Welcome to the Studio Black Journal
A curated collection of interior design stories, project insights and timeless home inspiration. Discover expert advice on luxury residential interiors, and creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Here we offer guidance to help you design a home that feels effortlessly tailored to the way you live.
Five design conversations that shaped 2025
Every year, certain patterns emerge in the homes I design across Canberra and the NSW South Coast. They are not trends for the sake of trends. They are the recurring themes that come up in...
The quiet design of joy
Where does joy hide? It’s a question designer and author Ingrid Fetell Lee explores beautifully in her TED Talk “Where Joy Hides and How to Find It.” She reminds us that joy isn’t something abstract...
Who do you hire first?
The magic of the Architect + Interior Designer + Builder Collaboration Why the best results happen when all three work together from the start. If you’re planning a new home or major renovation,...
Spring decorating ideas
There’s a certain shift in energy when spring arrives. The air feels lighter, the days stretch a little longer, and suddenly we find ourselves craving freshness, not just outdoors, but inside our...
Kick-off your project with the right first steps
Starting a new build or renovation is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You might have ideas, Pinterest boards, even a dream floor plan in mind. The question is: how to start your home...
Designing a kitchen you’ll love
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but designing one from scratch can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re renovating or building new, the decisions can quickly become overwhelming. Stone or...
The invisible language of space
Have you ever walked into a room and felt yourself exhale? Maybe it was the way the light spilled across the floor, or how the warmth of timber underfoot made the space feel instantly familiar, even...
Designing a family home that truly works
Designing a family home is one of life’s most exciting creative adventures and largest investments. When thoughtfully designed, your home won’t just look beautiful, it will support your everyday...
What an Interior Designer actually notices (Hint: It’s not the mess!)
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on all kinds of projects – new builds, home renovations, decorating and one-on-one design consultations. But whenever I mention my profession –...
What’s the difference between an interior designer & decorator?
If you're thinking about updating your home, you might have come across the terms ‘interior designer’ and ‘interior decorator.’ While they sound similar, they actually refer to different roles....
Guide to protecting your furniture & belongings during a move
Moving into a new home is an exciting journey. It’s an opportunity to refresh and style your new abode - from living room layouts to home office set-ups to a new colour palette in the bedroom. With...
Where to splurge and where to save
Where to save versus where to splurge, when it comes to building or renovating your home, is often a difficult question for homeowners to wrap their heads around. With over 15,000 project decisions...
How to balance new trends and timeless design
They say nothing stands the test of time, but as a designer one of the hallmarks of great design is its ability to outlast popular trends and ever-changing design styles. It’s hard to design a home...
Head turning street appeal
First impressions or your home’s ‘curb or street appeal’ are essential when thinking about the exterior building materials for your home. A home’s façade (the front side that faces the street), is...
Tile shopping made easy: 5 essential questions to ask
There are a lot of decisions that need to be made during a home renovation or new build, and selecting tiles is an important decision that contributes to the overall look and feel of your home. From...














