our experts
This issue, we’ve turned to the pros to give you the best renovation advice. Here’s a little info on who we’ve chosen
architecture Andrew Benn
Andrew is a registered architect and director of Benn + Penna Architecture, an award-winning consultancy specialising in residential projects, small-to-medium scale commercial fit-outs and public spaces. In 2014, Benn + Penna was honoured with the NSW Architecture Award for its Balmain Houses, one of the highest accolades for architecture in the state. Andrew lives in Sydney with his wife, Alice, and young daughter, Phoebe.
appliances Tania Garonzi
Tania is the general manager for electronics and appliances company Hisense Australia, which launched in Australia ten years ago. She has a passion for cutting- edge technology and design, and has been responsible for introducing Hisense’s award-winning premium home appliances and 4K ULED TVs to the Australian market. She lives in Melbourne with her family.
organisation Peter Walsh
Peter is a professional organiser, with 15 years of experience in helping people climb out from under their clutter, both physically and emotionally. He’s a firm believer in identifying the psychological roots of a need to hold on to ‘stuffff’ to assist the process of letting go and allowing people to live their lives in a positive and healthy way. He lives in California with his partner Ken.
kitchen Travis Dean
With a background as an experienced cabinetmaker, Travis co-founded Cantilever Interiors in 2006 and has spent 10 years producing custom-made kitchens and joinery for some of Australia’s most respected architects and developers. In 2010, the company launched a range of chic pre- designed kitchens, made by hand in Melbourne and shipped around Australia.
garden Peter Fudge
Creative director Peter has been designing beautiful gardens for more than 20 years, and is the author of two books. Known for his classic yet contemporary style, Peter is passionate about creating liveable outdoor spaces using simple lines, with a focus on timeless natural materials – such as stone and timber – and the organic beauty of form and foliage.
art Sophie Gannon
Sophie is a Melbourne-based gallery director. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Sophie Gannon Gallery represents more than 25 of the best emerging and established artists from across Australia and New Zealand. In 2014, she and Brisbane gallery director Jan Murphy launched Contemporary Editions, which produces limited- edition prints by leading Australian artists.
flooring Shelley Craft
Carpet Court ambassador Shelley Craft is well-known as a popular television presenter and is currently the co-host of Channel 9’s The Block. Last year, Shelley launched her own ‘Real Living’ flooring range with Carpet Court, and is a serial renovator in her own right, having worked on five of her own homes. She lives in Byron Bay with her husband Christian and their two daughters Milla and Eadie.
decorating Lisa Koehler
Our Panel expert on interior design, Lisa has 20 years of experience in the industry, including interior styling, visual merchandising and floristry and event styling. She is also an educator at ISCD, the International School of Colour + Design in Sydney. Lisa always offers practical advice for turning a wishlist into reality and is a strong believer in clever storage solutions.
paint Jessica Plateo
Product manager at paint company British Paints, Jessica is the brand’s resident expert on all things paint and colour. She loves decorating and style, and has a particular passion for making the process of choosing colour and completing DIY painting projects as simple as possible for everyone from first-time painters to expert renovators.
design Shannon Vos
Shannon has always been fascinated by design, and spent 10 years in the construction industry and studying interior design before winning Nine’s The Block: Glasshouse in 2014 with his brother Simon. Shannon is our regular contributor on all things design, and also dishes the dirt on The Block on insideout.com.au. He lives in Sydney with his wife, Lisa and their young son, Dusty.
building Wayd Munro
The expert builder on our Panel, Wayd completed his apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, and has worked in the building industry in the USA, Canada, France, England and Germany. On his return to Australia, he established his own building business, Focus Build. Crafting furniture is his hobby, when he’s not travelling or working for Inside Out!
bathroom Darren Genner
Darren is the co- director of award-winning Sydney-based kitchen and bathroom design company, Minosa. His well-honed craftsmanship and design skills are the culmination of 23 years in trades. His extensive background as a wood machinist is complemented by specialisation in the kitchen industry. Minosa offers a design service, as well as locally manufactured products.