Who we are
Good Design, Made Accessible. By Designers. For You.
Great design is more than aesthetics — it’s knowledge, insight, and inspiration brought to life. With over two decades of experience and hundreds of completed projects, The Designory has evolved from a boutique design studio into a comprehensive design and education platform, trusted by homeowners, design lovers, and industry professionals alike. Our purpose is to demystify design, share what we know, and make expert-led design accessible to everyone — regardless of budget, location, or where you are on your journey. Through education, resources, and real-world experience, we empower you with the confidence and clarity to create a home you truly love.
Our Journey
2012
Melissa opens The Design Hunter which included design services and a beautiful retail store filled with designer finds.
2015
Cat joins the team and we rebrand. The Design Hunter remains our retail store and The Designory is born as our design studio.
2017
We renovate Ayana House, the first project where we shared the entire process on social media offering full transparency to viewers.
2018
We create the Barefoot Bay Cottage in Byron Bay sharing the entire process. We launch the home as a design forward airBNB upon completion.
2019
The Barefoot Bay Villa in Byron Bay is born, our largest project to date which we shared on social media. We launch the home as a design forward airBNB upon completion.
2020
We share the process of our work on Walker Farm an exciting rural off-grid build unlike anything we’ve shared before.
2021-2022
Melissa works on the development of 3 homes, the Vela properties during the uncertainty of Covid. Cat leaves the business to focus on her art career + health.
2023-2024
The Designory relocates to Byron Bay, opening a new office and design studio. The focus starts to shift to working nationwide design learning.
2025
Cat rejoins The Designory as a director and we decide to pull back the curtain on the design industry. Focusing on sharing our design secrets and making design easier for homeowners.
2026
The future of The Designory is filled with even more ways to help homeowners and emerging designs create beautiful spaces. Stay tuned for retreats, courses and more!
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe good design should be accessible to everyone.
Not intimidating. Not exclusive. And never out of reach.
Design is more than how something looks — it’s how it works, how it feels, and how it supports the way you live. That’s why everything we create is grounded in real experience, expert knowledge, and a deep understanding of homes and the people who live in them.
We are designers who believe in sharing what we know.
In demystifying the process.
In empowering you with clarity, confidence, and choice.
Whether you’re building, renovating, decorating, or simply learning, we meet you where you are — with considered guidance, practical tools, and design solutions made for real homes and real lives.
Good design, made accessible.
By designers.
For you.
Meet us:
MELISSA BONNEY
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Design) n.c. 2011 | Bachelor of Science (Psychology) n.c 2007 | Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) 1999 | Class 1 Licenced Real Estate Agent (Buyers Agency) NSW REA 20530398 | QLD REA 4834680
Melissa Bonney is a trusted voice in the Australian design and building industry, bringing over 30 years of experience across property, building + interior design, project management, marketing, and human behaviour. Her career spans client projects, personal developments, and strategic brand partnerships—resulting in a uniquely holistic and people-focused approach to both design and education.
As Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, Melissa has led more than 400 successful residential design and build projects. Her strength lies in blending creative vision with practical insight — making great design feel accessible, intelligent, and deeply considered.
Melissa is also an advocate for accessible, transparent design. She’s passionate about sharing professional insights, simplifying the process for homeowners, and breaking down industry barriers through education, digital resources, and collaborative storytelling. Driven by curiosity and a love of innovation, Melissa is on a mission to empower others to design with confidence and creativity—without the barriers of jargon or exclusivity.
mumma of 3 | property obsessed | collector of old things | lover of tea | golden retriever enthusiast | yoga teacher in training
CAT GERKE
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
Master of Business (Marketing) 2016 / Bachelor of Art Education 2015
Cat Gerke is a seasoned marketing and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience creating campaigns that connect deeply with people and purpose. With a background in both strategy and fine arts, Cat brings a unique blend of commercial insight, creative storytelling, and heartfelt advocacy for makers and design professionals.
As Co-Owner and Director of Strategy & Partnerships at The Designory, she’s focused on evolving the studio into a platform that bridges design education, industry collaboration, and accessible resources for homeowners. Her work is rooted in connection—between brand and audience, creative and commercial, idea and execution.
Cat’s journey with The Designory began in 2016, sparked by a shared vision with Melissa Bonney and a passion for storytelling that elevates Australian interiors. Alongside her strategic work, Cat is also a professional artist, having exhibited in galleries across the country. This artistic lens gives her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and fuels her mission to empower others to engage with design in a thoughtful, creative, and approachable way.
mumma of 2 dogs | lover of black clothing | collector of aussie art | coffee addict | sustainable building enthusiast | red wine lover