A Designer's Perspective

Neale Whitaker shares his journey from magazine editor to television presenter, discussing the evolution of design inspiration and the importance of aesthetics. He emphasizes the role of curiosity in maintaining passion for design and the significance of understanding client needs.

Neale also addresses our question on misconceptions in the design industry, the impact of television on his career, and the organic nature of career paths. The conversation touches on personal growth, confidence, and the changing perception of age in creativity, concluding with a commitment to embracing opportunities and continuing to learn.

Key Takeaways:

• Neale emphasizes the importance of curiosity in maintaining passion for design.

• He highlights the influence of Australian magazines on global design trends.

• Neale believes that understanding client needs is crucial for successful design.

• He discusses the misconceptions surrounding his role in the design industry.

• He acknowledges the importance of experience in the creative field.

• He believes in learning from every experience, good or bad.

• Neale reflects on the organic nature of his career path and the opportunities that have come his way.

• He emphasizes that age should not define one's creativity or career trajectory.



Connect with Us:

Follow us here on INSTAGRAM

Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au

Follow us here on PINTEREST

Planning to build a new home or renovate?

Then it’s time to get organised and plan your build with confidence!

Our ONLINE COURSE, Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide

Shares our 20 + years of design & construction knowledge.

• We show you how to plan with confidence

• We share industry insights on how to avoid common pitfalls

• And most importantly…how to save money & time !!

To find out more hit the link above.

Not sure where to start your build journey?

Our free design resources will guide you every step of the way hit the LINK HERE

Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes, Subscribe to ‘A Designer’s Perspective’. And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform & SHARE this episode with a friend.

And finally…Thank you for tuning in. We’ll see you next time with more insights from the world of design and construction. Karyn + Helen XX

This is a short wrap to close out 2025 and mark a reset for the podcast.

It’s been a big year behind the scenes, and while we pressed pause on releasing episodes mid year, the conversations never really stopped. In this episode, we reflect briefly on where we’ve been, why we stepped back, and what’s coming next.

From late January 2026, the podcast returns with a refreshed direction, featuring in depth conversations with some of the best voices in Australian design and the arts. We’ll be sitting down with people shaping the industry in meaningful ways, exploring their thinking, their work and the paths that got them there.

This new season sees us asking every guest the same three questions. The answers have been thoughtful, surprising and often wildly different, and they continue to spark some of the most interesting moments in each conversation.

Thank you for listening, for sticking with us, and for being part of the journey. We’ll see you on the other side of the reset.

In this episode of 'Two Gin's In, a Designer's Perspective', Karyn and Helen discuss the essential steps homeowners need to take before starting a renovation or new build. They cover topics such as defining renovation goals, budgeting, assessing project scope, understanding local council regulations, creating a project brief, getting early estimates from builders, setting priorities, and assembling a design team. The conversation emphasises the importance of preparation and planning to ensure a successful renovation experience.

You’ll learn:

Defining your renovation goals is crucial for success.

Budgeting should include a contingency for unexpected costs.

Assess the full scope of your project to avoid surprises.

Understanding local council regulations can save time and money.

A clear project brief acts as a roadmap for your renovation.

Getting early estimates helps in aligning your budget with your plans.

Prioritise elements that will add the most value to your home.

Assemble a reliable design team to streamline the process.

Be prepared for decision fatigue during the renovation process.

Research and preparation are key to a successful renovation.



Free Download 8 Points to consider for a successful Renovation

Connect with Us:

Follow us here on INSTAGRAM

Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au

Follow us here on PINTEREST

Are you contemplating renovating or building a new home? Our

ONLINE COURSE, Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide

shares 20 + years of design and construction experience.

Avoid common pitfalls

Plan with confidence

Save money and time

Enjoy a smooth building journey…to find out more hit the link!!

Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide





Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes!! Subscribe to ‘Two Gins In’ now !!

Write us a review !! Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Know someone renovating their home? Then SHARE this episode with them!

Thank you for tuning in!

We’ll see you next time with more insights from the world of design and construction.



Garden Street Gin Club

Whether you're a gin connoisseur, or just getting started on your gin journey, Garden Street Gin Club is the perfect way to explore new flavours and treat yourself at the end of the day.

https://www.gardenstreet.com.au/#collection-subscription

We have created a unique discount code for our ‘Two Gins In’ Podcast listeners and guests

CODE: twoginsin

Any listener that uses our discount code at the checkout when signing up to Garden Street Gin Club will also receive a bonus 200ml bottle of Australian craft gin valued at $35+!
New members that sign up to Garden Street Gin Club will receive, the current months gin box

In this podcast episode, Helen & Karyn chat with Mark Bennett, the marketing director of Momo Handles for the Furnware Group, discussing the evolution of the brand, its design philosophy, and the importance of door hardware in home aesthetics and functionality.

They explore current trends in materials and finishes, Momo's commitment to sustainability, and the significance of functionality in hardware selection. The conversation also highlights the interactive showroom experience, and the educational initiatives Momo offers to designers and the home renovator / builder.

