Three Birds Renovations A Homeowner's Guide

Three Birds Renovations isn't just another Aussie reno company. It’s a powerhouse brand built by three best friends—Bonnie, Erin, and Lana—who took their shared love for home makeovers and turned it into a full-blown movement. They’re famous for their signature light, bright, and breezy design style, but they’ve become true industry icons through their hugely popular online courses.

The Story Behind Three Birds Renovations

The whole thing kicked off when three mates decided to ditch their corporate gigs to chase a dream. Bonnie, Erin, and Lana all had a knack for creating beautiful family homes, so they took a huge leap of faith, pooled their talents, and flipped their very first property. That one project lit a spark that grew into something far bigger than they ever imagined.

It was never just about the money for them. It was the thrill of the creative ride and the pure satisfaction of turning rundown houses into incredible homes. This passion-first origin story is at the heart of their brand's charm and connects with thousands of aspiring renovators across the country. It’s a similar spirit to our story at Envy Abode, which is also built on a deep-seated passion for creating exceptional places to live.

From Flipping Houses to Empowering Homeowners

What began as a property flipping side hustle quickly morphed into something much more meaningful. The trio spotted a massive gap in the market for renovation advice that was actually accessible and practical—especially for women who often felt on the outer in the male-dominated building world. So, they pivoted from doing the renovating themselves to teaching and empowering others to do it.

That shift gave birth to their smash-hit online courses, the Three Birds Reno School and Three Birds Styling School. Their whole mission became about giving everyday Aussies the confidence, know-how, and support to tackle their own reno projects and nail them.

Three Birds Renovations has grown well beyond its flipping roots; it now empowers a global community of over 40,000 women to design, build, and style their own homes through its online schools. That scale shows just how dedicated they are to building a supportive network centred on female empowerment in the reno space.

 

Building a Community Around Renovation

These days, Three Birds Renovations is more than a company—it’s a powerful brand with a massive, thriving community behind it. They’ve cultivated a loyal audience that follows every project, hangs on their every piece of design advice, and dives headfirst into their educational programs.

Their entire approach has really shaken up the conversation around home improvement in Australia. By pulling back the curtain and demystifying the renovation process, they've fired up a whole new generation of homeowners to grab the reins on their projects and create spaces they absolutely love.

Deconstructing The Three Birds Signature Style

What is it that makes you instantly recognise a Three Birds Renovations project? You could say it’s “light and airy,” but their iconic aesthetic is so much more than that. It’s a finely tuned formula built on smart design principles that result in a look that feels effortless, coastal, and quintessentially Australian.

At its heart, their style is a masterclass in maximising natural light. This isn’t just about putting in big windows. It's about crafting open, flowing floor plans that invite sunlight deep into the home, knocking down walls and extending sightlines to create an immediate sense of space and a connection to the outdoors.

This philosophy of openness is the absolute core of their look. Every layout decision is a conscious move to enhance that feeling of freedom, turning what were once cramped, dark houses into expansive, sun-drenched sanctuaries.

The Power of a White Palette

Perhaps the most defining feature of the Three Birds style is their unwavering love affair with white. Their signature white-on-white palettes aren't just a simple colour choice; they're a strategic tool. They use it to amplify light, create a clean and serene backdrop, and evoke a timeless sense of calm.

This brilliant move allows texture and natural materials to become the real stars of the show. Instead of relying on bold colours for impact, they build visual interest through layers of different textures. Think of it as a blank canvas where every element—from a chunky woven rug to a rustic timber beam—can truly shine. You can dig deeper into how to use these techniques in our guide to foundational home design principles.

The clever use of a consistent, light-filled colour scheme is what gives their homes such a cohesive and polished feel. It's the unifying thread that ties every room together, creating a harmonious living experience from the front door to the back garden.

 

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

Another hallmark of the Three Birds Renovations approach is how they intentionally blur the lines between inside and out. Let’s face it, Australian living is all about the outdoors, and their designs celebrate this lifestyle with real passion.

They achieve this seamless flow through a few key features that make moving between interior and exterior spaces feel completely natural.

