Ever stood in front of a wall of paint swatches feeling completely overwhelmed? In this episode of The Design Duet, we’re joined by Rachel Lacy, Colour Lead at Haymes Paints, to unpack everything you need to know about choosing colour with confidence.

Rachael takes us behind the scenes of colour forecasting and trend development, sharing how future palettes are created and what truly influences the colours that shape our homes. We dive into the psychology of colour, the most common mistakes people make when choosing paint, and how to safely experiment with bold shades without fear.

From myth-busting the idea that dark colours make a room feel smaller, to sharing her own favourite hues and underrated tones, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for homeowners, renovators, and design lovers alike.

If you’ve ever second-guessed a paint choice or dreamed of creating a home that feels more “you” through colour — this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to be braver with paint.

Afraid that the tapware, tile or bold finish you love might date in a few years? You’re not alone — and today, Chrissie and Caroline are diving into one of the most common fears clients bring to the design table.

In this episode, we unpack why people worry certain choices won’t “last”, how to tell if a finish is truly timeless, and why the most enduring design decisions usually come down to how a space feels, not what’s trending.

We chat about:
✨ The real reason clients fear finishes that might date
✨ How we respond when someone says, “I think that will date!”
✨ Simple rules of thumb for choosing finishes with longevity
✨ When bold choices actually work better than playing it safe
✨ Our quick-fire “Will It Date?” round (yes, we had opinions!)
✨ A myth-buster about custom design you need to hear

The takeaway? If you love it, it’s already timeless — because your home should reflect you, not the trend cycle.

Tune in for reassurance, practical design wisdom, and a few laughs along the way

We’re joined by Adelaide Bragg, one of Australia’s most gifted interior designers, celebrated for her extraordinary eye for colour, fabric, and texture, and her ability to weave them together into homes of timeless beauty.

With a career spanning decades, Adelaide has created interiors that are not only architecturally harmonious but deeply personal, layered, and full of warmth. Her work is instantly recognisable for its elegance and spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged to the people who live in them.

Now, Adelaide shares her vision in her much-anticipated new book, City, Coast and Country , a stunning volume that opens the doors to a collection of remarkable homes she has crafted for clients across Australia. The book reveals how she brings together architecture, colour, textiles, and cherished pieces to create places that are as beautiful as they are lived in. Both a celebration of design and a testament to her unique gift, it captures Adelaide’s ability to make houses truly feel like home.

In this episode, we talk about her childhood, what drew her to design, how the industry has evolved over the years, the talented team she’s built, and so much more.

We end today’s conversation reflecting on Adelaide’s rare ability to blend story, history, and personal detail, a reminder that great design is never just about the space, but about the people who live within it.