Two Gins In - A Designer's Perspective

Mel Mackenzie is a principal at TKD Architects in Sydney and one of Australia's most respected interior designers, with a career spanning over 25 years across commercial, hospitality, healthcare, residential, and some genuinely unexpected project types. With a background that began in architecture before finding her true calling in interior design, Mel brings both technical rigour and a deep passi...

Rhiannon Lee is the founder of Oleander & Finch Interiors, a mentor, podcast host, and AI strategist who helps creative business owners integrate tools like Claude and Notion into their workflows without losing what makes their work distinctly human. With a background in corporate business and a hard won design career, she brings a rare combination of commercial clarity and creative fluency to...

  Sandro Nocentini is an Italian-born, Sydney-based artist, art educator and curator whose work is held in private collections around the world. Known for his richly layered figurative paintings and his award-winning piece recognised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales ... Sandro brings to his practice a sculptor's love of the body, a poet's sensitivity to story, and a deeply human approach...

We've had the pleasure of sharing a stage with James on quite a few occasions over the past few years, and somewhere along the way we went from colleagues to genuine friends. We feel it happened pretty naturally ... we just clicked. We share the same sense of humour, and when you find someone who makes you laugh as much as they make you think, you hold onto that. James is one of those people. We'r...

In this engaging conversation, Stef Hanson, a Melbourne-based Creative Director, photographer, and videographer, known for her authentic storytelling and dynamic visual campaigns, shares her journey into the world of visual storytelling. With a strong background in sports and sports media, she hosted the hugely successful multimedia platform for women in sport for 15 years, which saw her trav...

In this engaging conversation, Linda Habak, an accomplished interior designer, co-founder of Rosebriar Developments and now podcaster herself, shares her journey from marketing to design. She discusses her early passion for design, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the design process. Linda reflects on her personal projects that shaped her approach to design and emphas...

In this episode, we chat with Caron about her inspiring move from the finance world into the design industry and her role at KE-ZU Furniture. It is a great reminder that career pivots can lead exactly where you are meant to be. We talk about what really matters when selecting furniture, from quality and warranties through to the often overlooked details like foam types and how they affect comfort...

Kate Nixon: The organic journey of an award-winning Interior Designer. In this conversation, Kate Nixon shares her organic journey in the design industry, influenced by her upbringing in a family of furniture makers. She discusses her transition from food styling to interior design, the importance of understanding the business side of design, and the misconceptions clients often have about the rol...

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, a...

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 d...

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 assemblin...

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 h...

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. T...

In this conversation, Helen and Roland discuss the benefits and features of UPVC windows, focusing on their thermal efficiency, installation process, and overall advantages for homeowners. They explore how UPVC windows compare to traditional materials like timber and aluminium, emphasising their durability, energy savings, and health benefits. The discussion also touches on the importance of prope...

Summary In this episode, Helen and Karyn discuss the intricacies of kitchen renovations, sharing valuable insights from Karyn's ongoing renovation project. They cover essential topics such as the importance of 3D visualisation, future-proofing designs, effective communication with builders, budgeting strategies, and the significance of quality craftsmanship in achieving a successful kitchen design...

KITCHEN DESIGN CHECKLIST LINK Summary In this episode of 'Two Gins In', we dive into the essentials of kitchen design, emphasising the importance of understanding personal needs, selecting materials, maximising storage, and creating a functional yet stylish space.  We discuss various elements such as lighting, appliances, and the significance of a hero element in the kitchen.  The conver...

In this episode of Two Gin's In, Karyn and Helen discuss the hottest interior design trends for 2025, focusing on colour palettes, furnishings, and the resurgence of vintage decor.  They explore the Pantone colour of the year, Mocha mousse, and how it pairs with other trending colours like red, pale blue, and yellow.  The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling in dec...

Tara Solberg, owner of Few and Far and Indigo Love, shares her journey in the design industry and offers tips on defining your style. Tara explains their interior design services and how they work with clients to create beautiful interiors. They offer three types of services: in-store consultations, e-decorating services, and in-home consultations. The process involves understanding the client's s...

Established in 2008, My Joinery has steadily grown and expanded their footprint. They operate from their own factory in Kingsgrove. As a family-owned and operated business and years of experience, Carla & her husband Jo have perfected their craft to deliver  bespoke joinery solutions  tailored precisely to their clients’ requirements. They pride themselves on quality, precision, and...

Diana DiLorenzo’s controls the retail side of her family run and owned business, ‘DiLorenzo Tiles’ She Is one of 4 Sisters involved in the business, each bringing their own area of expertise to the running of the business as a whole. Since 1983 their experience and knowledge in the industry has allowed them to grow and service the residential, commercial, and retail market. They continue to carefu...

Belinda Kelaher, the Managing Director of SmartStone Australia, discusses the history and relaunch of SmartStone as a brand focused on innovation. She explains how the recent government ban on silica-based products led SmartStone to develop a low silica product a porcelain-based product called Sintered Stone. Belinda highlights the durability and versatility of their new Sintered Collection (Porce...

Situated in Southern Sydney, Australia, our team of Building & Interior Designers is dedicated to redefining spaces and enriching lives through innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship. We work closely with our clients, guiding them through every step of their design journey. We’re passionate about empowering home renovators to confidently tackle their projects and make informed decision...

Ali Budd shares her top budget-friendly interior design tips, emphasizing the importance of managing a budget and taking a holistic approach to designing spaces.  She advises starting with one room at a time, creating a floor plan, and building a realistic budget.  Ali also suggests investing in key pieces like sofas and rugs, while being more budget-conscious with coffee tables and side...

Ali Budd, the creative genius behind the hit show House of Ali, shares her journey into television and how it has impacted her interior design business. She emphasizes the importance of client involvement and commitment in the design process and discusses the challenges of managing timelines and client expectations. Ali also opens up about her personal life and how she has successfully co-parented...

In this episode, Svetlana discusses the critical role of a conveyancer and underscores the importance of making the conveyancing process clear and stress-free for clients. She emphasizes the need to cut through legal jargon and provide clear, concise advice. Svetlana walks us through the step-by-step process of buying a property, highlighting the importance of engaging professionals early on to en...