Growing up surrounded by the hum of machinery and the scent of fresh wood, Kate Nixon's path to becoming a renowned designer was anything but ordinary. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the world of design.

A Childhood Among Craftsmen: Kate's early years were spent in her family's furniture workshop, where she developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials. "I grew up on the factory floor," she recalls, "surrounded by leather and wood veneers." This unique upbringing laid the foundation for her future in design.

The Unexpected Detour: Despite her early exposure to design, Kate's journey wasn't straightforward. She initially considered a career in architecture, only to find it wasn't her calling. A chance encounter with a family friend led her to a biscuit company called ‘Mother Meg's’ who exported globally...this is where she honed her skills in business and creativity.

Finding Her True Passion: Kate's foray into food styling...

When clients tell us they want a home that feels cohesive, calm, and well considered, our answer is always the same: it’s not about spending more money. It’s about spending it in the right places.

Great interiors are rarely made up of all high-end finishes or all budget selections. The most successful homes have a mix of price points within the fit-out budget, carefully balanced so the space feels intentional, not compromised.

The key is knowing where to invest and where to save.

Start with the big, permanent items

Some elements are hard or expensive to change later, so these are often worth allocating a little more budget to. Think:

• Flooring
• Joinery and cabinetry
• Kitchen benchtops
• Bathroom waterproofing and core finishes

These items set the tone of the home and are used every day. Getting them right upfront avoids costly changes down the track and helps the whole interior feel grounded and timeless.

Save on items that are easy to update

Not everything needs to be top sh...

We’re thrilled to kick off Season 2 of our podcast, “A Designer’s Perspective”, with a refreshed focus and exciting new direction. This season, we’re spotlighting Australia’s top creatives, diving deeper into their journeys, insights, and the stories that make them leaders in their field.

Our first episode features none other than Neale Whitaker, a true icon in the design world. From magazine publishing to television stardom, Neale’s career is a masterclass in creativity, adaptability, and staying ahead of industry shifts. Join us as we explore his evolution, the role of design media, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

The Role of Design Magazines

Neale’s career began in the world of magazine publishing, where he quickly made a name for himself. "Design magazines shaped the industry," Neale shared, highlighting how these publications were once the primary source of inspiration for designers across the globe. As the industry shifted from print to digital media, Neale embra...

2026 interiors are all about homes that feel personal, warm, and intentional.

Rather than chasing every trend, we’re seeing spaces designed to reflect real life, lifestyle, and lasting style.

Before we dive into the 'trends' we need to make mention of Pantone's 2026 colour of the year.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, signals a return to soft neutrals and calm spaces. It’s an elegant shade that offers a quiet backdrop for interiors and works beautifully with texture and natural materials. That said, we don’t always agree that neutrals should dominate. For many homes, colour grounded in personality creates more life and longevity than a single “safe” palette. We see colour working with a home’s character, not replacing it.

Colour With Purpose

Rich tones are back. Deep greens have dominated for a while, but blues are starting to take over, bringing a fresh, calming vibe to interiors. Warm neutrals, jewel shades, and intentional accent colours are also in play, creating im...

When Interior & Building Designer Karyn McRae’s mother, Pam, suggested building a small flat on their southern Sydney property, the request was simple — a quiet place to call home. But Karyn saw more.

She reimagined the family home completely, creating two living zones that connect across levels and generations. The result is The Treehouse — a renovation filled with light and outlook.

Shaping A Home Around Warmth

The original 1950s house sat on a steep, leafy block with views across the Royal National Park. Karyn expanded the footprint opening up living areas to the south and drew the landscape inside. Walnut joinery, brushed bronze tapware, and sintered stone add depth, while a soft palette lets the greenery outside hold the spotlight.

“The design response centres on connection to place, to light, and to daily living,” - Karyn McRae.

And at the heart of it — the fireplace.

Choosing A Fireplace With Presence

Karyn didn’t want a fireplace that disappeared into the walls. Sh...

A well-designed kitchen isn’t just about looks—it’s about how it works for you.

