The Design Mentor

ONGOING DESIGN MENTORING FOR YOUR RENOVATION, BUILD OR DECORATING PROJECT

Limited places available. (Min 3-month commitment)

  • Managing your own build or reno & wish you had a trusted design expert to call on when things get tricky? 

  • Decorating your home but can’t quite achieve that designer look and don’t know where to start? 

  • Or perhaps you’ve got a full team already in place, but need a sharp, strategic eye to review decisions, troubleshoot issues, and help keep things cohesive? 

The Design Mentor gives you just that — direct, ongoing access to Melissa Bonney as your personal design mentor and project advisor. It’s a flexible, high-touch service for homeowners, renovators and design lovers who want to feel confident, supported and in control throughout their project — without the cost or commitment of a full-service design.

What’s Included

  • 2 x mentoring sessions per month (via Zoom or phone)
    Perfect for troubleshooting, planning and strategy

  • Unlimited messaging via Whatsapp/ Telegram (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
    Quick feedback and expert input in real time

  • Support tailored to your unique project
    Use Mel’s knowledge + experience to navigate selections, layouts, styling, supplier decisions & builder queries

  • Ongoing guidance that evolves with your project
    Whether you’re just starting out or mid-way through, Melissa will walk beside you

    • Owner-builders managing their own renovation or new build

    • Homeowners working with a builder, architect or team — but wanting extra support

    • Busy professionals who need a sounding board to keep things moving

    • First-time renovators feeling unsure or overwhelmed

    • Design-savvy clients who want to stay hands-on — with expert backup

  • Once you join, we’ll onboard you with a simple questionnaire, book your fortnightly calls, and set you up on Telegram so Melissa is right there when you need her. You’ll get fast responses during business hours and high-level advice to keep your project flowing smoothly — from big-picture strategy to the tiniest material decision.

    This is your expert in your corner, every step of the way.

  • If your project evolves, you can expand your support with:

    • Site visits or in-person walkthroughs (NSW + QLD)

    • Plan reviews and layout markups

    • Finish selections and documentation packs

    • Styling advice + curated shopping lists

    • Deep dive consultations or team meetings

    We’ll tailor your experience based on your needs and project stage.

  • ·       $1,800 per month (incl. GST), invoiced monthly in advance

    ·       3-month minimum commitment

    Availability is limited due to the high-touch nature of this service

  • This is a high-touch, high-value service, and we want to keep the experience seamless and supportive. For clarity:

    Messaging is available Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm (AEST)

    ·       Please note: Telegram messages will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe, but not in real-time outside of the agreed hours.

    ·       Quick questions and feedback are welcomed via Telegram

    ·       In-depth reviews, detailed markups, or full design concepts will be referred to additional sessions or services as needed

    ·       If you're unsure whether something fits within this scope — just ask! We'll guide you.

  • Let’s keep your project on track, beautifully designed and stress-free — with a trusted expert by your side.
    Got a question?  [email protected]

  • A consult with Melissa = clarity and creative design solutions (that you would not have come up with on your own). I had Melissa come to my home for a design consultation. She helped me create clarity around our renovations, all the while making sure it was aligned to our family’s needs and the way we live, as well as tie in with our existing style. Not always an easy ask! At the end of the consultation I felt heard and understood in what I was wanting and armed with new found clarity (and trust in my own choices). Not your typical designer approach and I loved that so much! If you’re looking for clarity or help with your interior design ideas, around a renovation, styling or new build, I highly recommend Melissa. She’s highly professiona l yet wonderfully personable and if I could hire her for my entire project I would!

    Georgia | BROOKLET

  • I recently had the pleasure of working with Melissa as a consultant on a 10 house development in Byron Bay. Mel is not only a designer, she has a deep knowledge of the entire building and development process from start to finish! She was a true professional - listening attentively to our needs, offering expert advice, and bringing our vision to life with creativity and flair. She was often ou r life line when needed! The end result is a beautiful, functional, and cohesive space that exceeds our expectations. She has a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of colour, texture, and light, and a passion for creating spaces that are both aesth etically pleasing and tailored to her clients' lifestyles. We can't recommend highly enough. If you're looking for a designer who is so much more, look no further!

    Zac | Byron Bay

  • I am absolutely in love with the work Melissa did in transforming my liv ing space! Her expertise in furniture selection and placement is truly exceptional. She took the time to understand my personal style and preferences, and together we created a cohesive and functional space sourcing antiques and modern pieces for my home. The vintage pieces chosen are not only beautiful but also incredibly timeless and durable. Melissa is a master of her craft, and I highly recommend her mentorship to anyone looking to elevate their home's interior.

    Carissa | Ewingsdale

  • I recently had the pleasure of working with Melissa Bonney for a design consultation, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Mel’s extensive experience in design, spanning decades, was evident in every aspect of our session. She provided invaluable assistance with challenging concepts like the window and door schedule, layout reviews, and deck placement. Her ability to blend functionality with beauty is remarkable. Mel’s designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and well-thought-out. She approaches each project with a deep understanding of building knowledge, ensuring that every element serves a purpose while enhancing the overall design. At this stage of our renovation, Mel’s guidance gave me the confidence I needed. Her constructive feedback and adaptability were instrumental in refining our home’s design and flow. She made the process enjoyable with her friendly and approachable demeanor. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa Bonney to anyone considering a home renovation. Her expertise and passion for design will undoubtedly bring your vision to life.

    Lisa Parkinson, BYRON BAY

  • Mel at The Designory is fantastic! We had her over to brainstorm our kitchen renovation, and she blew us away. She brought fresh, innovative ideas for the layout and products that we hadn't even considered. What's more, she showed us smart ways to save money without sacrificing quality, and her suggestions will definitely add value to our home. Highly recommend!

    TOBY CARROLL

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