In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Sydney-based interior designer Brett Mickan, whose fearless use of colour, love of vintage finds, and finely layered interiors have earned him recognition both in Australia and abroad.

With over 25 years in the industry including time designing in Miami, Brett brings a global perspective and a signature style that’s anything but beige. From show-stopping homes and yacht interiors to theatre sets and exhibitions, his work blends drama, warmth, and timeless personality.

We talk about:
 🎨 How Sydney’s design scene compares to other states
 🌏 The creative shift Brett experienced after working overseas
 🛥️ Designing in compact luxury on yachts
 🖼️ The secret to building depth with art, vintage pieces, and layering
 💡 Advice for designers finding their own voice in a saturated industry

It’s a rich conversation full of wisdom, colour, and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Brett turns bold ideas into beautifully liveable spaces - and why great design always begins with a story.

In the whirlwind of daily life, our homes can easily become just a pit stop—a place to sleep, eat, and repeat. But what if your home could be more than just a backdrop? What if it became a sanctuary that tells your story?

In this episode, we explore how to move beyond cookie-cutter interiors and embrace design choices that feel personal, joyful, and deeply intentional. 2025 is all about bold self-expression, and we’re here for it.

We cover:
 ✨ The quiet power of thoughtful window furnishings
 ✨ How to breathe new life into vintage and heirloom pieces
 ✨ Mixing textiles and patterns to bring personality into every room
 ✨ Choosing lighting and furniture that make a statement
 ✨ Displaying art and objects that hold meaning
 ✨ Using colour to shape the energy of your space

Whether you're styling your first apartment or refreshing a forever home, this episode will inspire you to design with heart—not just trends.

Palm Springs isn’t just a destination — it’s a design pilgrimage. In this sun-drenched surprise episode of The Design Duet, we take you along on Caroline’s unforgettable trip to the modernist mecca during Modernism Week — the annual celebration of mid-century architecture, design, and culture in February this year. Surrounded by desert landscapes and mountain backdrops, Caroline wandered through neighbourhoods lined with butterfly rooflines, colourful doors, and iconic A-frame facades. From swanky home tours to poolside cocktails, it was a week filled with design inspiration — and we’re sharing every detail with you. 

In this episode, we explore: 

·       What Modernism Week is — and why it’s a must 

·       What makes Palm Springs so iconic — and who calls it home 

·       Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s eclectic LA home 

·       The cliffside marvel that is the Frey House 

·       Our “Rat Pack Tour” — a walk through Hollywood history 

·       Inside the breathtaking James Logan Abernathy Residence 

·       A visit to the historic Sunnylands Estate 

·       Highlights from the Perez Design District 

·       The magic of stepping inside Frank Sinatra’s house 

·       The vibe check at The Vibe House 

·       The bold beauty of The West House 

In this episode, we’re joined by Rob from Constructing Spaces — a boutique building company known for high-end homes, quality renovations, and multi-dwelling developments.

Rob takes us through the real story behind great builds — from floorplans to finishes. We dive into current design trends, the shift away from open-plan living, and what downsizers are really after. He shares advice for overwhelmed renovators, busts a few building myths, and reveals how he collaborates with designers to bring a client’s vision to life.

If you're planning a build (or just love the behind-the-scenes of how great homes come together), this one's for you.

This week, we’re joined by Jacqui Bendall- a fourth-generation Boroondara local whose passion for people has shaped every step of her career. After two decades running a successful travel agency, she made the leap into real estate, bringing with her a deep commitment to personalised service and community connection.

Now working alongside her brother Scott in Melbourne’s inner east, Jacqui shares her insights on post-COVID buyer trends, preparing to downsize, what really sells a home (hint: it’s not just kitchens and bathrooms), and why working with a designer can make all the difference.

Whether you’re planning a move or just love hearing from people who lead with heart, this episode is full of warmth, wisdom and real-world advice.

In this episode of The Design Duet, we’re diving into the standout interior design trends shaping 2025. From the bold comeback of vibrant colour palettes to the growing focus on sustainability and wellness-inspired spaces, we unpack the shifts that are redefining how we live and design.

Discover how vintage influences are making a modern return, why butler’s pantries are phasing out, and how your home can become a sanctuary for both mind and body. Whether you're planning a full renovation or looking for simple ways to refresh your space, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and practical ideas.

In this episode of The Design Duet, we’re shining a light on one of the most transformative elements in interior design—lighting. Following our energizing conversation with Danielle, we continue the dialogue with a deep dive into how lighting shapes our spaces, our moods, and our everyday routines.

We explore the concept of human-centric lighting and how it’s influencing our design choices more than ever. From the warm glow in your living room to task lighting in your kitchen, we break down what kind of lighting works best for different areas of the home. We also chat through the latest lighting trends we’re seeing and loving right now.

Whether you’re planning a full-scale reno or simply want to elevate the ambiance of your space, this episode will give you the insight (and inspo) to light it right.  

In this episode of The Design Duet, we kick off the new season with a deep dive into the transformative power of lighting. Joining us is the incredible Danielle Mastro, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Lights Lights Lights, a team of passionate lighting experts redefining how we experience light in our spaces.

We explore how lighting is about more than just practicality it’s about emotion, atmosphere, and human-centric design. Danielle shares her process of designing with light, from understanding a home’s unique personality to considering materials, reflectance, daylight, and style. She explains why lighting isn’t just about fixtures, but about creating an experience that enhances the way we live.

Whether you’re designing a new space or rethinking your current lighting, this episode will open your eyes to the magic of light and its impact on everyday life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will change the way you see (and feel) lighting!

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re bringing you a special year-end episode where we flip the script and interview each other! In this episode, we dive deep into our personal journeys in interior design—sharing our likes and dislikes, why we chose this career, and the things that motivate us both inside and outside of the design world.

We also talk about what we hope for the future, both professionally and personally, and share some of our biggest takeaways. It’s been an incredible journey bringing you exciting interviews and insightful topics, and we’re thrilled to share what’s to come in 2025.

Thank you for being part of The Design Duet community, and we can’t wait to bring you even more inspiration and creativity in the new year! Tune in to hear our stories, reflections, and future plans!

In this episode of The Design Duet, we take a nostalgic (and slightly cringeworthy) stroll down memory lane to discuss the design trends that have come and gone. From mottled walls and mirrored furniture to saloon-style doors, we question why some of these ever existed—and why others had us hooked at one point.

We explore the ever-evolving nature of design and why certain trends stand the test of time while others fade into obscurity. Whether you’re guilty of loving these trends or just curious about the styles that shaped past decades, this episode is packed with fun insights and honest takes on what’s in, what’s out, and what should never come back.