Design Anatomy

The Danish concept of "hygge" (pronounced hoo-ga) has captivated the world for good reason—it's the secret to creating spaces that nurture wellbeing rather than just looking pretty. Lauren and Bree dive deep into what makes a home truly feel good, challenging the sterile white aesthetic that has dominated Australian interiors for too long.

Drawing from their design expertise and personal experiences, they ex...

Ever wonder what breathes life into the most stunning architectural spaces? Nicole England knows the secret—it's not just about the walls and windows, but the personality that fills them.

As one of Australia's leading architectural photographers, Nicole has developed a distinctive eye for capturing not just the physical beauty of spaces, but their emotional resonance. Her work has graced the pages of Architectura...

Have you ever been moved to tears by the curve of a chair or the light on a Parisian street? We have—more than once. In this episode, we’re sharing our Top 5 most unforgettable design moments in Paris and Milan—the kind that leave you breathless, inspired, and maybe a little emotional.

From the tucked-away ateliers in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement to navigating Milan’s sprawling Salone del Mobile like a pro, we reveal the secret spots,...

Taking a breath between creative bursts is essential for fresh thinking, which is why we're pausing briefly mid-season. Don't worry—this isn't goodbye, but a moment to reset before returning with conversations featuring iconic designers and emerging voices who are reshaping how we think about spaces.

While we're away, Bree has opened bookings for her game-changing 90-minute design consultations. These f...

Nick White shares his remarkable journey from drafting buildings to crafting punchlines. With the sharp observation skills of an architect and the timing of a seasoned comedian, Nick reveals how he transitioned from designing spaces to creating characters that have captured the hearts of over half a million followers online.

Having trained as an architect and worked in prestigious firms from Brisbane to New York, Nick foun...

Stepping into a beautiful home isn't simply about admiring aesthetics—it's about experiencing how deeply our surroundings affect our wellbeing. Design authority Melissa Penfold joins us to reveal the philosophy behind her stunning new book "Natural Living by Design," where timeless style meets environmental consciousness.

Melissa shares how her childhood beach house, with its weathered wood and connecti...

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."

Dav...

What begins as an accidental career path often leads to the most extraordinary destinations. Luke Fry's journey exemplifies this perfectly—originally waitlisted for graphic design, he reluctantly accepted a spot in interior design at Swinburne University, never imagining it would become the foundation for his acclaimed architectural practice two decades later.

Growing up with a builder father and brother, Luke had con...

The humble kitchen has evolved from a purely functional space into the vibrant heart of our homes, but what's next in this evolution? In this fascinating conversation with Loren Inglis, Regional Business Development Manager at Vzug, we explore how kitchen design is entering its next phase as "the third space" – where technology, aesthetics, and authentic living intersect.

Loren pulls back the curtain on how ...

The beautiful chaos of Milan Design Week comes alive through the fresh eyes of first-time attendee Alvin Wu, brand manager at Niche Media. What began as a career in interior design evolved into finding his true passion within the design community—organizing events like the "30 Under 30" program that recognizes emerging design talent through mentorship and a creativity retreat in Bali.

Drawn to Milan with the hope...

Architect Georgina Wilson joins us to share her remarkable journey from traditional practice to social media phenomenon. What began as a simple experiment on TikTok — "because no one I knew was on it" — unexpectedly transformed her 25-year architectural career and business model. Today, her viral design content reaches hundreds of thousands of followers, and her firm operates "as if from the moon," providing vir...

The Milan in review series: Sculpting Light with Oliver Wilcox

What happens when an artist turns lighting designer? Oliver Wilcox's journey from fine arts graduate to founder of the cutting-edge Lost Profile Studio reveals the magic that occurs at the intersection of art and function.

Oliver's story begins with a fortuitous volunteer position at Christopher Boots' lighting studio that evolved into managing pr...

Welcome back for Season 2 of The Design Anatomy podcast! 

After our incredible travel adventure with a fabulous group of design enthusiasts on our very first Design Anatomy Tour, we're buzzing to share what we discovered & experienced abroad.

Stepping into private Parisian and Milanese apartments was truly a pinch-us experience. From artist, Paul Mouginot's classic pre-Haussmann apartment to Architect & de...

Twenty episodes down, and what a journey it's been! Lauren and Bree reflect on Design Anatomy's debut season while sharing exciting news about where the podcast is heading next—literally.

With Paris and Milan firmly in their sights, the hosts are taking The Design Anatomy on the road through exclusive, intimate design tours. Unlike typical tourist experiences, these adventures are crafted for just eight design e...

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 Loung...

Join us for a candid and entertaining exploration of the funny and humbling side of interior design as we share our biggest mistakes and the lessons they taught us. From disastrous color choices in children's rooms to the importance of careful client involvement, we cover a range of design fails that all professionals face at some point in their careers. By recounting our blunders, we hope to inspire and educate aspiring desig...

What motivates someone to leave a successful career path and venture into the unknown? Ruby Shields did just that when she bid farewell to her flourishing advertising career to embrace her true passion: interior design. Join us as Ruby opens up about the pivotal moment at 27 when she realized she had to make a drastic change for personal happiness. Ruby’s journey is marked by the courage to take risks, driven by advice from her fat...

Ever wondered if your open floor plan is more of a hassle than a haven? Discover why Bree Banfield and Lauren Li think it might be time to rethink this modern design staple. We explore the hidden pitfalls of open layouts, from echoing acoustics to the woeful wafts of last night’s dinner. With a fresh perspective on furniture placement and clever solutions like sliding doors, we invite you to rethink how you can achieve both opennes...

What happens when the timeless elegance of historical architecture meets the chic allure of contemporary design? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of the new French look, where iconic architectural elements blend seamlessly with modern aesthetics. In this episode, French Architect & Designer Sophie Dries shares the inspiration behind the project that features on the cover of the The New French Look, and reveals the de...