Design Anatomy

Ever wonder what breathes life into the most stunning architectural spaces? Nicole England knows the secret—it's not just about the walls and windows, but the personality that fills them.

As one of Australia's leading architectural photographers, Nicole has developed a distinctive eye for capturing not just the physical beauty of spaces, but their emotional resonance. Her work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Wallpaper, but it's her book series that truly showcases her unique approach. Starting with her bestselling Resident Dog books, Nicole discovered that dogs were the perfect narrative device to access extraordinary homes while adding warmth and spontaneity to architectural photography.

In this conversation, Nicole reveals how the concept for Resident Dog emerged from a simple question about her "perfect shoot day"—beautiful homes, ocean views, dogs running around, and good food shared during breaks. What began as a personal vision evolved into an international success, opening doors to architectural treasures from Kelly Wearstler's Los Angeles home to Luis Barragán's Mexican masterpieces.

Nicole's newest book, Art in Residence, explores another dimension of what makes spaces come alive—the personal art collections and treasured objects that reveal the souls of their owners. "A home really isn't a home unless it's filled with people's personal objects," she explains, whether those are million-dollar paintings or stones collected from a beach walk. Through intimate vignettes rather than just wide shots, Nicole captures the feeling of spaces in ways that traditional architectural photography often misses.

What's particularly fascinating is Nicole's creative journey—from studying fine art photography to initially pursuing fashion work before finding her true calling in architecture. Her patient, considered approach stems from her film photography background, where each shot required careful deliberation. This mindfulness shines through in her work, which feels both artistically composed and authentically lived-in.

Whether you're passionate about design, photography, or simply curious about what makes spaces feel like home, Nicole's insights will transform how you see the places around you. Listen in and discover why the most compelling architecture isn't just about perfect structure, but the life that happens within it.

Please do visit her socials to see her incredible work & her latest book Art in Residence.

https://nicoleengland.com & @nicoleengland

Art in Residence Book & Resident Dog Series

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

Have you ever been moved to tears by the curve of a chair or the light on a Parisian street? We have—more than once. In this episode, we’re sharing our Top 5 most unforgettable design moments in Paris and Milan—the kind that leave you breathless, inspired, and maybe a little emotional.

From the tucked-away ateliers in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement to navigating Milan’s sprawling Salone del Mobile like a pro, we reveal the secret spots, time-saving strategies, and soulful experiences that turn a simple trip into a true design pilgrimage.

But here's what really surprised us: the magic isn’t only in the showrooms or famous installations. It’s in the shared gelato-fueled conversations, the clink of champagne glasses after a long day of discovery, and the unspoken understanding between people who just get why a lamp can change your life.

This episode is also your first look at our 2026 Paris & Milan Design Tour—crafted for just eight guests to preserve that special intimacy of a small group. We’re talking private studios, invitation-only events, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t find on your own.

Whether you're planning your own trip or dreaming of joining us, this is your insider guide to experiencing Paris & Milan like never before.

Information will be sent out today to those on our original waitlist & it's not too late to join below - don't miss out!

https://designanatomytour.wixsite.com/ciao-milan

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

Taking a breath between creative bursts is essential for fresh thinking, which is why we're pausing briefly mid-season. Don't worry—this isn't goodbye, but a moment to reset before returning with conversations featuring iconic designers and emerging voices who are reshaping how we think about spaces.

While we're away, Bree has opened bookings for her game-changing 90-minute design consultations. These focused sessions tackle your specific home challenges—from colour selection paralysis to furniture arrangement dilemmas—delivering personalised guidance without requiring a full-service commitment. You'll walk away with a comprehensive written report containing all her recommendations, giving you the confidence to move forward with your design decisions.

Color selection remains one of the most challenging aspects of creating a home you love, which is why Lauren is bringing back her popular Colour and Materials Masterclass on August 2nd. This intensive workshop demystifies color theory while providing practical steps for selecting harmonious paint palettes. Previous sessions sold out quickly, so secure your spot early if you're ready to master this essential design skill.

For design enthusiasts seeking deeper immersion, we're thrilled to announce our next Design Anatomy Tour to Paris and Milan. Limited to just eight participants, this exclusive experience offers unparalleled access to the beating heart of global design. Join the waitlist through the link in our show notes—this intimate journey through design's most influential cities promises to be truly transformative. 

