Our Story Behind Design School | Holly Miskimmin + Melissa Rettore

Two mums. Two very different reasons for studying interiors. And now we're running Design School!

One of us wanted a career change. The other just wanted a creative outlet. Neither of us imagined we would end up here!

Hello there! 👋🏼

We’re Holly & Mel, the two faces behind Design School Studio! We’re mums, creatives, educators and now the very proud owners of Design School.

But here’s the funny thing…

When we first enrolled to study interiors, neither of us had any idea where it would lead. One of us was ready to leave behind an established career and try something completely different. The other was a new mum and was simply looking for something creative to do for herself.

And now, years later, here we are running Design School Studio together! (Still pinching ourselves!) 

It's a little surreal when we think about it, but it's also one of the reasons we're so passionate about what we do.

Over the years, we've met so many students who remind us of ourselves. Busy mums wanting something just for them, career changers ready for something new, homeowners and renovators keen to understand interiors, and people who simply love design but have no idea where to start.

Sound familiar?

We thought it was about time we shared a little more about our own journeys, how we ended up here and why we believe you don't need to have it all figured out before you begin.

MEET MEL | The one who wanted a career change

Hi, I’m Mel! 

Before interiors, I was a primary school teacher.

^{Mel, back in her primary school teaching days! Book Week Circa 2014}

And while I’ve always been a creative person, with a degree in dance, drama and education, after years of teaching in a school setting, I knew I needed to explore a different career path.

With my husband Donny working in carpentry, caulking and construction alongside his brother, building, renovating and talking all things houses were already a pretty big part of our lives.

And somewhere along the way, my love of all things creative and my growing interest in interiors collided.

So I decided to study Interior Design.

Just like that!

Actually… not quite. 😝

My principal was SHOCKED when I quit my secure, full-time teaching job at 12pm on a random Wednesday, right in the middle of a term.

Was I scared? You bet!

After a decade working in education and years spent at university, it was a HUGE leap.

But I wasn’t going to let that fear stop me from giving something new a go.

^{Mel celebrating her Diploma in Interior Design graduation.}

I started studying online before transitioning to face-to-face classes, and what followed was a whole new creative career.  

From residential design projects to editorial styling for agencies and brands, including Bunnings Warehouse magazine, I found myself working on projects I once could only have dreamed about.

^{1 | Residential Design Project, Image by Spacecraft | 2 Photography by Kate Hansen & Editorial Styling for Melissa Lunardon Designs  | 3 - Mel's own powder room and laundry makeover for under $500! featured on the  Interiors Addict blog}  

^{Photography by Martina Gemmola- Editorial Styling and DIY Project Lead for Bunnings Magazine- May/June 2025}

And eventually, I found myself back in the classroom. Only this time, I was teaching adults about something I absolutely LOVED!

And funnily enough, all those years at uni spent studying a Master's in Teaching weren’t wasted after all. 

Celebrating with our Design School Group 30 graduates, 2025.

Today, I get to combine my love of interiors with my passion for education, helping other people discover their own creative potential.

Who would've thought?!

MEET HOLLY | The one who wanted a creative outlet

Hi, I’m Holly! 

My journey into interiors started for a completely different reason to Mel's.

After spending around 15 years working in marketing and events, and having my second baby, I found myself wanting to explore something a little different.

I'd always been creative, but I was looking for something just for me. Something outside the everyday routine of work and motherhood, where I could learn something new, meet like-minded people and explore an interest I'd had for as long as I could remember.

Growing up, I'd actually dreamed of becoming an architect. My dad taught me how to draw houses when I was little, and I spent hours sketching floor plans and imagining the homes I might one day design.

Fast-forward a few years, and I found myself enrolling in face-to-face Interior Decoration classes at Design School in Abbotsford.
    

^{Left - Holly Miskimmin & previous DS trainer Melissa Bailey celebrating their graduation | Right -  Holly celebrating her graduation with Group 3} 

I had no grand career plans. I simply wanted to do something I loved.

What I didn't expect was just how much that experience would change things for me.

I met the most amazing group of women, learnt from incredibly talented trainers Jenna Densten and Melissa Heard, and formed friendships that I still treasure today. 

There was something so special about being surrounded by people who shared the same creative interests, and I absolutely loved it.

From there, I took every opportunity I could to gain experience in the industry.

^{A 3D interior hand render illustrated by Holly.} 

I worked on styling projects, including a role with Simone Haag, before carving out my own path in freelance residential interior decoration and styling.

And after having another baby, I found myself combining creative projects with family life, renovating our own home and continuing to explore my love of interiors.

Then, somewhat unexpectedly, I was invited back to Design School.

Only this time, as a trainer!

^{Holly with her Design school Group 28 graduates - 2024}  

And while I’ve loved the creative projects and opportunities along the way, I think what I love most is teaching.

Seeing my students grow in confidence, discover their own style, support one another and go on to do incredible things is honestly the most rewarding part of it all.

I never imagined that signing up for a little creative outlet all those years ago would lead me here, but I'm so glad I did!

Different beginnings. One shared passion.

Looking back, we love that our journeys into interiors started in such different places.

And in many ways, our personalities are pretty different too! But that's exactly why we work so well together.

Between us, we've spent years working in interiors, teaching, mentoring and cheering on students as they discover what they're capable of.

And somewhere along the way, we went from being part of the Design School story to becoming the people behind its next chapter!

Today, as co-owners, we're incredibly proud to continue that story together.

^{Mel & Holly at Melbourne Design Week, 2026.}

But we're still just Holly & Mel! 

Two busy mums juggling school drop-offs, family life, work, endless creative ideas and probably a few too many coffees!

^{The other side of Design School life - motherhood, family and everything in between!} 

^{1 | Holly and her girls - Hazel, Willow and Frankie.  2 | Mel and her daughter Gia.}

We know all too well what it's like to try to make space for something you love amongst everything else life throws at you.

Because we've been there too. And it's a huge part of why we love what we do!

For us, Design School has always been about more than just studying interiors. It's the friendships, the industry connections and being surrounded by other creatives who just get it.

Design School Sydney excursion, 2025.

It's also why we created The Community, an ongoing membership and space to keep connecting, learning and supporting each other long after graduation.

Explore The Community Here 

So, what's your reason?

Maybe you’ve been thinking about a career change for years. Maybe you’re at home with little ones and would love something creative to call your own. Maybe you’re renovating, building or simply can’t stop thinking about interiors. Or maybe you have absolutely no idea what you’d do with an Interior Decoration qualification. That’s okay too!

We certainly didn’t know where our own journeys would lead, and honestly. that’s the exciting part!

 Sometimes you just need to start with something you love and see where it takes you.

Your Design School journey starts here!

And on that note, we’ve got some exciting news!

Our 2027 Certificate IV in Interior Decoration Course Guide is officially here, and we’re getting ready to welcome our next group of creatives! 

Whatever your reason for exploring interiors, we’d love to welcome you to Design School.

 Our 13-month, part-time Live Online course brings the Design School classroom to you, with weekly live classes, hands-on projects, personalised trainer feedback and a supportive group of like-minded creatives.

No previous design experience required. Just a love of interiors, a little curiosity and a willingness to give it a go!

Enrolments opening soon, with our Priority List getting first access! 

So, if you’ve been thinking about studying interiors, now’s the perfect time to explore what’s possible.

DOWNLOAD THE 2027 COURSE GUIDE HERE

Because you never know where that first step might take you. Just look at us! 

Love,

Mel & Holly 🤎