Design Anatomy

• Natural Living by Design: Melissa Penfold's Sustainable Design Philosophy

  Stepping into a beautiful home isn't simply about admiring aesthetics—it's about experiencing how deeply our surroundings affect our wellbeing. Design authority Melissa Penfold joins us to reveal the philosophy behind her stunning new book "Natural Living by Design," where timeless style meets environmental consciousness.Melissa shares how her childhood beach house, with its weathered wood and connection to nature, shaped her understanding of nurturing spaces. This early influence sparked a career that would help countless Australians reimagine their homes as sanctuaries. The conversation unfolds with practical wisdom about creating spaces that ground us through natural materials—plaster walls, wooden floors, and stone elements that have stood the test of time.What makes this discussion particularly refreshing is Melissa's insistence that sustainable design doesn't require massive budgets. She enthusiastically reveals her auction house strategies, explains why refurbishing existing elements often trumps replacement, and describes how simple touches like seasonal fruit displays or collected botanical specimens can transform a space more effectively than expensive renovations. The passion in her voice is palpable as she explains how these choices benefit not just current homeowners but future generations.Beyond the expected design talk, Melissa offers unexpected insights about sound absorption, ventilation strategies, and creating "visual tactility"—elements rarely covered in typical interior discussions. She explains why even the most perfectly styled homes can feel soulless without elements of whimsy, drama, and personal history. The most luxurious homes in her book (from Giorgio Armani's never-before-published living room to a breathtaking Palm Beach residence) all follow these principles.Ready to transform your space? Listen now and discover how small, thoughtful choices in materials, light, and arrangement can create homes that nurture both inhabitants and the planet. 'Natural Living by Design', available now at all great book stores or onlinehttps://melissapenfold.com/new-bookhttps://melissapenfold.comInstagram:@melissa_penfoldThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers. Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out! https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop

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• Celebrating 25 Years of David Hicks: A Legacy of Timeless Design

  Symmetry, structure, warmth, and a sense of materiality that's instantly recognisable – these are the hallmarks of David Hicks' approach to design, a philosophy he's refined over an impressive 25-year career. We sit down with this influential Australian designer to trace his evolution from what critics once described as "minimalist purity" to what he now calls "decorative minimalism."David's journey began with his own apartment in Melbourne's converted Red Tulip Factory, a project that established his meticulous approach to design. Working with a grid system based on 600mm terrazzo tiles, he created a space where every joinery line aligned perfectly with tile grout – a detail-driven approach that still guides his work today. What makes this particularly fascinating is that this career-launching project was created in the pre-Google era, using dial-up internet and hand-drawn plans, when inspiration came from face-to-face networking rather than endless scrolling.The conversation shifts to how dramatically the design industry has transformed over David's career. Where designers once waited eagerly for monthly magazines or trade representatives bearing materials from international shows, today's instantaneous access to global design via social media has changed how designers work, often prioritising two-second visual impact over thoughtful functionality. Despite these shifts, David has maintained his commitment to balancing what he calls "discipline" (technical expertise in space planning and detailing) with "intuition" (the creative, decorative elements).After completing over 800 apartments, 75 homes and 125 retail projects, David opens up about what actually keeps a design practice thriving – and it's not what most people imagine. The reality of an interior designer's daily life involves far more administration than fabric selection, though he remains passionate about expanding his creative reach through new collaborations, including an upcoming tapware collection. For aspiring designers or anyone fascinated by the evolution of Australian design, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into staying relevant while remaining true to your authentic vision with one of the best in the industry.Check out David's socials belowInstagram : @davidhicksdesignWeb: Thinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers. Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out! https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop

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• The Waitlist That Changed Everything with Luke Fry