We deeply value your support and can't wait to be back in your ears soon with fresh perspectives and inspiration. Subscribe now so you don't miss our return and all the exciting content we've been planning for you!

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

Nick White shares his remarkable journey from drafting buildings to crafting punchlines. With the sharp observation skills of an architect and the timing of a seasoned comedian, Nick reveals how he transitioned from designing spaces to creating characters that have captured the hearts of over half a million followers online.

Having trained as an architect and worked in prestigious firms from Brisbane to New York, Nick found himself increasingly drawn to comedy, performing at open mics after long days in the office. What started as a creative outlet gradually revealed itself as his true calling. His honest reflections on the architectural profession resonate deeply—the hierarchical structure, the jargon-heavy presentations, and the disconnect between university creativity and workplace reality.

Nick's viral "Design Dissection" series and beloved characters like Carly (the endearingly dull co-worker) demonstrate how he's brilliantly merged his architectural knowledge with his comedic talents. Rather than abandoning his design background, he's transformed it into something uniquely his own. The conversation explores how his architectural training provided transferable skills for his comedy career—from graphic design abilities for merchandise to organizational habits that help him structure his creative work.

The most compelling moment comes when Nick describes his terrifying leap from job security to creative entrepreneurship. After resigning, he panic-bought canned soup expecting poverty, only to receive his two biggest brand deals days later. This perfectly captures the universal fear and exhilaration of following one's authentic path.

For anyone questioning their career trajectory or contemplating a creative pivot, Nick offers refreshingly practical wisdom: follow your gut, pay attention to what brings you joy, and recognize that your current skills might find surprising applications in unexpected places. His story proves that sometimes the most rewarding path isn't climbing the ladder you're on, but building an entirely new one that feels authentically yours.

Follow Nick on Insta, TikTok & check out his latest tour dates below:

https://comedy.com.au/tour/nick-white

https://www.instagram.com/nickwhite49

https://www.tiktok.com/@missnickiewantie

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

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 online

https://melissapenfold.com/new-book

https://melissapenfold.com

Instagram:

@melissa_penfold

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

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 below

Instagram : @davidhicksdesign

Web: https://davidhicks.com

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

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 socials

Instagram:

@fry_studio

Web:

https://www.fry.studio

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

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: @vzug

https://www.vzug.com/au/en

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

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

@adr30under30

@ausdesignreview

www.niche.com.au

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield

Architect Georgina Wilson joins us to share her remarkable journey from traditional practice to social media phenomenon. What began as a simple experiment on TikTok — "because no one I knew was on it" — unexpectedly transformed her 25-year architectural career and business model. Today, her viral design content reaches hundreds of thousands of followers, and her firm operates "as if from the moon," providing virtual design consultations to clients worldwide.

Georgina's success stems from her refreshingly straightforward approach. Frustrated by how architects typically communicate only with other designers through meaningless jargon, she decided to speak directly to what she affectionately calls "normies" — everyday people who want to understand good design without the pretension. Her content breaks down complex design principles into accessible advice, often featuring floor plans that visually demonstrate why certain layouts work better than others.

Fresh from Milan Design Week, Georgina shares how her perspective has evolved from viewing design through a personal lens to approaching it journalistically, seeking stories that would interest her audience. She was particularly captivated by innovations in lighting design, discovering how new technologies can influence behavior and create versatility in spaces.

What makes Georgina's approach truly inspiring is her philosophy of authenticity and continuous improvement. "It's gotta be shit before it's good," she explains, describing how this mindset frees her from perfectionism and encourages experimentation. This authenticity extends to her design principles — "Interior design is not fashion. If anything, it's anti-fashion" — emphasizing creating environments that remain beautiful and functional for decades, not seasons.

Subscribe for more conversations with design professionals who are changing the industry through innovation and authenticity. Want to improve your own space? Follow Georgina on Instagram for practical design advice that makes a real difference in how you live.

INSTAGRAM @georginawilsonassociates

 WEB: https://www.georginawilsonassociates.com

Bree is now offering 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 -  Book now

Lauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_design

Would you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?

Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield