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 connection to nature, shaped her understanding of nurturing spaces. This early influence sparked a career that would help countless Australians reimagine their homes as sanctuaries. The conversation unfolds with practical wisdom about creating spaces that ground us through natural materials—plaster walls, wooden floors, and stone elements that have stood the test of time.

What makes this discussion particularly refreshing is Melissa's insistence that sustainable design doesn't require massive budgets. She enthusiastically reveals her auction house strategies, explains why refurbishing existing elements often trumps replacement, and describes how simple touches like seasonal fruit displays or collected botanical specimens can transform a space more effectively than expensive renovations. The passion in her voice is palpable as she explains how these choices benefit not just current homeowners but future generations.

Beyond the expected design talk, Melissa offers unexpected insights about sound absorption, ventilation strategies, and creating "visual tactility"—elements rarely covered in typical interior discussions. She explains why even the most perfectly styled homes can feel soulless without elements of whimsy, drama, and personal history. The most luxurious homes in her book (from Giorgio Armani's never-before-published living room to a breathtaking Palm Beach residence) all follow these principles.

Ready to transform your space? Listen now and discover how small, thoughtful choices in materials, light, and arrangement can create homes that nurture both inhabitants and the planet.

'Natural Living by Design', available now at all great book stores or online

https://melissapenfold.com/new-book

https://melissapenfold.com

Instagram:

@melissa_penfold

Thinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe?

Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening.

London Tour 2025

Milan Tour 2026

Bree offers a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment.

Bookings now open for late July Learn more: https://breebanfield.com

Back by popular demand— Lauren's 'Colour and Materials Masterclass ' returns on August 2nd! If you're unsure how to pair paint colours with floors or finishes, this full-day online event is for you. Learn how colour really works and follow a clear, step-by-step method to confidently choose the right paint every time. It's a fun, practical day with a vibrant community of fellow colour lovers.

Tickets are on sale now and sold out fast last time—don’t miss out!

https://www.sisalla-sessions.com.au/products/live_events/colour-materials-workshop