You’ll learn:

Momo Handles started with a focus on cabinet hardware and evolved into architectural door hardware.

The design philosophy behind consistency across home finishes.

Handles and cabinetry hardware significantly influence the overall aesthetic of a space.

Sustainability is a growing focus, with efforts to ensure long-lasting products.

Momo encourages customers to engage with products in their showroom for the full tactile experience over making selections through images alone.

Current trends include a shift towards earthy tones and polished nickel finishes.

Functionality should be the primary consideration when selecting hardware.

The tactile experience of handles is crucial for customer satisfaction.

Momo's showroom offers an interactive experience for designers and consumers alike.

Education on product selection is essential for both designers and homeowners.

Guest Contact:

Visit Momo website https://www.momohandles.com.au/

Follow Momo here on INSTAGRAM



Connect with Us:

Follow us here on INSTAGRAM

Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au

Follow us here on PINTEREST



Are you contemplating renovating or building a new home? Our ONLINE COURSE, Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide shares 20 + years of design and construction experience.

Avoid common pitfalls

Plan with confidence

Save money and time

Enjoy a smooth building journey…to find out more hit the link!!

Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide



MOOD BOARD MASTERCLASSES

Are you in need of hands-on guidance when it comes to honing your home style?

Then our mood boarding workshops are a must!!

Hit the link below to find out where and when our next class is being held

Style Foundations Workshop, Style Foundations, Mood Board Workshop



Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes!! Subscribe to ‘Two Gins In’ now !!

Write us a review !! Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Know someone renovating their home? Then SHARE this episode with them!



Thank you for tuning in!

We’ll see you next time with more insights from the world of design and construction.

Garden Street Gin Club

Whether you're a gin connoisseur, or just getting started on your gin journey, Garden Street Gin Club is the perfect way to explore new flavours and treat yourself at the end of the day.

https://www.gardenstreet.com.au/#collection-subscription

We have created a unique discount code for our ‘Two Gins In’ Podcast listeners and guests

CODE: twoginsin

Any listener that uses our discount code at the checkout when signing up to Garden Street Gin Club will also receive a bonus 200ml bottle of Australian craft gin valued at $35+!

New members that sign up to Garden Street Gin Club will receive,
The current months gin box

In this engaging conversation, Helen and Karyn speak with Rohan Love from Northside Blinds about the intricacies of window coverings, the importance of early planning, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality.

They discuss the challenges faced in the design process, the latest trends in automation and smart blinds, and common mistakes homeowners make when selecting window treatments. The discussion emphasises the need for collaboration among designers, builders, and window covering specialists to achieve the best results for clients.

You’ll learn:

Planning for window furnishings should start early in the design process.

Window coverings are not just aesthetic; they serve functional purposes.

Automation in window treatments is becoming increasingly popular.

Quality window coverings can be a significant investment.

Understanding the thermal efficiency of window coverings is crucial.

Collaboration between designers and window covering specialists is essential.

Common mistakes include leaving window treatment decisions until the last minute.

Budgeting for window coverings should be done early to avoid surprises.

Smart blinds can enhance convenience and energy efficiency in homes.

Every window presents unique challenges that require tailored solutions.



DOWNLOAD OUR FREE WINDOW & COVERINGS CHECKLIST



Connect with Our Guest:

Follow Northside Blinds on Instagram here, INSTAGRAM

Contact Northside Blinds CONTACT US
Visit our website WEBSITE



Connect with Us:

Follow us here on INSTAGRAM

Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au

Follow us here on PINTEREST



Are you contemplating renovating or building a new home? Our

ONLINE COURSE, Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide

shares 20 + years of design and construction experience.

Avoid common pitfalls

Plan with confidence

Save money and time

Enjoy a smooth building journey…to find out more hit the link!!

Build it Right - Renovation & New Home Guide

MOOD BOARD MASTERCLASSES

Are you in need of hands-on guidance when it comes to honing your home style?

Then our mood boarding workshops are a must!!

Hit the link below to find out where and when our next class is being held

Style Foundations Workshop, Style Foundations, Mood Board Workshop



Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes!! Subscribe to ‘Two Gins In’ now !!

Write us a review!! Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Know someone renovating their home? Then SHARE this episode with them!



Thank you for tuning in!

We’ll see you next time with more insights from the world of design and construction.



Garden Street Gin Club

Whether you're a gin connoisseur, or just getting started on your gin journey, Garden Street Gin Club is the perfect way to explore new flavours and treat yourself at the end of the day.

https://www.gardenstreet.com.au/#collection-subscription



We have created a unique discount code for our ‘Two Gins In’ Podcast listeners and guests

CODE: twoginsin



Any listener that uses our discount code at the checkout when signing up to Garden Street Gin Club will also receive a bonus 200ml bottle of Australian craft gin valued at $35+!



New members that sign up to Garden Street Gin Club will receive,
The current months gin box