Melissa Penfold

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INTERIORS

HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR COPY OF MELISSA’S NEW BOOK YET?

Change how you experience the world everyday.
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NON-OBVIOUS MEGA DESIGN TRENDS: HOW TO SEE WHAT OTHERS MISS

The game-changing trends to keep you future-ready.
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2025 DESIGN PREDICTIONS ARE IN FOR THE WHOLE HOUSE

What’s in (and what’s out) for the new year, according to insider data.
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INTERIORS

THE 23 MOST DEFINING PIECES OF FURNITURE FROM THE LAST 100 YEARS

Which designs would you nominate to a Furniture Hall of Fame?
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THE THINGS YOUR WEDDING GUESTS SECRETLY DESPISE

The aspects of weddings, people really detest.
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MPSTYLE

A WORLD OF INSPIRATION

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March 3, 2025

INTERIORS

HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR COPY OF MELISSA’S NEW BOOK YET?

Change how you experience the world everyday.

read the story

Natural Living By Design - Melissa Penfold

November 29, 2024

INTERIORS

2025 DESIGN PREDICTIONS ARE IN FOR THE WHOLE HOUSE

What’s in (and what’s out) for the new year, according to insider data.

read the story

August 1, 2024

INTERIORS

THE NEW 100 ETIQUETTE RULES FOR MODERN LIFE

The new rules of etiquette. Hugging? Out. Air-kissing? In.

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August 21, 2024

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THE RIGHT WAY TO LAY OUT YOUR LIVING ROOM: THE 7 RULES

Designers follow these guidelines.

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July 24, 2024

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HOW ON TREND IS YOUR HOUSE?

It's time for dopamine decorating.

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May 19, 2024

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THESE ARE THE WORST DECORATING MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE

Here's how to fix the most common blunders.

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February 17, 2024

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INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS TO KNOW

The big ideas and trends defining design for the coming year.

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January 11, 2024

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DECORATING ON A BUDGET: INSIDER SECRETS

Time for an update.

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June 23, 2023

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HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD INTERIOR DESIGNER

Separate the truly talented from the dabbler and the dilattente.

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MELISSA’S QUICK FIXES

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Optimising the flow through your home is essential

Optimising the flow through your home is essential for your wellbeing. The goal is for circulation to have the same physical and psychological benefits as you might experience walking in a natural environment such as a forest. Think of floor plans that lead to open spaces to more sheltered spaces like paths leading from sunny, open clearings to shady spots. Architectural openings - doors and windows - have a positive effect on air flow, light and ventilation. In my new book, I identify the key aspects of natural living to help design spaces that nurture our bodies, elate us, keep us connected, inspire our best work and facilitate a good night’s sleep. To illustrate each aspect, I’ve amassed images of rooms by many of the world’s greatest designers including @veere_grenney pictured, in places as diverse as Tangier, Mexico, Madrid, New York, Mallorca, London, Paris, Provence, Aspen, the Hamptons, Australia and more. The images provide a trove of design ideas to inspire. Pick up a copy of ‘Natural Living By Design’ @vendomepress TODAY and take stock of your home to consider improvements or changes that may not have occurred to you. Photos: @francescolagnese @simonbrownphotography

Design has a profound impact on how we feel at hom

Design has a profound impact on how we feel at home. It shapes our emotional responses, wellbeing and even our physical comfort. Creating houses that nurture, rejuvenate, and heal are less about space, and more about the elements that make it easy to come home to and live in. Touch is a big aspect of human experience. Look at the handmade papier-mâché paneled walls at Casa Gusto @getthegusto in West Palm Beach, Florida featured in my new book, that provide a rich, textured backdrop that enhance furnishings and look like they have always been there. Check the six elements that I see as the most important pillars for a better quality of life at home in my book, ‘Natural LIving By Design’, @vendomepress. Available in-store and online worldwide now.

Cushions to a room are like jewellery to an outfit

Cushions to a room are like jewellery to an outfit. They are one of a decorator’s most adaptive tools - one of the fastest ways to create a finished look, and they can be a great remedy to boost a sofa, chair or bed’s morale. If a room’s too dark, cushions can lighten it up. If it’s boring, they can add flash. Ideal for plumping up the volume in your living room, study or bedroom. We’ve rounded up several of our favourite places to shop for cushions, like @fredhomeaustralia as well as designer worthy pieces that prove you can have smart things on a budget. Check out the full list in our latest Little Black Book series for @houseandgarden - July issue out now. Thanks @mstanyabuchanan. Photographed at @boydblue showroom by @ksoljointeriors

A single-family home will never change the world -

A single-family home will never change the world - we have to be clear about that, but we don’t have to solve the world’s problems - just the way we experience the world. Everyday. In a better way.

To be forward thinking in terms of design, have on

To be forward thinking in terms of design, have one eye on the past. @melissa_penfold @matitectura @aplaceofgardeninspiration

Follow Melissa on Instagram

Optimising the flow through your home is essential

Optimising the flow through your home is essential for your wellbeing. The goal is for circulation to have the same physical and psychological benefits as you might experience walking in a natural environment such as a forest. Think of floor plans that lead to open spaces to more sheltered spaces like paths leading from sunny, open clearings to shady spots. Architectural openings - doors and windows - have a positive effect on air flow, light and ventilation. In my new book, I identify the key aspects of natural living to help design spaces that nurture our bodies, elate us, keep us connected, inspire our best work and facilitate a good night’s sleep. To illustrate each aspect, I’ve amassed images of rooms by many of the world’s greatest designers including @veere_grenney pictured, in places as diverse as Tangier, Mexico, Madrid, New York, Mallorca, London, Paris, Provence, Aspen, the Hamptons, Australia and more. The images provide a trove of design ideas to inspire. Pick up a copy of ‘Natural Living By Design’ @vendomepress TODAY and take stock of your home to consider improvements or changes that may not have occurred to you. Photos: @francescolagnese @simonbrownphotography

Design has a profound impact on how we feel at hom

Design has a profound impact on how we feel at home. It shapes our emotional responses, wellbeing and even our physical comfort. Creating houses that nurture, rejuvenate, and heal are less about space, and more about the elements that make it easy to come home to and live in. Touch is a big aspect of human experience. Look at the handmade papier-mâché paneled walls at Casa Gusto @getthegusto in West Palm Beach, Florida featured in my new book, that provide a rich, textured backdrop that enhance furnishings and look like they have always been there. Check the six elements that I see as the most important pillars for a better quality of life at home in my book, ‘Natural LIving By Design’, @vendomepress. Available in-store and online worldwide now.

Cushions to a room are like jewellery to an outfit

Cushions to a room are like jewellery to an outfit. They are one of a decorator’s most adaptive tools - one of the fastest ways to create a finished look, and they can be a great remedy to boost a sofa, chair or bed’s morale. If a room’s too dark, cushions can lighten it up. If it’s boring, they can add flash. Ideal for plumping up the volume in your living room, study or bedroom. We’ve rounded up several of our favourite places to shop for cushions, like @fredhomeaustralia as well as designer worthy pieces that prove you can have smart things on a budget. Check out the full list in our latest Little Black Book series for @houseandgarden - July issue out now. Thanks @mstanyabuchanan. Photographed at @boydblue showroom by @ksoljointeriors

A single-family home will never change the world -

A single-family home will never change the world - we have to be clear about that, but we don’t have to solve the world’s problems - just the way we experience the world. Everyday. In a better way.

To be forward thinking in terms of design, have on

To be forward thinking in terms of design, have one eye on the past. @melissa_penfold @matitectura @aplaceofgardeninspiration

Follow Melissa on Instagram

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Don’t miss the style set’s fave newsletter

Get Melissa's weekly rundown of where top interior designers source their things and find inspiration - that will instantly transform your pad.

Close and please don't show again