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Hi, We're Chrissie and Caroline! We are passionate interior designers who are being asked more and more about what we do and how we do it. In this podcast we will talk about all things interior decoration and design, our process from start to finish, and we will also bring along our design friends to get an insight into the industry.
38 Episodes
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In this episode of The Design Duet, we sit down with Edwina to explore the deeply personal journey of designing a home around accessibility. As a primary caregiver for her son, who lives with a rare disease, Edwina shares what it took to make their home not just functional, but comfortable and welcoming for the whole family. We discuss the key modifications that supported her son’s mobility and independence, the thoughtful design elements that made daily life easier, and the emotional balance...
In The Block Effect, we dive into how renovation shows have changed the game, for better and worse. They’ve inspired us to care about good design (yes!), take creative risks, and dream big for our homes. But they’ve also left us with sky-high expectations, lightning-fast timelines, and the idea that a full home renovation is just a few late nights away. This week, we unpack: What shows like The Block get rightThe things they never show you (permits, delays & real costs!)Why design is a pr...
In this episode we sit down with Marie from Monarch Property Styling, a leading expert in transforming homes to sell faster, for more and with less stress. Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and how it’s presented can dramatically shape how buyers feel about it. That’s where styling becomes more than just aesthetics, it becomes strategy. Marie shares her journey from creative beginnings to becoming a sought-after stylist in the Melbourne property market. She w...
This week, we’re joined by one of Melbourne’s most respected creative forces - Mark Douglass, a renowned glass artist and designer with over 30 years of experience crafting sculptural lighting and bespoke interiors. Mark’s journey began with a love of painting and sculpture, but it was glass - a medium of both fragility and strength - that became his signature. His hand-blown glass lighting can be found in luxury hotels, high-end residences, and award-winning developments across the country. ...
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 ti...
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 furnish...
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 s...
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 bri...
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...
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 ...
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 w...
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 under...
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 bringi...
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 curio...
In this episode, we’re sharing our unique journeys into the world of interior design. Caroline talks about starting fresh in the field, while Chrissie shares her experience making a career change. With the end of the school year approaching, many students and career-changers are thinking about their next steps. We dive into the different paths you can take to become an interior designer and explore some less traditional routes into the industry. Plus, we’ll give you practical tips on small ac...
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 th...
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 fe...
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 o...
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 inte...
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 ne...
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