Welcome to the Studio Black Journal
Thoughtful articles, project insights and timeless design inspiration for homeowners planning a renovation, custom home or interior transformation. Explore practical advice, considered ideas and expert guidance to help you create a home that feels beautifully resolved, deeply personal and effortless to live in.
How to choose quality furniture that lasts
Knowing how to choose quality furniture is one of the most important decisions you'll make when creating a home. While trends come and go, well-crafted, timeless furniture brings beauty, comfort and...
The psychology behind a home that feels good
Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt calm and comfortable? Before you notice the furniture, artwork or finishes, something already feels right. The space feels calm, welcoming and...
Why good design feels effortless
Have you have ever walked into a home, where everything feels right, where nothing competes or distracts, it feels calm, resolved and easy to be in? That sense of ease is often not accidental, it is...
Renovation fatigue: staying confident mid project
Starting a renovation is exhilarating. Plans are drawn. Finishes are selected. The future of your home begins to take shape on paper. Then the build begins. Dust creeps into every corner. Rooms...
Designing a home that supports your routine
February carries a different kind of energy in Canberra. The holidays are over. School bags are packed. Work calendars fill quickly. Life shifts back into structure, and this is where good design...
When ‘white’ became the headline
Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year and what it says about how we’re really feeling When Pantone announced its 2026 Colour of the Year, it stirred up conversation across the design world. Not because...
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 –...