Introducing

InResidence Collective

DESIGN CONSULTING + BUYERS ADVOCACY

Expert guidance to shape spaces — and property decisions — that feel as good as they look.

With over 30 years of experience across the design, construction, and property industries — and more than 430 residential projects delivered — Melissa Bonney brings rare depth, clarity and creative foresight to every stage of your property journey. Whether you're buying, building, renovating or restyling, our consulting services are here to help you make smart, confident decisions — from big-picture planning to the smallest but most important details.

Through a holistic, inside-out approach, we help you plan, design and create a home that truly aligns with your lifestyle, your values, and your vision.

Woman with shoulder-length blonde hair sitting on a beige couch in front of white curtains, wearing a white top and dark pants, with jewelry and tattoos on her left arm.

As Founder and Creative Director of The Designory — and now through her dedicated consulting practice, InResidence Collective — Melissa offers clients a unique combination of strategic clarity, creative thinking and real-world insight.

Whether you’re purchasing your next property, navigating a build, planning a renovation or refining your interiors, our consulting and advocacy services are designed to keep your project moving forward with purpose — and avoid the costly missteps that often come with going it alone.

How we can help:

We no longer offer full-service, end-to-end design delivery — and that’s a good thing. Why? Because we’ve created a more flexible, collaborative way to work — one that supports you wherever you're at in your journey.

You can now engage Melissa for high-level design guidance, property strategy, or ongoing mentoring — all on your terms. From one-off sessions to monthly support, our services are designed to be clear, accessible, and transformative.

Our Approach

We believe that great design begins with intention — and ends in spaces that support how you live, feel and connect.

To us, a well-designed home isn’t just beautiful. It’s functional, thoughtful, and deeply personal. It reflects who you are now — and who you’re becoming.

Our design philosophy is grounded in the idea that homes should be shaped and experienced from the inside out. Whether you're building from scratch or walking through an open home, we help you see not just what a property is — but what it could become.

Consulting + Advocacy Services

We offer a suite of tailored services to support you at every stage of the project lifecycle:

DESIGN INTENSIVES

One-off sessions to deep-dive into your most pressing design questions or challenges. Think of it as your strategy session — personalised and practical.

BUYERS ADVOCACY

Strategic, design-informed property buying support — from search to settlement. Buy with clarity, knowing your new home has real potential.

PLAN REVIEW

Floorplan and spatial review before you build. Identify opportunities, improve flow, and avoid costly regrets.

MATERIAL REVIEW

Curate a cohesive, timeless finishes palette with professional input. Perfect for new builds or those stuck in selection fatigue.

DESIGNER IN YOUR POCKET

Ongoing mentoring and guidance throughout your project. A designer in your back pocket — whenever you need one.

FIND YOUR TEAM

Preferred Professionals

We know that not every project needs a consultant — sometimes, you need the right team to help you bring your vision to life.

That’s why we’ve curated a trusted network of preferred professionals — architects, draftsman, interior designers, stylists, and builders — who we regularly collaborate with and confidently recommend.

If you’re looking for the right expert to lead your project (and we’re not the perfect fit), we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

EXPLORE OUR PREFERRED PROFESSIONALS

  • 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

Living room with a white couch, rattan chairs, a wooden coffee table with plants, and black wall-mounted shelves holding books and decor; a flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall, with framed artwork and a decorative animal skull on the adjacent wall; ceiling fan and air vent visible.

Ready to work together?

Whether you need a trusted guide from the moment you start house hunting, or someone to help you cross the finish line with confidence, we’re here to support every step of the journey.

📞 START WITH A COMPLIMENTARY 15 MINUTE CALL BY FILLING IN THE FORM BELOW: