The aesthetics dominating interior design today aren't arbitrary. Mid-century modern, Japandi, maximalist Victorian revival: each emerged from a specific cultural moment, a worldview made physical. When we reach for those aesthetics now, we're borrowing someone else's answer before we've thought to ask the question ourselves.

Design strategist and Yellowtrace founder Dana Tomić Hughes calls this "The Great Flattening." At Storey & Stone, we call it the starting point for a different conversation entirely.

Sustainable design is usually measured in certifications, carbon ratings and material compliance. But what if we've been asking the wrong question? The buildings that endure — from Newgrange to the converted warehouses of Cremorne — don't survive because they performed well on a scorecard. They survive because someone made them with intention, and the people who inherited them felt it. This is an argument for legacy as the real measure of sustainable design: why craft, narrative and emotional resonance outlast any certification framework, and what it means to build toward something larger than the moment of construction.

In Melbourne’s inner suburbs, compact sites demand a precise and experienced approach to design. From clever storage and multi-functional spaces to light-led planning that responds to climate and planning controls, this article explores how well-designed small homes can feel generous, calm and highly liveable. A practical guide to maximising space without compromise.

Not sure who to hire for your renovation or new build? This guide breaks down every construction professional, what they do, what they cost and when to bring them on, so you can build with confidence.

PART 1 - Our Housing Market

A quiet shift is underway in Australian housing. Rising property prices, rental instability and cultural diversity are driving families back to multi-generational living. But this isn't regression or even new. Learn why 1.5 million Australian families are choosing extended family living, what the real costs are, and why dignity matters more than square metres when designing homes that house multiple generations.

PART 2 - Essential Design & Layout Tips

A multi-generational home isn't just a bigger house. It requires deliberate spatial planning that balances proximity with privacy. Discover the critical design features like acoustic insulation, dual master suites, accessible bathrooms, kitchen circulation and outdoor retreat zones that transform extended family living from compromise into genuine harmony. Get the spatial planning right first. Everything else follows.

Melbourne’s period homes weren’t designed for modern living, but with care they can evolve without losing their soul. This guide explains how to preserve, restore and extend Victorian, Federation, Bungalow and Art Deco homes while respecting heritage character and contemporary needs.

In a crowded short-stay market, a holiday rental needs to do more than look good in photos. Guests are choosing places that feel considered, comfortable, and memorable—spaces they want to return to and recommend.

Thoughtful interior design plays a quiet but powerful role in creating these experiences. Not through trend-driven styling or novelty features, but through spaces that feel intuitive, well-resolved, and genuinely enjoyable to stay in. From signature scents and layered lighting to natural textures and acoustic comfort, the most successful holiday rentals engage all the senses.

Our homes play a powerful role in how we feel each day. Thoughtful interior design can support mental wellbeing through natural light, honest materials, air quality, and spaces that feel calm and restorative. From biophilic design principles to wellness-focused bathrooms and breathable homes suited to the Australian climate, this article explores how interiors can quietly support emotional safety, comfort, and everyday rituals.

High-quality interior design isn’t defined by square metres. In compact homes, thoughtful planning, material integrity and skilled design thinking matter more than ever. This article explores how experienced interior designers create calm, functional and beautifully detailed small homes in Melbourne and beyond.

Planning a renovation or new build? Hiring the wrong designer can cost you thousands in mistakes and delays. This guide covers everything from budget foundations to red flags, helping you choose an interior designer with confidence.

Starting an interior design project often feels exciting — and slightly overwhelming. Most clients come to us with ideas, inspiration images, and a sense of what they don’t want — but far less clarity around what the process actually requires.

Preparing properly before engaging an interior designer doesn’t just make things smoother. It sets the foundation for a better outcome.