform a home?

Paint is always the best starting point. It’s cost effective but has such a big impact, instantly freshening up a space and setting the tone for the whole home. I would also focus on lighting because it completely transforms the design, whether it’s soft ambient lighting for a cosy atmosphere or statement pendants to elevate a room.

Also, well-chosen window furnishings can make a home feel finished and more luxurious without needing to have a massive budget. Sheer Curtains, Roller Blinds, and Shutters can add texture, soften a space, and create that perfect balance of light and privacy. Small, thoughtful updates like these can truly change the way a home looks and feels!

What’s the biggest design mistake you’ve made?

Not considering practicality! In the past, I’ve chosen things purely because they looked beautiful, only to realise later they didn’t work for our lifestyle. With kids in the house, every design choice has to be both stylish and functional. It needs to stand up to everyday life, be easy to maintain, and most importantly, feel like home for all of us.

I’ve learnt that function and style have to go hand in hand. For example, as much as I love delicate fabrics and light coloured furniture, I now opt for materials that are durable and easy to clean. I also think about storage more than I ever did before, because an organised home makes life so much easier. Designing a home that not only looks beautiful, but also works for our family has been one of my biggest lessons.

How did our products transform your home?
Window furnishings make such a difference! They soften a space and make it feel more finished and cosy. I love the way the Sheer Curtains filter light, creating a beautiful glow while still allowing for privacy. They also add a sense of warmth and texture to the rooms, making them feel more inviting.

The Plantation Shutters in the laundry bring a fresh, classic touch, while the Roller Blinds paired with the Sheer Curtains create that layered look I love for our bedrooms.

Beyond aesthetics, they’ve also made our home more energy efficient. The Roller Blinds help block out the sun, keeping our home cooler, and in winter, they add an extra layer of insulation. It’s such a simple upgrade that makes a big difference in both comfort and energy savings.

What design projects are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m focusing on our exterior and garden. It’s a project I’ve wanted to tackle for a while. I’m excited to create an outdoor space that feels welcoming and functional for our family. Just like I do with interiors, I’ve put together an extensive Pinterest board for inspiration. Looking at it as a whole has made the process feel less daunting because its helped me narrow down the plants I love and refine the overall style I want to create for our home.

Any tips for people struggling with their window furnishing decisions?

Consider both function and aesthetics. Think about how much light and privacy you need in each space, then layer accordingly. For example, Blinds for practicality, Sheer Curtains for softness, and Shutters for a classic touch. Each room has different needs, so take the time to assess how you use the space.

Also, get samples! You can order free fabric samples through the dollar curtains + blinds website which was really handy. Hold them up against other materials in your home – your flooring, wall colours, bench tops, and even furniture. Natural and artificial lighting can also change the way fabrics and finishes look, so seeing them in your own space makes all the difference. Its all about creating a cohesive, considered look that compliments your home’s style.

Another tip is to take note of interiors you love. Browse Pinterest, save inspiration, and when you find yourself drawn to a particular space, pay attention to the window furnishings. Are they Sheer and flowing, structured and minimal, or rich and textural? Understanding what you’re naturally drawn to will help guide your choices and give you a clearer vision of what will work in your own home.

How do you find inspiration?

I’m constantly gathering ideas – whether its scrolling Pinterest, saving interiors I love on Instagram, or even taking note of beautiful details I come across in everyday life. Inspiration is everywhere! A well-designed boutique hotel or even a walk in nature can spark ideas for colours, textures, and materials. I also love revisiting spaces that make me feel calm and at ease, then finding ways to bring that same feeling into my home.