We are beyond thrilled to be joined by Julie Fodera, who, alongside her husband Vincent, is in the process of restoring the magnificent Heatherbrae—one of Victoria’s most treasured heritage homes.

Located in Caulfield and dating back to 1854, Heatherbrae is steeped in history. In this episode, Julie takes us on a journey through her inspiring vision for restoring this iconic property and shares her personal experiences in the world of historical restoration. We dive deep into the importance of preserving Melbourne's rich history and the significant process of bringing such a storied past back to life.

When complete, Heatherbrae will beautifully blend its historical charm with modern comforts, serving as a true celebration of heritage, community, and the arts. Beyond being a private residence, Julie and her team have founded Heatherbrae1854 Pty Ltd, which will seek opportunities to raise funds for local non-profit organizations dedicated to historical preservation, through affiliate marketing and other exciting initiatives.

In addition to becoming a private home, Heatherbrae will be transformed into a living gallery for artists, designers, and makers. Its stunning grounds, featuring a majestic Moreton Bay Fig (believed to be the largest of its kind in Victoria), will also serve as a coveted venue for curated events. The landscape will be brought to life with feature gardens, enchanting pathways, and ambient lighting.

At the heart of it all, Heatherbrae and the Fodera family aim to inspire the broader community to make thoughtful choices about preserving heritage homes and keeping the stories of our shared history alive.

In this episode of The Design Duet, we sit down with Tilly, who’s in the midst of buying her first home. Join us as Tilly shares her experiences, from navigating the challenging real estate market to figuring out how to choose the right place. We discuss the essential non-negotiables that every first-time homebuyer should consider and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with making such a significant decision.

We also explore why many younger generations often hesitate to reach out to interior designers and how Tilly is breaking that trend by deciding to work with one. She shares her plans for the new space and what she’s looking forward to as she turns her first house into a home.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone thinking about purchasing their first property.

In this episode of The Design Duet, we're diving deep into the world of home renovation. If you've ever wondered how to kickstart your renovation journey, this episode is for you! We'll answer all your burning questions, including:

- How to start your renovation project?
- Who to talk to for professional advice?
- What you need to remember before diving in?
- Tips and tricks to help you save money along the way.

From the front of your house to the very back, we cover everything you need to know. Our discussion is packed with practical advice and valuable insights that will help you navigate the renovation process smoothly and efficiently.