  What begins as an accidental career path often leads to the most extraordinary destinations. Luke Fry's journey exemplifies this perfectly—originally waitlisted for graphic design, he reluctantly accepted a spot in interior design at Swinburne University, never imagining it would become the foundation for his acclaimed architectural practice two decades later.Growing up with a builder father and brother, Luke had construction in his blood. "I was on building sites from the day I could walk," he shares, revealing how this early exposure proved invaluable when he later obtained his builder's registration alongside his design qualifications. This rare triple-threat perspective—interior designer, architect, and builder—gives Luke a uniquely comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle.The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the challenges of documentation, with Luke noting that "a builder's pet peeve is documentation that's not detailed enough." This understanding fundamentally shapes his practice's approach, emphasizing meticulous documentation as both a design tool and crucial contract document. In an era where building regulations have intensified following cladding scandals, these skills have become even more critical.After eleven years leading his own practice, Luke's perspective on design has matured beautifully. Where aesthetic considerations once dominated, he now finds deepest fulfillment in how spaces transform clients' lives—"their ability to communicate better, to function better, to foster better relationships." This evolution mirrors his practice's growth from primarily residential work to an expanding portfolio including hotels, hospitality venues, and wineries.Perhaps most revealing is Luke's current rebranding from "Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design" to simply "Fry"—a change reflecting his desire to spotlight his seven-person team rather than himself. "It's making it a little bit more about the team than it is about me as an individual," he explains, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that has become central to his success.Check out Luke's rebrand & follow along on his socialsInstagram:@fry_studioWeb:https://www.fry.studioThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers. Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out! https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop

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• Kitchens Reimagined with Loren Inglis of Vzug

  The humble kitchen has evolved from a purely functional space into the vibrant heart of our homes, but what's next in this evolution? In this fascinating conversation with Loren Inglis, Regional Business Development Manager at Vzug, we explore how kitchen design is entering its next phase as "the third space" – where technology, aesthetics, and authentic living intersect.Loren pulls back the curtain on how professional-grade appliances are transforming home cooking experiences, making restaurant-quality results accessible to everyone from passionate home chefs to self-proclaimed "reheaters." We dive into unexpected innovations like the Refresh Butler, which uses steam technology to clean clothes without chemicals, demonstrating how kitchen-adjacent technologies are extending throughout the home.The conversation tackles the shift away from sterile showpiece kitchens toward spaces designed for real living. "Authenticity," as Lauren notes, has become a driving force in kitchen design. We explore how designers are balancing visual appeal with functionality through sculptural stonework, thoughtful color palettes, and clever space-saving solutions like cooktops with integrated extraction systems.For those renovating or building, Loren offers valuable insights into choosing finishes that complement your space, with Vzug's Pearl finish emerging as a sophisticated alternative to traditional black or white appliances. We discuss how sustainability considerations are shaping both manufacturing processes and product design, with energy efficiency and food preservation becoming increasingly important as food costs rise.Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation, curious about the latest appliance innovations, or simply interested in how design trends reflect our changing lifestyles, this episode offers a rich exploration of the contemporary kitchen landscape. Join us for a conversation that goes beyond surface-level trends to examine how our kitchens are becoming more personalized, more sustainable, and more aligned with how we actually live.Ready to see these innovations in person? Visit Vzug's Melbourne studio in Richmond, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, where the Gourmet Academy team can demonstrate how these appliances might transform your home cooking experience.Checkout Vzug's amazing innovations on socials:Instagram: @vzugThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers. Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out! https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop

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• Milan in review: The Beautiful Chaos of Milan Design Week with Alvin Wu

  The beautiful chaos of Milan Design Week comes alive through the fresh eyes of first-time attendee Alvin Wu, brand manager at Niche Media. What began as a career in interior design evolved into finding his true passion within the design community—organizing events like the "30 Under 30" program that recognizes emerging design talent through mentorship and a creativity retreat in Bali.Drawn to Milan with the hope of experiencing a quieter edition during a non-Euroluce year, Alvin quickly discovered the reality: design week has surpassed fashion week in popularity, with half a million visitors descending upon a city not quite built for such numbers. The notorious three-hour queues for installations like L' Appartamento by Artemest contrast sharply with the magical moments found in unexpected places—like sitting beneath trees at Alcova, a welcome respite from the urban intensity.For Australian designers on the global stage, Milan represents both challenge and triumph. Ross Gardam and Articolo showcased lighting innovations that drew gasps of appreciation, proving the calibre of design talent from down under. These moments of national pride punctuated Alvin's evolving appreciation for lighting design, which has now become his "top category" of interest. Standing in the Molteni showroom, witnessing how strategic lighting transformed entire spaces, revealed how transformative thoughtful illumination can be.The true value of Milan, Alvin discovered, transcends products and installations. "My biggest takeaway is definitely the networking experience," he reflects. "At the end of the day, no matter what role you play in this industry, we are all one community." While products change annually, the connections formed during these intense, inspiration-filled days create lifelong relationships that ultimately shape the design world more profoundly than any single object ever could. Follow Alvin Wu on Instagram@alvinpwu@[email protected] about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers. Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out! https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop

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