City Secrets: Our Guide to Melbourne Through a Designer’s Lens
Ever wondered how interior designers really shop and source their materials?
In this City Secrets Melbourne episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on some of the city’s best-kept design destinations—and taking you along as we shop, stay, sip and source our way through Melbourne. Think of it as your personal pass into the places we go for true inspiration.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, dreaming up your next styling project, or just love discovering beautiful spaces, this guide is full of stops that designers actually go to—and yes, we’ve linked everything so you can shop and save for later.
Where We Stay
AC Hotel, Southbank
Our base for the trip was the effortlessly chic AC Hotel by Marriott in Southbank. Sleek interiors, thoughtful details, and the perfect location made it the ideal launchpad for our day of discovery. And yes—coffee was essential before anything else.
👉 acmarriott.com
Where We Shop + Source
CDK Stone
If you’ve only ever chosen stone from small samples—prepare to be amazed. At CDK Stone, we stepped into what felt like Aladdin’s cave for designers—row after row of breathtaking slabs.
We were especially taken by Matilda Dolomite, an Australian-sourced stone with soft creams, whites and warm blush tones. A reminder that world-class materials are sometimes right under our feet.
👉 cdkstone.com.au
Byzantine Design
Welcome to the most beautiful tile showroom in Melbourne. We visited Byzantine Design to explore the Atelier Collection for our upcoming Songbird Shack project in Byron.
Owner Dara is a true design mind—offering up bold grout combos (hello violet!) and sharing her expert eye for pairing stone tones and finishes.
👉 byzantinedesign.com.au
Kustom Timber
We’ve loved working with Kustom Timber in past projects, so it was a must-visit while in town. Their latest showroom didn’t disappoint.
The surprise standout? Cork flooring—sustainably sourced, beautifully textured, and surprisingly luxe. Bonus: it looks like travertine and has acoustic benefits too. One to keep on your radar.
👉 kustomtimber.com.au
Apaiser
If bathing is your love language, Apaiser is your temple. Their sculptural stone baths and pedestal basins are the ultimate in design-led wellness.
Crafted from Apaisermarble®, their pieces blend timeless architecture with sustainable innovation—and yes, we did test the bath depth for you.
👉 apaiser.com
Cadrys
We never leave Melbourne without a visit to Cadrys. This rug institution is where rooms come to life. The team are like rug matchmakers—finding that perfect, one-of-a-kind piece that turns a space into a story.
👉 cadrys.com.au
Fenton & Fenton
A dream stop for colour lovers. Fenton & Fenton is our go-to when hunting for a hero piece, unique artwork, or gift-worthy glassware.
This time we picked up a few treats for the studio—and maybe one for ourselves too.
👉 fentonandfenton.com.au
Found Space
Design and wellness go hand-in-hand, and Found Space is proof. Their sleek in-home infrared saunas are not just beautiful—they're becoming an essential for health-focused homeowners.
We’re planning one for our Songbird Shack project—watch this space.
👉 foundspace.com.au
Where We Eat + Unwind
Top Paddock
The perfect lunch stop (and coffee number three, no judgement). Light-filled interiors, fresh plates, and that unmistakable Melbourne café vibe.
👉 thetoppaddock.com
Hyde Melbourne
A newer addition to the city’s hotel scene, Hyde Melbourne—designed by Kennedy Nolan—is the ultimate in style-forward accommodation. Ideal for a business stay, creative meeting, or staycation with serious design credentials.
👉 hydehotels.com/melbourne-place
Kirbie, South Melbourne
Our final stop? Kirbie—a Euro-inspired restaurant with stunning interiors and a tiramisu we’re still dreaming about. The perfect way to wrap a full day of discovery.
👉 kirbie.com.au
Watch the Full Episode
Whether you're styling your dream home, starting a renovation, or simply love travelling through a design lens, City Secrets is your inside look at where we go to find inspiration.
📺 Catch the full Melbourne episode now—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a destination.