In Residence

COLLECTIVE

Welcome to In Residence Collective — where home curation is elevated through our tailored services in design consultancy, property advisory, & buyer advocacy. Led by Melissa Bonney, a trusted industry expert with over 30 years of experience across acquisition, development, design, & project management, we specialise in guiding discerning clients through every stage of the property journey. Our approach is personal, ensuring each home is not only beautifully designed but strategically acquired & purposefully developed.

Design Consultations

WITH MEL

With over 13 years in the design industry and a portfolio encompassing more than 400 residential projects, Melissa Bonney brings unparalleled expertise to your design journey. As the Founder and Director of The Designory, Melissa has a proven track record of transforming spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Book a Design Consultation:

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovation, or seeking guidance on interior styling, Melissa's insights can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your project aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.

Melissa specialises in a wide range of residential projects, including:

  • New Builds: From concept to completion, ensuring your new home reflects your vision.

  • Renovations: Providing strategic advice to transform existing spaces effectively.

  • Interior Styling: Curating furnishings and decor that align with your aesthetic preferences.

  • Property Development: Offering insights into design elements that enhance property value.

Her holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your project is thoughtfully considered, resulting in a cohesive and functional living space.

Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel Design Consultations with Mel
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Design Consultations with Mel
from $595.00
Plan Review with Mel Plan Review with Mel
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Plan Review with Mel
$1,500.00
Colour and Finish Review with Mel Colour and Finish Review with Mel
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Colour and Finish Review with Mel
$1,500.00

  • 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

Looking for more than design consulting?

Explore the Designory Collective and let us match you with a trusted, Designory-approved designer perfectly suited to your project.

Property Advisory and Buyers Agent:

A bespoke and premium service offering tailored property advisory and buyer advocacy for discerning clients seeking more than just a house — but a home with purpose.

Our exclusive, end-to-end approach reflects a deep understanding of the significance in finding and securing the right property, ensuring each acquisition is aligned with the unique lifestyle, vision, and aspirations of its future occupants.

Property Advisory

  • What it means:
    We act exclusively on behalf of the buyer—representing your best interests in the property purchasing process. From searching and sourcing opportunities (often off-market) to negotiating the final deal, we eliminate the overwhelm and guesswork from property buying.

    What Melissa brings:
    With 30+ years in property acquisition and a finely tuned instinct for identifying high-potential homes, Melissa leverages her extensive network, negotiation skill, and strategic mindset to secure properties that suit your life, not just your budget. Her corporate sales background means you get the deal-making power of a seasoned pro in your corner.

  • What it means:
    When you're shopping for a home, you're not just buying what's in front of you—you're investing in what it could become. Our Design and Build Advisory service supports you in identifying a property's true potential. From layout tweaks to full-scale renovations, we help you understand what’s possible, what it might cost, and how to turn a promising property into your dream home.

    What Melissa brings:
    With decades of experience in property development and renovation, Melissa brings a designer’s insight to the buying process. She sees potential others might miss—whether it’s knocking out a wall for better flow, reconfiguring the floor plan, or simply reimagining the finishes. Her deep understanding of construction costs, spatial planning, and council considerations means you’ll go into your purchase confident, informed, and inspired. Buying with Melissa is like having a renovation roadmap in your back pocket—before you've even made the offer.

  • What it means:
    Once a property is identified (or before purchase), we review its design potential and spatial functionality. This includes layout flow, light, proportions, and usage—to help you envision how the space can be adapted, renovated or extended to suit your needs.

    What Melissa brings:
    Having worked with over 400 clients and delivered major residential transformations, Melissa combines aesthetic instinct with practical knowledge. She knows how to reimagine spaces to be both beautiful and livable. Her strong project management background ensures that creative ideas are always feasible, cost-aware, and strategically delivered.

  • What it means:
    Before you commit to a property, we assess whether it truly aligns with your lifestyle, future needs, and design potential. This includes evaluating location, orientation, zoning, council regulations, renovation feasibility, and resale value.

    What Melissa brings:
    Melissa’s experience in development and planning means she sees what others miss—hidden constraints, unrealised potential, and long-term suitability. Her understanding of human behaviour ensures the property fits how you live now and how you want to live in five years.

Buyers Agent

  • What it means:
    We act exclusively on behalf of the buyer—representing your best interests in the property purchasing process. From searching and sourcing opportunities (often off-market) to negotiating the final deal, we eliminate the overwhelm and guesswork from property buying.

    What Melissa brings:
    With 30+ years in property acquisition and a finely tuned instinct for identifying high-potential homes, Melissa leverages her extensive network, negotiation skill, and strategic mindset to secure properties that suit your life, not just your budget. Her corporate sales background means you get the deal-making power of a seasoned pro in your corner.

Contact us.