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DM Interiors Founder and Creative Director Samantha Del Monte boasts 14 years of experience within the real estate and design industry. Her extensive portfolio across renovation, interior design and styling has equipped her with a diverse skill set.
Our team at Verve Portraits sat down with Samantha herself to open up on the matters of business, family and her family photoshoots. She shares with us the journey of being a career woman, mother and business owner all in one! If you are a working parent, home owner, business person or have aspirations to be, this interview is one to simply devour!
Sam, you are a creative director with over 14 years of experience in the real estate industry. You are also a renowned interior designer. For our readers, can you tell us a few fun facts people may not know about yourself and your business, SDM interiors?
“My business formed quite organically; however, I have lived and breathed real estate and renovations since I was a baby. My mother owned 3 real estate offices where I grew up. As a family, we built and renovated 10 houses by the time I left home. I have since renovated 6 of my own properties with my husband, and have lived in 28 different homes! At 34 (my age now), that’s 1.2 homes per year on average. Luckily, I adapt to change well!”
In your expert opinion, Sam, what are the design elements/key factors that help to make a house feel more like a home?
“I feel your home should be an extension of your personality. Including items that have a sentimental meaning to you, that tell a story, add layers of depth and personality. This helps reflect who you truly are, as people, as a family.”
Speaking of home, tell us a little bit about your family, and what being a mother really means to you.
“To me, being a mother means getting to see all the possibilities of the world through your children’s eyes. On a day to day level, being a mother means being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone. Making time for them and making them a priority, despite life pulling you in all directions. Then, in one funny, loving or meaningful moment with your kids, realising that it’s all completely worth it.”
“On a day-to-day level, being a mother means being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone. Making time for them and making them a priority, despite life pulling you in all directions.”
Let’s chat about the most surprising part of the motherhood journey, in your personal experience.
“My husband and I decided in mid-2018 to try for a baby. Every day has a new lesson and something so special that comes with it. That in itself is the journey of motherhood for me.”
When it comes to opening up, what do you wish mothers talked about more? (The vulnerable sides of parenthood)
“Exactly that – vulnerability! That it’s okay to feel that you are struggling some days, but that we are not alone and that we all feel that way sometimes. It’s definitely the hardest but also the most rewarding role in your lifetime.”
Before becoming a parent, what advice would you give to your young self? How to find time for connection with a busy lifestyle?
“Live a full and selfish life before having children. Which is what I did. I wouldn’t change a thing! I felt like I had a great life in my 20’s, living overseas and travelling the world, creating lifelong friends. Meeting my husband and getting married, we then started to create a solid foundation for our future children. When we fell pregnant, we felt the time was right. So ultimately, do it at your own pace, don’t feel that you have to do it by a certain time.”
What’s your earliest memory of being in a photograph with your child? What do you think it means to a child to have photographs with their parents included?
“The moment she was born, we had one of the nurses take photos with our phone, which captures her coming into the world so perfectly – so raw, emotional and overwhelming love!”
Do you feel comfortable being in photos, alongside your child? Why/why not?
“I feel extremely comfortable. In fact, I wish I had more photos of us together! Those points of connection during a busy life are so important. Not a day goes by that I don’t look at photos of us as a family. Warms my heart and soul and makes me feel so grateful to be her mum!”
When it comes to making and creating family memories, do you think photographs and images of memories are important?
“Definitely! The power of a photograph is that it connects us back to the past, to people and experiences. It speaks to our emotions and allows us to tell a story or a timeline of our lives filled with faces and places that we hold dear.”
During your own family photoshoots, how did your family react to being able to have those kinds of moments with each other? Were you surprised at their response to the experience?
“They all had a wonderful time. I wasn’t too surprised that they would love it. It was a very natural experience for Luca, and we made sure we felt super comfortable, and Lucia had snacks at all times!”
If you’d like to find out more about Samantha or her business, Samantha Del Monte interiors, head to sdminteriors.com.au, or you can also find her on social media @sdm_interiors.
We would also like to kindly thank Sam again for her time. When more women open up about the vulnerability of parenthood and how to find time for connection with a busy lifestyle, there is such power in those words. Thank you so much, Sam!
Family photoshoots give you a chance to slow down, be present with each other and create memories that celebrate your connection rather than just the daily routine.
Busy schedules, work commitments and juggling activities can make it feel hard to find a moment that works for everyone, so photos often get pushed to the back burner.
Planning ahead, choosing a time that works for everyone and treating the photoshoot like a special event helps make it feel meaningful and enjoyable rather than just another task.
Focusing less on perfect poses and more on natural moments can make a big difference. Playful interactions, genuine smiles, and simply spending time together help capture how your family truly connects.
Because years later those photos become visual reminders of love, togetherness and moments you might otherwise forget, making the time invested feel truly worthwhile.
