An Evening with Megan Morton

Megan Morton… a name synonymous with style. So much has been said about this super stylish lady that I’m not quite sure where to begin. For those who love interiors, I’m sure you already know all about Megan. For those that do not, she is one of the country’s leading ladies in the world of interiors. A renowned interior stylist, Megan’s work graces the covers of huge publications such as Vanity Fair, Vogue Living, InStyle and Inside Out magazines’ to name just a few. She is also the founder of ‘The School’, located in the Sydney suburb of Rosebery, which offers amazing hands-on creative workshops, along with design and styling masterclasses. Then there is ‘The Studio’ and the sets and props business known as ‘The Propery’, and as if that is not enough this incredible woman also happens to be an author. Her range of interior books are available to purchase through The School website.

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Last but certainly not least, one of the most rewarding aspects of Megan’s diverse creative business would have to be ‘The Excursions’. Megan takes small intimate groups on life changing journeys, from exploring Rajasthani palaces laden with gemstones to making exquisite fragrances in Pushkar from the petals grown at the local rose farms. There’s also picnic lunches amongst the eclectic treasure trove that is Tombées du Camion with legendary dealer Charles Mas in Paris and entry into ‘Maison et Objet’, one of the worlds most coveted trade events. Or how does textile appreciation and colour exploration in Kenya sound?… Head spinning… yep, she is amazing and guess what? She is coming to Newcastle… THIS WEEK! Megan Morton is hosted by Newcastle’s very own Louise Hatcher of ‘Louise Hatcher Styling’ for one truly inspiring evening.

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If you love interiors, styling or simply want to meet Megan and connect with engaging and interesting people, you will love this event. The evening will be dedicated to the three key areas that Megan is most passionate about; Styling, Running a creative business (calling all solopreneurs!) and Inspiration Stations. It’s going to be a night to remember and seats are limited, so if you haven’t already secured your ticket ‘click here’ for ticketing.

Event: An Evening with Megan Morton

When: This Wednesday 20th September from 6pm

Where: The Lock-up90 Hunter Street, Newcastle

Tickets: $148 includes a light supper, wine and plenty of inspiring lines of enquiry!

Contact: Louise Hatcher Styling 0421 562 332

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The stunning interior shots are taken inside Megan’s beautiful home at Redleaf Beach in Sydney’s Double Bay. If you would like to see more of Megan’s home it is currently featured on Louise Hatcher’s ‘House Perv’.

megan-morton-loungeImages courtesy of House Perv

The Gather Collective

Newcastle is such an inspiring city to live in and the longer I’m here the more amazing people I’m coming into contact with. One of those amazing people is Melissa Webster from The Gather Collective. We first crossed paths in February 2015 through an event organised by ‘The Creative Women’s Circle’ where Mel was the guest speaker. She spoke about her business and family but the main thing that left a lasting impression on me was her amiable nature and pure passion. She seriously juggles more than most and although she wears many hats (not literally) everything comes together so beautifully.

To clarify she is the designer / director of ‘GatherKids’. GatherKids is a beautiful range of organic bed linen, knitted blankets, handmade feather headdress and bespoke furniture for children and parents alike. The GatherKids range is playful yet elegant and is available through her online store and selected retailers across the country.

gather-collective-bunk-bedsThen there is the ‘GatherStudio’ where the magic happens. The design studio is based in the beachside city of Newcastle and incorporates a full interior design service, styling, product design and lifestyle photography. It’s here that a lot of Mel’s ideas come to life.

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I best describe Mel’s style as serene. The spaces she creates are calm and welcoming and in tune with the Australian way of life. Although neutrals play a huge role, she adds warmth with raw materials, using tones and textures to give everything she touches a beautiful organic feel.

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One of the things I haven’t mentioned is that she also happens to be a super mum. With three gorgeous children she understands the importance of keeping things practical and therefore a lot of thought goes into creating not only stunning spaces but rooms that are a pleasure to live in. One of her tips is the importance of planning practical storage solutions; it gives you the ability to create a calming aesthetic.

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Images courtesy of The Gather Collective.


Mel’s work has featured in many national magazines as well as numerous articles on The Design Files (Australia’s leading design blog), not that she mentions such things! I didn’t realise quite how much press coverage she actually had until I started researching and writing this post. She is incredibly humble and hard-working and it’s no secret that I am in awe of her work and how much she achieves.

Keen to know more about the products and services The Gather Collective offer? Don’t hesitate to get in touch, I know Mel would love to hear from you!

Hunter Hunter

You had me at hello! From the minute I discovered the HUNTERhunter website I knew I was in good hands. As a mother of little ones, I don’t get out as much as I would like, but when the opportunity does present I want to make the most of it and www.hunterhunter.com.au is my go to guide for planning a great night out in Newcastle. It not only covers the city’s latest and greatest hot spots and events, but also entices me with its catchy design, incredible photography and inviting script.

Since starting my own blog just over a year ago and understanding the endless hours of work that goes into the research, writing and presentation of a website the size and scale of HUNTERhunter I was intrigued with who was behind the brand. Then one day I noticed an event being promoted and hosted by The Creative Woman’s Circle featuring the duo behind HUNTERhunter… Obviously I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a ticket!