• Expansive Glass Doors: You’ll almost always see bifold or stacking doors that completely open up living areas to patios, decks, or lush gardens.
• Continuous Flooring: By using the same or very similar flooring materials inside and out, they create the illusion of one large, unified space.
• Outdoor Rooms: They design their alfresco areas not just as patios but as genuine extensions of the home, often complete with comfy seating, dining spaces, and full outdoor kitchens.

The result is a home that feels boundless and deeply connected to nature. Materials like classic weatherboards, warm timbers, and touches of natural stone are consistently used to reinforce this relaxed, coastal or modern Hamptons-inspired look. It all comes together to create a style that is both aspirational and perfectly practical for the Australian way of life.

Diving Into Iconic Projects And Realistic Budgets

While the signature style of Three Birds Renovations is undeniably inspiring, the real magic happens when you see how it all comes together in an actual project—and, just as importantly, understand the costs involved. This is where the dream meets reality. Their portfolio is packed with dramatic transformations, turning dated, impractical houses into the functional, beautiful family homes everyone covets.

These projects aren't just for show; they're a tangible roadmap for anyone thinking about renovating. They brilliantly demonstrate how smart design choices can solve those all-too-common problems like poor natural light, awkward layouts, or a disconnect from the outdoors. The result? A massive boost in both property value and lifestyle.

Case Study: Lana’s Forever Home

If there's one project that perfectly captures the Three Birds spirit, it's Lana's own family home. It’s often held up as the ultimate expression of their aesthetic. The starting point was a modest brick house, but the renovation was a complete overhaul, adding a second storey and blowing out the ground floor to create that signature open-plan flow.

The scope of work was absolutely immense, showcasing their classic approach:

• Major Structural Changes: An entire upper level was added to house bedrooms and a luxurious parents' retreat.
• Complete Layout Reconfiguration: Downstairs, internal walls vanished to create a seamless kitchen, living, and dining space that spills directly onto the outdoor entertaining area.
• Full Exterior Overhaul: The home was given a new facade with crisp white weatherboards, a grand entrance, and stunning landscaping, including a pool.

A project of this scale and finish doesn't come cheap. For a similar transformation here in Melbourne, you're looking at a very significant investment. Budgets would comfortably start in the high six figures and climb from there, depending on the level of bespoke finishes and fixtures.

The Budget Reality of a Signature Renovation

Let's be clear: achieving that polished, magazine-worthy look requires serious financial planning. The recent boom in home improvement spending shows just how committed Australians are to creating their dream homes. In fact, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that homeowners poured a massive $12.3 billion into renovations in 2021 alone—a staggering 33% jump from the previous year. This isn't just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we value our living spaces.

This level of investment proves that a successful renovation goes far beyond aesthetics; it's a major financial undertaking. A clear understanding of the costs right from the start is absolutely crucial for a smooth and successful project.

 

Estimating The Cost Of Your Own Project

While the Three Birds team focuses on education, their projects are fantastic benchmarks for budgeting. A cosmetic facelift—think paint, flooring, and new tapware—will naturally sit at the lower end of the scale. But for a full-gut renovation involving structural changes, new kitchens, and multiple bathrooms, you'll need a much larger budget.

For homeowners in suburbs like Malvern or Camberwell planning a high-end renovation, getting a detailed cost breakdown is the essential first step. To get a clearer picture of the potential investment for your own dream project, a great starting point is to use a detailed renovation cost calculator to map out your scope and see some initial figures. This is the best way to connect those beautiful 'after' photos with the practical financial commitment required to make them happen.

Choosing Your Renovation Path: DIY Coach vs. Design-Build Firm

When you’re standing at the start of your renovation journey, you’re faced with a big decision right out of the gate. Do you want to be the one in the driver's seat, calling the shots and managing every detail? Or would you rather hand the keys to an expert team that handles it all for you?

This is the fundamental difference between an educational model like Three Birds Renovations and the all-in service of a design-build firm.

The Three Birds approach is essentially a masterclass in project managing your own reno. Their Reno School gives you the tools, the inspiration, and a solid framework to run your project with confidence. You become the conductor of the orchestra—hiring the trades, coordinating the moving parts, and bringing your vision to life, all with their expert guidance in your back pocket.

