10th Feb 2026
Designing a Dream Home: Inside La Casa Bianca with Danielle
Hi Danielle, could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your dreamy new home?
Hi! I’m Danielle, a creative designer with a huge love for thoughtful spaces and beautiful details. My fiancé and I recently completed our family home, La Casa Bianca (@thebiancacasa), a place that reflects our life together, our design sensibilities, and our love for light, calm and connection.
It’s a spacious, open-plan home with a Mediterranean soul, refined but relaxed, and designed for everyday living, entertaining and long, easy days at home. Walking through the door after a long day at work, the home instantly feels calming and grounding, which was always our goal.
How did you find the process of designing and building your new home?
It was truly an incredible mix of excitement, decision-making and constant learning. Designing and building a home has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever taken on. There were long days, countless decisions (the designer in me absolutely loved this part), and plenty of problem-solving along the way.
But there were also huge highs when everything came together exactly as I’d imagined. I approached the build like one giant creative brief, and in the end, living in a shed for two years was completely worth it.
What interior styles were you drawn to?
I was drawn to spaces that feel calm, elegant and cohesive. Think soft neutral tones, clean lines, natural textures and moments of subtle personality. Classic but fresh.
There’s a strong sense of European ease and warmth throughout La Casa Bianca, paired with a modern foundation that feels effortless for everyday living, especially in key spaces like the bathrooms.
Where did you source your design inspiration?
Inspiration came from everywhere, but especially from my European travels and the architecture I fell in love with in Italy and Greece. I spent a lot of time on Archipro and Pinterest, creating mood boards that focused on Mediterranean interiors, timeless materials and relaxed luxury.
I was particularly drawn to editorial-style design features that showcased natural stone, marble-look bathroom tiles, beautiful proportions and homes designed for effortless living.
Choosing the Right Travertine Bathroom Tiles and Marble-Look Tiles
Which tiles did you choose for your home and why?
We used Tile Space tiles throughout all of our bathrooms, the laundry and our outdoor patio. I picked samples from what felt like every tile store in the country, and Tile Space consistently stood out for having the best range of bathroom tiles, marble-look tiles and natural stone-inspired finishes, all at an accessible price point.
The tiles we chose create a sense of harmony across the home while still allowing each space to have its own personality.
Bathrooms: We chose a travertine-look bathroom tile that feels sculptural, calming and beautiful underfoot. It adds warmth while still feeling refined and timeless, perfect for creating a spa-like bathroom.
Laundry: This is where I went a little rogue. I chose a Calacatta marble-look tile to add drama and impact. It instantly elevates the space, and our custom dog bath has become a real talking point when guests visit.
Outdoor patio: We used Classic Crosscut Off White Grip tiles, which echo the travertine-look tiles inside. This helps visually connect the indoor and outdoor spaces while providing durability and slip resistance.
We finished the outdoor area with bullnose edging for a polished look. Longevity was really important to us. We wanted tiles that would stand the test of time both aesthetically and practically, especially with dogs running around and outdoor exposure.
What were your non-negotiables for the build?
Our non-negotiables were beautiful natural light, a calm neutral palette, seamless indoor–outdoor flow, and high-quality finishes, especially in bathrooms.
We wanted materials that not only looked beautiful but felt right for everyday living. Choosing the right bathroom tiles and marble-look finishes played a huge role in achieving that sense of calm and cohesion.
Classic Crosscut Off White Grip 60 20mm
Any advice for people building or renovating?
Trust your instincts, but also do your homework. Spend time gathering inspiration, creating mood boards and understanding your materials, especially when it comes to tiles, stone finishes and bathroom design.
Don’t rush your finishes. Think beyond trends and focus on what will suit your lifestyle long-term. Quality over quantity always. And most importantly, be patient. Building or renovating is a marathon, not a sprint, but it’s absolutely worth every step.
Builders: Lehmann Builders
Architectural Designers: Native Bird Drafting
Tiler: Finesse Tiling