In our latest episode of our podcast 'Two Gins In, A Designer’s Perspective', we unpacked the essentials of kitchen design, from selecting the perfect materials to maximizing storage and avoiding common mistakes.

 Whether you're planning a renovation or just dreaming of your perfect space, here’s a deep dive into the key elements of a well-thought-out kitchen.

1.  Understand Your Kitchen Needs

 Every household is different, and your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle. Do you love entertaining? What type of cooking do you mainly do? Need extra storage for bulk groceries? Identifying your needs helps lay the foundation for a practical, functional space.

📝 Pro tip: Map out your daily kitchen routine before finalizing the layout.

2.  Layout & Workflow: The Golden Triangle

The classic work triangle—connecting the sink, stove, and fridge—is a timeless rule for optimising movement. However, modern ...

Design Trends for 2025: A Sneak Peek

Welcome to the future of interior design!

In Episode 37 of our podcast Two Gins In - A Designer’s Perspective, we explored the hottest trends shaping interiors in 2025. From colour palettes to vintage decor, the episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to refresh their space or start a new project. If you’re a fan of design, this blog post is your gateway to what’s trending — and why you should make it your own.

What’s Trending in 2025?

1. Mocha Mousse: The Colour of the Year

Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is an earthy, grounding tone perfect for creating warmth and depth in any room. We spoke in the pod about its versatility, particularly when paired with trending shades like:

• Red: Back in various bold and muted tones.

• Pale Blue: Perfect for a serene, calming effect.

• Yellow: Adds a pop of cheer and brightness. 

2. Vintage Decor: Storytelling Through Design

Vintage pieces are more than ju...

Characterised by a light and airy ambiance, this design aesthetic celebrates the beauty of natural materials and a soothing neutral colour palette. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of Hamptons style, exploring its signature features, colour palette, materials, and the tranquil atmosphere it creates. 

1. A Serene Colour Palette: Hamptons style embraces a serene colour palette that evokes the tranquility of the beach and the timeless elegance of coastal living. Whites, creams, beiges, and soft blues, greens, and greys take centre stage, creating a harmonious and calming atmosphere. These colours reflect the natural elements of sand, sea, and sky, infusing your space with a sense of serenity and relaxation.

2. Embracing Natural Materials: To capture the essence of coastal living, Hamptons style interiors embrace natural materials that exude warmth and character. Natural fibres like linen and cotton dominate upholstery and drapery, lending a soft and inviting texture t

   ...

Palm Springs style—a design aesthetic that emerged in the mid-20th century in the sun-drenched oasis of Palm Springs, California. Renowned for its minimalism, simplicity, functionality, and captivating use of bold colours, this style pays homage to the stunning desert landscape that surrounds it. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the vibrant and colourful world of Palm Springs design, exploring its key elements, signature colours, and iconic materials. We can vouch for the stunning desert landscapes and those colours as we were fortunate to visit PS in March 2020, we took an architectural homes tour and fell in love with the style and the place...we can't wait to visit again!

A VIBRANT AND COLOURFUL AESTHETIC

At the heart of Palm Springs style lies a vibrant and vivacious colour palette that echoes the hues of the desert and the boundless skies. Bright blues reminiscent of crystal-clear pools, sunny yellows that mirror the endless sunshine, and warm oranges that reflect the des...

Coastal Contemporary design is a captivating fusion of natural elements and a palette that effortlessly embodies the Australian lifestyle. In this blog post, we'll delve into the design principles that define this style and provide valuable tips on how to incorporate its essence into your interiors. 

HARMONISING NATURAL ELEMENTS

Coastal Contemporary style revolves around creating a seamless connection to nature. To achieve this, it is essential to incorporate natural materials such as wood, rattan, stone, and clay. These elements infuse your space with warmth, texture, and a sense of organic beauty. Consider incorporating a statement wooden coffee table or a stunning stone accent wall to anchor the room. Rattan furniture pieces can add a touch of coastal sophistication, while clay pottery or vases bring earthy charm to the space.

A SOOTHING PALETTE

The colour palette plays a crucial role in Coastal Contemporary design. Opt for breezy and light tones like whites, creams, and soft ...