Stepping into the Project Manager Role

If you go down the DIY-with-a-coach path, you’re signing up for a hands-on role that demands real time, energy, and some serious organisational skills. Your list of responsibilities is direct and extensive.

• Hiring and Vetting: You’re in charge of finding, interviewing, and locking in every single professional, from your builder and plumber to the electrician and tiler.
• Daily Coordination: It's on you to manage the schedule, making sure trades show up in the right order and that all the materials are on-site exactly when they’re needed.
• Budget Oversight: You’ll be personally tracking every invoice and expense, ensuring the project doesn't stray from its financial plan.
• Problem-Solving: When hiccups happen—and they always do—you're the one on the front line, making the call to find a solution.

For the right person, this path offers an incredible degree of creative control and a massive sense of personal achievement. If you're genuinely passionate about the process and have the diary space to be actively involved, it can be an unbelievably rewarding experience.

Choosing this route is a lifestyle decision. It's not just about the end result; it's about fully immersing yourself in the journey of creating your home and learning invaluable skills along the way.

 

The All-In-One Design-Build Alternative

On the other end of the spectrum, a design-build firm acts as your single point of contact for the entire project. Think of it like hiring a film director who oversees everything from writing the script to the final cut. Envy Abode provides extensive design and building renovation services in Melbourne suburbs like Malvern, Glen Iris, Caulfield and Camberwell, carrying the full weight of project management.

With this approach, the design and construction are seamlessly woven together under one roof. The team drawing up your architectural plans is working directly with the builders who will bring them to life. This synergy closes the communication gaps that often lead to expensive mistakes and delays when you're trying to juggle separate contractors yourself. The firm handles it all—council approvals, scheduling trades, sourcing materials, and ensuring quality control.

This hands-off model is a godsend for busy professionals or families who want certainty and minimal stress. Your role is focused on the enjoyable parts—making key creative decisions and reviewing progress—while you’re shielded from the daily grind of managing the site.

To help you decide, we've put together a simple table that breaks down the key differences between these two approaches.

Renovation Approach At A Glance: Three Birds vs Design-Build

Ultimately, choosing between a renovation coach and a design-build firm comes down to what you value most. To dive deeper into whether an integrated model is the right fit, it’s worth exploring the detailed pros and cons of the design-build model. The best path is always the one that aligns with your personality, your schedule, and your vision for your home.

A Melbourne Alternative For A Fully Managed Renovation

While the Three Birds Renovations educational model is a fantastic resource for many homeowners, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Taking on the role of project manager yourself is a massive commitment of time, energy, and a real willingness to get into the nitty-gritty of a build. For busy professionals and families here in Melbourne, trying to juggle trades, schedules, and budgets just isn’t on the cards.

But what if you adore that high-end, light-filled aesthetic the Three Birds are famous for, yet want a completely hands-off process? The good news is, there’s a strong local alternative. A full-service design-build firm offers a direct path to a beautiful renovation, without you ever having to pick up a project management spreadsheet.

This is exactly where a firm like Envy Abode comes in. We specialise in delivering start-to-finish luxury renovations across Melbourne suburbs like Malvern, Glen Iris, Caulfield, and Camberwell. Think of us as your single, dedicated partner, managing every last detail from the first sketch to the moment we hand you the keys.

The Value of a Single Point of Accountability

The whole idea behind the design-build model is seamless integration. Instead of you finding an architect, then tendering for a builder, and then coordinating all the individual trades, one cohesive team handles the entire journey. This approach closes the communication gaps and scheduling nightmares that so often lead to stress, delays, and budget blowouts on a self-managed project.

For our clients, this simply means peace of mind. Your energy is spent on the exciting parts—approving stunning designs, choosing finishes you love, and watching it all come to life—while we deal with the complex logistics behind the scenes.

Our entire process is built for homeowners who value flawless execution and a genuinely stress-free experience. We bring the expertise and disciplined oversight needed to deliver a premium result, letting you actually enjoy the journey of creating your dream home.

