A DESIGN RETREAT FOR HOMEOWNERS

The Design Intelligence Method Retreat

A three-day immersive Design Retreat.

Join Melissa Bonney, Founder and Creative Director of The Designory for an exclusive, in-person design experience — where relaxed luxury, considered design, and creative inspiration collide.

Over three immersive days, you’ll enjoy design workshops to learn the Design Intelligence Method (how to think like a designer), live Q&A sessions, curated shopping and supplier visits, and intimate designer-led conversations. This experience is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and insider access — whether you’re decorating, renovating, building, or simply love great design.

DAY ONE

Planning + Design

DAY TWO

Building + Renovating

DAY THREE

Decorating + Styling

The Details + Retreat Itinerary

  • 9:00am
    Meet at The Bower for welcome coffee and introductions, followed by a live Q&A & guided tour with hotel stylist and interior designer, Kimberley Wiedermann. We will be exploring spatial planning, finishes and styling choices.

    10:00am – 12:00pm
    Design & Decorating Workshop with Melissa
    (Focus on layout, layering, materials, colour and styling.)

    12:00pm – 12:30pm
    Lunch on the go as we jump on the bus to go on our shopping tour!

    1:00pm – 4:00pm
    Curated shopping and supplier tour through the Byron Bay Industrial Estate, of some of our favourite sourcing spots!
    Plus exclusive access to trade discounts for the day.

    4:00pm – 6:00pm
    Sunset drinks and live Q&A with Mel and interior designer Leo Terrando at Bohdi Living.

    Day One concludes with bus drop off back in town.

  • 9:00am
    Meet at The Bower for morning tea and welcome.

    9:10am – 12:00pm
    Renovate & Build Workshop with Melissa
    (Focus on planning, materials, documentation, budgets and decision-making.)

    12:00pm – 12:30pm
    Lunch

    12:30-3:30pm
    Guided site visit to a local building project, discussing real-world challenges and solutions.
    Potential: Visit to one of The Designory’s completed homes.

    3:30-4:30pm
    Private tour of Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay

    4:30pm – 6:30pm
    Drinks& canapés at Hotel Marvell laneway + Q&A with Mel and project architect Harley Graham, HGA Studio.


    Day Two concludes

    • Exclusive accommodation partner discounts and offers at Hotel Marvell, Basq House and The Bower

    • All bus transportation between venues, tours and activities

    • Daily morning tea and light lunches

    • Drinks and nibbles at Bohdi Living on the Friday afternoon and Drinks & canapés at Hotel Marvell on Saturday afternoon

    • A luxury gift bag featuring curated products, samples and exclusive offers from The Designory’s favourite local brands valued at over $300!

    Plus

    • Complimentary access to The Designory’s Little Black Book

    • Full access to The Designory’s eBooks, Kickstarters and Design Tools (valued at $500+)

    • 50% off ANY Design Library plans or schedules by The Designory

    Before the retreat, guests will receive a digital handbook including:

    • Full itinerary & Venue directions

    • Your exclusive retreat discounts

    • Our favourite places to shop, dine and unwind in Byron Bay

The Ultimate Design Experience is filled with design inspiration, sources and ideas:

A woman sitting outdoors smiling with her chin resting on her hand, in front of a large palm tree.

Your retreat host Melissa Bonney

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DESIGNORY

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

Guest Speakers at the Retreat

A man with dark hair and beard in a dark jacket sitting on a textured sofa in front of a bright, backlit window with curtains, looking pensively to the side.

Léo Terrando

Creative Director Studio Terrando

On Day One of the Retreat, guests will enjoy a private shopping tour at Bohdi Collective before meeting designer Leo Terrando, Creative Director of Studio Terrando. Mel will lead a curated Q&A with Leo, delving into his sourcing process for Basq House, his philosophy on residential design, and practical insights into decorating with his signature eclectic aesthetic.

Harley Graham

Director & Principal Architect HGA Studio

On Day Two of the Retreat, guests will enjoy a private tour of Hotel Marvell before meeting project architect Harley Graham, Principal of renowned HGA Studio. Mel will lead a curated Q&A with Harley, delving into his architectural style, the story behind Hotel Marvell, and how these principles translate into residential design.

Black and white portrait of a man with glasses, short tousled hair, and a slight smile, standing against a brick wall.

Accommodation + Retreat Partners

EXCLUSIVE RATES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR ACCOMMODATION PARTNERS FOR RETREAT ATTENDEES

Hotel entrance with black awning labeled 'The Bower', two tall palm trees in large black pots flanking the entrance, and potted plants on either side of the glass door entrance.
Exterior view of Hotel Marvel featuring modern concrete balconies with greenery and a ground-floor outdoor seating area with people dining.

The Bower

Hotel Marvell

Living room with an abstract painting above a fireplace, a modern chandelier, a red sofa, a large green plant, two wall sconces, a wooden side table, and a black-and-white sideboard with plants and decorative items.

Basq House

Pathway leading to a white lighthouse on a hill overlooking the ocean, with people walking nearby during sunset.
Interior of a modern living room with natural light, featuring a wooden table, beige armchair, white sofa, and a large window showing lush green tropical plants outside.
A modern living room with a large mustard-colored sofa, a low wooden coffee table, and multiple patterned pillows. There is a tall, white floor lamp, a pink textured rug, and large windows with wooden trim that let in natural light. A green plant is near the windows and the walls are textured with a concrete finish.
Sample materials for interior design, including tiles, a wooden panel, a plush gray rug, a stone slab, a black strip, and a metallic cylindrical piece.
Arrangement of various sample materials on a wooden table, including tiles, fabric swatches, and color samples, with hands pointing towards the samples.