Creating spaces with soul

DESIGN isn’t just about colour palettes in a room. And it’s certainly not about fluffing cushions or shopping for sofas. For Katina Fimmel, it’s about creating an experience: connecting with those that inhabit the space and crafting mini worlds that are undeniably unique, bespoke and unforgettable.

As director of Brighterhome Design, Katina leads a studio that sits confidently between construction and creativity.

With a background that spans hands-on building environments and visual design, she has built a reputation for spaces that don’t just look good – they work.

“I’m not interested in copying what everyone else is doing,” she said. “If a client comes to me with a Pinterest board of white kitchens and brass fixtures, I want to know why.

“What are they actually drawn to? Usually it’s something deeper. Maybe a feeling of calm, openness or connection to a memory that brings them joy.

“That’s what we design toward. I find it’s less about obsessing over visual surfaces and more about how you’re affecting the air in between it all.”

What began within the construction sector has evolved into a broader practice: architectural visualisation, bespoke stonework, immersive commercial environments and residential interiors.

One of the studio’s most exciting recent projects was at Beyond The Valley, Australia’s largest multi-day music festival.

In 2025, Katina was engaged to design and deliver the festival’s Palms Pool Club – a bold, high-energy hospitality space that became a visual focal point across the weekend.

“Festival environments demand instant impact,” she said. “You’re designing for thousands of people who will move through the space in a matter of days. It has to be immersive immediately.”

The project involved custom fabrication, rapid installation and designing for durability – skills honed from years in construction.

The success of the Pool Club has since led to further concept development discussions for coming festival seasons.

“It was chaos in the best possible way,” Katina laughs. “Fast-paced, creative, problem-solving on the fly. Seeing people actually live in the space, hanging out with their friends, taking a dip in the pool, laughing and making memories – that’s when you realise design isn’t static. It’s alive.”

Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has shaped Katina’s leadership style. Rather than competing for space, she focused on building undeniable competence.

“In construction, credibility isn’t handed to you. You earn it. You know your specifications, you understand site conditions, and you treat trades as collaborators,” she said. “Over time, people recognise that.”

As Geelong continues to grow, so does its design ambition. Katina’s noticed a shift: clients are choosing custom joinery over flat pack shelving, seeking out local stone suppliers and investing in lighting design as a priority, rather than an afterthought.

“That’s exciting,” Katina said. “It means we can push further. It allows me to be right in my element.”

Running a growing business while raising a young family has also refined her approach.

“You become very clear on what matters. Systems matter. Boundaries matter. But so does joy,” Katina said. “I genuinely love what I do and I’m grateful every day for it.”

For women considering stepping into business ownership, her advice is blunt: don’t wait for permission.

“As women, we often feel we need ‘perfect plans’ before we launch,” Katina said. “But business humbles everybody. It’s grit that gets you through. Find your niche and go. Confidence isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build by doing the dang thing.”

As Brighterhome continues to expand across Geelong and beyond, Katina remains driven by one guiding principle:

create spaces that are intentional, immersive and unmistakably distinct.

And, if possible, make them a little bit fun along the way.