 

A Shared Commitment to Quality

There's no denying the success of Three Birds Renovations. Their brand is built on a foundation of quality and the incredible trust they've fostered. As a boutique company with fewer than 25 employees, they've brilliantly used their marketing smarts and key partnerships to become a major force in Australia's $12.3 billion renovation economy. It's a masterclass in how a focused, quality-driven approach can build an amazing community. You can get a sense of their business savvy from their company insights on ZoomInfo.

In the same way, a design-build firm's reputation is everything; it lives and dies by its ability to deliver exceptional quality, time and time again. By managing every stage, we maintain absolute control over the craftsmanship, the materials used, and the project timeline. This integrated oversight is our promise that the finished home won't just meet your expectations—it will exceed them. For discerning homeowners in Melbourne’s premium suburbs, that guarantee of quality is non-negotiable. Envy Abode delivers that assurance, making us the ideal choice for anyone seeking a bespoke, expertly managed renovation.

How To Select The Right Partner For Your Home

Choosing the right team for your renovation is easily the biggest decision you’ll make for your home. It all boils down to an honest look at your own priorities, your lifestyle, and just how deep in the weeds you want to get with the day-to-day details. There’s no single right answer here—only the one that’s right for you.

To get some clarity, start by asking yourself one simple question: do you want to be the hands-on project manager, or do you need an expert to run the show for you? Your answer will set the entire tone for your renovation journey, from the first sketch to the final handover.

As you can see, if you’re energised by the idea of managing daily logistics and solving problems on the fly, a model like Three Birds Renovations offers the perfect playbook to guide your self-managed project to success.

Defining Your Renovation Priorities

Once you’ve figured out your preferred management style, you can dig a bit deeper into the other critical factors. Think carefully about these points to make sure the partner you choose is a perfect match for your goals—both for the project and your sanity.

• Time Commitment: Realistically, how many hours a week can you pour into site visits, chasing up trades, and sourcing materials? A fully-managed, hands-off approach is designed for people with demanding careers and busy family lives.
• Budget Certainty: Do you sleep better at night with the fixed-price certainty of a design-build contract, or are you comfortable navigating a more fluid budget where you might save money but also risk cost blowouts?
• Desired Outcome: Is the real prize for you a hands-on learning experience and a deep sense of personal achievement? Or is it a seamless, stress-free process that guarantees a premium finish?

The best choice is always the one that respects your time, matches your personality, and removes stress from the equation. A renovation should enhance your life, not complicate it.

For Melbourne homeowners in suburbs like Malvern, Glen Iris, Caulfield, or Camberwell who value certainty and a fully managed, luxury result, the path forward is clear. If you’re ready for a beautiful home transformation without taking on the burden of project management, the expert team at Envy Abode is here to bring your vision to life.

Common Questions Answered

Do Bonnie, Erin, and Lana Still Renovate Houses Themselves?

While they originally built their empire by getting their own hands dirty on some incredible transformations, the Three Birds' primary focus has shifted. These days, their energy is poured into education. Their main game is teaching everyday homeowners how to become their own project managers through their wildly popular online courses, the Reno School and Styling School.

What's The Real Difference Between The Three Birds Model And A Design-Build Firm?

It all comes down to your role in the project. When you follow the Three Birds method, you're the one in the driver's seat. They give you the roadmap, and you're the one hiring and coordinating all the different trades to bring it to life.

A design-build firm like Envy Abode, on the other hand, takes that entire load off your shoulders. We become your single contact and point of accountability, managing every single step for you, from the first sketch to the final handover.

Can I Get That "Three Birds Look" With A Builder Here In Melbourne?

Absolutely! That signature light, bright, and coastal-inspired aesthetic is a style that any high-quality builder or designer worth their salt can deliver. The trick is finding a team that genuinely understands the design principles, material selections, and commitment to a high-end finish that defines that specific look. It’s all in the details.

For a seamless, luxury renovation in Melbourne suburbs like Malvern, Glen Iris, Caulfield, and Camberwell, explore the fully managed design-build services of Envy Abode. https://envyabode.com.au