Design Anatomy

Ever wonder why some rooms feel irresistible the moment you touch a handle or close a door? We sit down with Gemma from Studio Gemma, the mind behind the Joinery Edit, to explore the tactile side of interiors—where hinges, board sizes and finish choices quietly decide how your home lives every day. It’s a joyful, candid tour through craft and practicality, with a healthy dose of humour and hot takes on the tiny design decisions that make a massive difference.

Gemma shares the origin of her cheeky, high-signal emails and how they morphed into a trusted resource for clients and designers. We dig into the real cost levers that blow up budgets—oversized boards, unnecessary profiles, and construction methods that don’t match the brief—and how to design smarter without sacrificing character. You’ll learn why coloured internals beat white melamine, when an olive knuckle hinge turns cabinetry into furniture, and how to coordinate services so aircon grills stop hijacking your sightlines.

We also broaden the lens: London’s millwork culture vs Australia’s defaults, the fear of pattern and the myth of “resale-safe” grey, and the quiet tragedy of heritage homes giving way to cookie-cutter duplexes. Gemma champions hand-painted finishes with visible brushstrokes, natural materials that age with grace, and rooms that hold personality—because houses sell best when people fall in love with them. Along the way, we laugh about painter opinions, energy drinks on site, and the art of choosing once and moving forward with confidence.
Check out Studio Gemma & The Joinery Edit. 
Follow along on her gorgeous Insta page too @_studiogemma_

If you’re craving interiors that feel as good as they look, this conversation will sharpen your eye and embolden your choices. Subscribe, share it with a design-obsessed friend, and leave a review telling us the one detail you’ll never compromise on.
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
Join Lauren online for a workshop to help break down the Design steps to run your project & business a little smoother with the Design Process MasterClass, opening 15th October!
For more info see below
The Design Process MasterClass ONLINE

The final in our best of Design Anatomy series wraps up today, revisiting some of our most admired, inspirational & popular episodes for you to enjoy over Summer! Bree & Lauren will be back with more amazing guests in late January 2026  
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
Join Lauren online for a workshop to help break down the Design steps to run your project & business a little smoother with the Design Process MasterClass, opening 15th October!
For more info see below
The Design Process MasterClass ONLINE

The best of Design Anatomy series continues today, revisiting some of our most admired, inspirational & popular episodes for you to enjoy over the holiday season! Bree & Lauren will be back with more amazing guests in late January 2026 
Renowned designer Sarah Ellison joins us to uncover the vibrant tapestry of her career, from her early experiences at Real Living to the exciting launch of her new venture, Sarah Ellison Creative. With a unique blend of humour and insight, Sarah discusses the transformative influence of social media on the magazine industry and shares her intuitive approach to anticipating design trends, likening it to the data-driven precision of AI. Her background in fashion and publishing has not only honed her trend-spotting skills but also sparked her passion to explore new creative realms beyond her successful furniture business Ellison Studios

Sarah offers a captivating glimpse into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces that engage all the senses. From navigating the challenges of creating personal designs to filling market gaps with her distinct aesthetic, Sarah's journey is a testament to innovation and authenticity in the design world. Her philosophy, "designed for the senses," is rooted in the creation of immersive spaces that evoke emotion and experience. Listeners will be inspired by her stories of balancing professional aspirations with personal life.

As we explore the concept of timelessness in design, Sarah reflects on the cyclic nature of trends and the resurgence of styles from past eras. The conversation touches on how quality craftsmanship and simplicity can withstand the test of time, providing insights into making affordable yet stylish updates to interior spaces. We also delve into the evolution of aesthetics like the Scandi style, and the nuanced role of colours such as Pink and Grey. Join us for an enriching discussion that emphasizes the significance of context and personal style, while celebrating the artistry of design that resonates through every era.

We hoped you enjoyed this episode & if you want to keep an eye out on what Sarah is up to next, please follow along at Sarah Ellison Creative on Instagram or her website Sarah Ellison Creative 

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
Join Lauren online for a workshop to help break down the Design steps to run your project & business a little smoother with the Design Process MasterClass, opening 15th October!
For more info see below
The Design Process MasterClass ONLINE

Design Anatomy will be releasing a 'Best of' series starting today, revisiting some of our most admired, inspirational & popular episodes for you to enjoy over the holiday season! Bree & Lauren will be back with more amazing guests early 2026
Join us on an insightful journey with the talented designer Brahman Perera as we uncover the past year's highlights in interior design. Ever wondered how rest can spark creativity, or how the cultural tapestry influences your work?

Brahman shares his unique perspective on the power of taking a step back for innovation and how embracing one's cultural identity can transform design. We also highlight the heartwarming generosity within the design community and how these bonds foster genuine friendships and mutual support, especially in vibrant cities like Melbourne.

Explore the fascinating intersection of diversity and design, where personal stories and multicultural backgrounds shape our understanding of identity. We dive into the success story of Brahman's Hopper Joint that opened in March this year, a celebration of Sri Lankan street food that reflects the rich cultural heritage of its founders. The conversation doesn't stop there; we dig into the critical need for more diversity in interior design, particularly in public spaces, to mirror our multicultural societies. Brahma and I emphasize that recognizing and valuing diversity can lead to more inclusive and meaningful designs.

From the evolution of retail design trends to the impact of COVID-19 on commercial and residential spaces, we touch on the dynamic nature of design and the need for adaptability. Whether it's reimagining a spare room or integrating unique elements into retail spaces, thoughtful design can significantly enhance everyday living. Finally, we celebrate the blending of nostalgia and sustainability, highlighting how personal connections and cherished items can create timeless, functional spaces.

Brahman Perera's amazing work can be seen here on his website & instagram
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
Join Lauren online for a workshop to help break down the Design steps to run your project & business a little smoother with the Design Process MasterClass, opening 15th October!
For more info see below
The Design Process MasterClass ONLINE

Design Anatomy will be releasing a 'Best of' series starting today, revisiting some of our most admired, inspirational & popular episodes for you to enjoy over the holiday season! Bree & Lauren will be back with more amazing guests early 2026
Recorded in front of a live audience from the gorgeous Living Edge showroom here in Melbourne, this special episode celebrates our official launch of The Design Anatomy podcast last year. Hosts Bree Banfield and Lauren Li engage in a wonderful discussion with renowned stylist & interior decorator Simone Haag. 
We explore the intersection of classic design and modern creativity, delving into how iconic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair continue to influence contemporary aesthetics. 
The conversation highlights the importance of personal stories in design, the challenges of sourcing unique furniture, and the evolving nature of design trends. Simone shares her journey from residential to commercial design, emphasizing the significance of integrity and enjoyment in creating timeless spaces. In this conversation, the speakers explore the evolving relationship between art and design, particularly in furniture. 
They discuss how clients are increasingly valuing pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The dialogue shifts to the importance of identifying future classics in design, the role of material innovation and sustainability, and the significance of personal touches in creating meaningful spaces. The speakers also celebrate Australian design and share personal anecdotes that highlight the journey of iconic pieces in their lives.
Keep up to date with the latest on Simone's socials:
https://www.simonehaag.com.au
@simonehaag 
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
Join Lauren online for a workshop to help break down the Design steps to run your project & business a little smoother with the Design Process MasterClass, opening 15th October!
For more info see below
The Design Process MasterClass ONLINE