The Design Duet

In this week’s episode of The Design Duet, we sit down with the incredible Jenny Jones, an award-winning rug maker celebrated for her extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic eye. With nearly 30 years in the rug-making industry, Jenny has become a true master of her craft, creating bespoke, handmade rugs that blend tradition, innovation, and a deep passion for art.

Jenny shares her inspiring journey from the beginning of her career to becoming a leading figure in the industry. We dive into the intricate, 180-step process of creating each rug, from design to the final product, and explore how her talent for combining color, texture, and pattern makes her pieces truly timeless. 🖤

Whether you’re a fan of interior design, fascinated by the world of handmade art, or just curious about the rug-making process, this episode offers a rare look into Jenny’s world of craftsmanship and design.

In this special episode of The Design Duet, we tackle one of the most important spaces in any home—the kitchen! Join us as we take a deep dive into a recent client project involving a full kitchen demolition and rebuild, all while sticking to a $70,000 budget.

We’ll walk you through the client’s renovation scope, discuss how to allocate funds effectively, and reveal the hidden costs you may not be aware of when tackling a kitchen renovation. From materials and design choices to unexpected fees, we’ve got everything you need to consider before diving into your own project. 

Whether you’re planning your own kitchen makeover or just curious about the process, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

We are beyond thrilled to be joined by Julie Fodera, who, alongside her husband Vincent, is in the process of restoring the magnificent Heatherbrae—one of Victoria’s most treasured heritage homes.

Located in Caulfield and dating back to 1854, Heatherbrae is steeped in history. In this episode, Julie takes us on a journey through her inspiring vision for restoring this iconic property and shares her personal experiences in the world of historical restoration. We dive deep into the importance of preserving Melbourne's rich history and the significant process of bringing such a storied past back to life.

When complete, Heatherbrae will beautifully blend its historical charm with modern comforts, serving as a true celebration of heritage, community, and the arts. Beyond being a private residence, Julie and her team have founded Heatherbrae1854 Pty Ltd, which will seek opportunities to raise funds for local non-profit organizations dedicated to historical preservation, through affiliate marketing and other exciting initiatives.

In addition to becoming a private home, Heatherbrae will be transformed into a living gallery for artists, designers, and makers. Its stunning grounds, featuring a majestic Moreton Bay Fig (believed to be the largest of its kind in Victoria), will also serve as a coveted venue for curated events. The landscape will be brought to life with feature gardens, enchanting pathways, and ambient lighting.

At the heart of it all, Heatherbrae and the Fodera family aim to inspire the broader community to make thoughtful choices about preserving heritage homes and keeping the stories of our shared history alive.

In this episode of The Design Duet, we sit down with Tilly, who’s in the midst of buying her first home. Join us as Tilly shares her experiences, from navigating the challenging real estate market to figuring out how to choose the right place. We discuss the essential non-negotiables that every first-time homebuyer should consider and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with making such a significant decision.

We also explore why many younger generations often hesitate to reach out to interior designers and how Tilly is breaking that trend by deciding to work with one. She shares her plans for the new space and what she’s looking forward to as she turns her first house into a home.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone thinking about purchasing their first property.

In this  episode of The Design Duet, we're diving deep into the world of home renovation. If you've ever wondered how to kickstart your renovation journey, this episode is for you! We'll answer all your burning questions, including:

- How to start your renovation project?
- Who to talk to for professional advice?
- What you need to remember before diving in?
- Tips and tricks to help you save money along the way.

From the front of your house to the very back, we cover everything you need to know. Our discussion is packed with practical advice and valuable insights that will help you navigate the renovation process smoothly and efficiently.

In this episode of  The Design Duet, we sit down with our lovely client, Inez, who completed the renovation of her stunning Edwardian home back in 2019. Join us as we delve into the details of her renovation journey and the role we played in turning her new house into the home of her dreams.

Inez shares her experiences and insights on:
- The challenges and triumphs of renovating her home
- Her decision to engage an interior designer early in the process
- How our collaboration helped bring her vision to life
- Tips for homeowners considering a renovation project
- The importance of blending old-world charm with modern living

This conversation is filled with practical advice, some fun stories, and plenty of inspiration for anyone interested in home renovation and design. 

In this episode of  The Design Duet, we're delving into the exhilarating and complex world of house flipping. Have you ever considered transforming a fixer-upper into a dream home or a profitable investment? This episode is packed with insights just for you!

Join us as we unpack the enticing opportunities and significant challenges that come with flipping houses. Our discussion covers the financial benefits, renovation strategies, and market dynamics that are crucial for success.

Key topics covered in this episode:
- The financial benefits and risks associated with flipping houses
- Effective renovation strategies to enhance property value
- Tips for identifying the right properties to flip

In this episode of The Design Duet, we sit down with the remarkable Nathan Bachli, a young and dynamic entrepreneur who defied the odds by launching a wholesale business during the challenging times of the pandemic.

Join us as Nathan shares the inspiring story behind his career journey, from his humble beginnings to the bold decision to open his own store. Delve into the passion and perseverance that fuelled his dream, and learn about the hard work and dedication that went into building Bachli.

Discover the ethos behind Bachli, where the focus is on enriching everyday lives with products that wear in, not out. Nathan discusses his vision for the future of the brand, which seeks to collaborate with a select group of highly regarded local and international brands to offer furniture, lighting, and objects for residential and commercial spaces throughout Australia.

With a long-term view and a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Nathan considers each object as a personal investment – objects for a life of all things considered.

In this episode of The Design Duet, join us as we explore the art of renovating a bathroom on a budget! With Easter around the corner, we're excited to bring you a special episode a day early, packed with practical tips and expert advice.

Discover how to transform your bathroom without breaking the bank as we break down the process of designing a stylish and functional space for under $25,000. From choosing the right fixtures to maximising your budget, we cover it all.

Join us as we discuss the essential costs, appliances, and design choices that can help you achieve your dream bathroom within your budget. We'll share insights on what you need, what you don't, and how to prioritize your spending for maximum impact.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to spruce up your space, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to help you create a bathroom you'll love, without the hefty price tag.

WE ARE BACK! In our first episode of Season Two, we're thrilled to have the remarkable Andrew Mitchell, The Design Coach, as our guest. Andrew takes us on a captivating ride through his own evolution within the industry, sharing the pivotal moments that led him to coaching.

From the highs of triumph to the lows of isolation and near-quit, Andrew's story is one of resilience and growth. He candidly shares how these challenges became the stepping stones to building robust systems and processes, propelling his business to unprecedented success.

Tune in as we explore the fascinating intersections of creativity, business, and personal growth with Andrew Mitchell.