Balancing Aesthetic and Price in Today’s Market

In a climate of rising build costs, tighter margins, and increasingly sophisticated buyer expectations, builders across Australia are under pressure to deliver more, without compromising project feasibility. The problem for builders is choosing the right products that not only meet the design brief but support streamlined construction, high performance and meet budget requirements. The solution? Specifying smarter.

For more information on smarter specifying, chat to our On Spec Team. 

The recently completed Brunswick Townhouses demonstrate exactly how forward-thinking builders can deliver premium-looking homes while maintaining project viability. Working with trusted supply partner Cook & Bathe, this project showcases strategic product selection from Smeg, Phoenix, and Bourne that achieves the aesthetic and performance impact buyers want at price points that keep builds profitable.

Every builder knows the pressure. Buyers arrive with moodboards full of high-end finishes, but budgets that demand commercial reality. The challenge isn’t just finding cheaper alternatives, it’s finding products that deliver visual impact without compromising on quality or inflating costs.

Located in Brunswick’s competitive market, these 4-bedroom townhouses strike a careful balance between modern luxury and buildable reality. Featuring natural textures, warm tones, and curved design elements, the homes feel tailored and timeless, but behind the elegance lies a practical approach to specification that keeps the build high quality, on budget, and aligned with the market.

In the bathrooms, Phoenix Vivid Slimline tapware in brushed nickel exemplifies smart specification. The sophisticated finish and modern profile create the premium look buyers expect, but at a price point that works for multi-dwelling developments. Paired with warm timber cabinetry and natural tiles, the result feels custom without the custom price tag.

The hero piece, Bourne’s Cylindro Fluted Bath, proves that statement features don’t have to break budgets. Its matte white finish and sculptural detailing add the luxury focal point every bathroom needs, while Bourne’s accessible pricing keeps the numbers workable.

The Bourne Sagi Stainless Steel Flushmount Sink in the kitchen continues the theme. Sleek, durable, and cost-effective. It’s the kind of selection that elevates the space while keeping specifications realistic.

High-performance, integrated appliances from Smeg’s Classic range, including the Thermoseal Oven, 5-Zone Induction Cooktop, and Fully Integrated Dishwasher, offer professional-grade functionality, style and brand recognition. By choosing a reputable brand with enduring appeal, these homes have a selling point and builders have fewer concerns about resale value and buyer acceptance.

With over 30 years working alongside Melbourne’s builders, Cook & Bathe understands the realities on site. Their team supported this project from concept to completion, helping balance design intent with commercial viability and providing alternatives when needed to keep lead times and budgets in check. This highlights a crucial strategy: partnering early with suppliers who understand the building process, not just the product. When specification partners can offer solutions rather than just catalogues, projects stay on track and on budget.

The Brunswick Townhouses remind us that smart specification isn’t about compromise, it’s about informed choices. In a market where margins matter more than ever, the builders who succeed will be those who work within trusted brand families, prioritise consistent selections, and partner with suppliers who understand the build process. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making every selection count to deliver homes that feel premium while remaining profitable.