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Meet Fiona and Alissa of HUNTERhunter


It was at this event that I first met Fiona and Alissa of HUNTERhunter. With a background in marketing and communications and a HUGE passion for Newcastle and the Hunter this creative duo were fed up of tirelessly searching for the regions hidden gems and decided it was time to do something about it. Their biggest concern was if this great city and its surrounds could continue to provide enough incredible content (they were sure they would have it covered within their first year), and it has not let them down. With an explosion of hot new bars, mind-blowing culinary events, bespoke workshops, wine dinners and exciting new shopping experiences, Newcastle and the Hunter continues to excite and HUNTERhunter has it covered.

Now entering its second year and averaging 2000 unique visits to the website each day and growing, the content base is enormous. HUNTERhunter’s huge popularity stems from Fiona and Alissa’s original vision of only covering projects and businesses that they believe to be truly unique and interesting.

Avid followers of HUNTERhunter already know the website well, but what you may not know is that they have some very exciting news…. HUNTERhunter has teamed up with talented Property Stylist Louise Hatcher to add one more element to their website, launching ‘House Perv’ this coming Sunday.

louise-hatcher-house-pervMeet Louise of Louise Hatcher Styling


Join the girls as they take you on tour through some amazing local homes, from country acreages, to inner city warehouse conversions, cute cottages and designer homes. Meet local people who are passionate about the way they live and learn about how they have designed, decorated (sometimes even built) and curated the spaces that they love to live in.

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hunter-house-perv-2Styling by Louise Hatcher & Photography by Lizzy Hodgins


With Louise’s experience in Interior Design and Property Styling and the incredible lifestyle platform of HUNTERhunter, I personally think it’s a winning combination and I’m so excited to see what’s in store. So this coming Sunday evening (18th October 2015) jump on over to the HUNTERhunter website for the much anticipated launch of House Perv, enjoy!

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Images courtesy of House Perv


Oh and did you know that you can sign up to their email newsletter and be the first to know what’s happening? Plus HUNTERhunter also have their very own app (link here to Download) and it’s geo-location specific, meaning you can pull out your phone or tablet, and with the power of GPS you can see what’s nearby. What better way to help locals and visitors get out-and-about in Newcastle and the Hunter and find something new?

hunter-house-perv-3Styling by Louise Hatcher & Photography by Lizzy Hodgins

Seeing Green!

The buzzword around Newcastle’s interior circles at the moment is Green… Julia Green, the founder of Greenhouse Interiors.

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 Meet Julia of Greenhouse Interiors


Greenhouse Interiors is an ingenious collaboration of creatives from artists, photographers, designers, writers and stylists. Julia brings them together under the Greenhouse umbrella to create interior magic. If you are anything like me with a slight (or not so slight) addiction to interior magazines you are sure to have come across Julia’s work. She styles and writes for many interior publications including Inside Out, Real Living, Home Beautiful, House & Garden and Frankie.

Suitably impressed… Greenhouse Interiors not only has a hugely successful print media focus with their very cool collaborations and talent, but also manages to skyrocket the careers of selected up and coming designers, boutique brands and artists. Julia and her team cleverly do this by opening up wholesale channels, ensuring their creations are stocked in exclusive retail outlets across Australia, whilst nurturing their brand positioning, imagery and product development.

greenhouse-interiors-oblica-firegreenhouse-interiors-oblica-wall-fireStyling by Julia Green & Photography by Armelle Habib


This is where the Newcastle connection comes in… Willows Home Traders. Willows are Newcastle and the Hunter’s (now in two locations) go-to store for gorgeous on trend interior brands, and are one of the exclusive retail outlets stocking some of the incredible brands that Julia and her team represent.

greenhouse-interiors-society-of-wanderers-loungeStyling by Julia Green & Photography by Cricket-Studio


It is this collaboration with Willows Home Traders that brings Julia to Newcastle to present her very own Styling Masterclass. This is a one off event that will offer trade secrets and insights into making colour selections, choosing the placement and scale of artwork, furniture, rugs and how to incorporate soft furnishings like a professional (believe me it’s harder than it looks). Live styling demonstrations, delicious nibbles and a jam-packed goodies bag along with Julia’s incredible experience and knowledge are just too good to resist.

greenhouse-interiors-sage-and-claregreenhouse-interiors-sage-and-clare-bedroom Styling by Julia Green & Photography by Annette O’Brien


Want to know more? If you don’t already have your tickets unfortunately this event has just sold out. To learn a little more about Julia and Greenhouse Interiors you can visit her website or head into one of the Willows Home Traders stores (89 Darby St, Newcastle | 451 High St, Maitland) and speak to the staff about some of the gorgeous brands and styling that will be featured on the night.

When: This Friday 17th April at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

Where: Hunter Design School 67 Parry St, Newcastle West

Tickets: SOLD OUT

Contact: amelia@willowshometraders.com.au

greenhouse-interiors-society-of-wanderers-linenStyling by Julia Green & Photography by Cricket-Studio


So if you see some amazing styling in the Monsoon Living online store in the coming months, you’ll know my secret!

greenhouse-interiors-space-to-create-kitchenStyling by Julia Green & Photography by Armelle Habib