It’s not often I leap willingly out of bed on a chilly winter morning, especially when the sun itself is still nestled behind the horizon. In fact, had my kids dared to pull me from my cocoon of sleep at such a time I’d not nearly be so enthusiastic to start the day as I was today.  You see, when my alarm roused me from my slumber at 5.25am this morning, it was for a very special reason – I was heading to a women in business breakfast, headlined by the divine doyenne of interior design, Ms Shaynna Blaze.

It’s not secret I’m seriously in awe of this amazing woman.  I’m no designer, I’m not particular savvy when it comes to creating a look others would want to copy, and I can’t see myself ever putting my hand up to gruel it out on The Block, yet I know a creative genius when I see one – and this woman has it in spades.

What Shaynna brought to the stage today though was far more than about how to plump your pillows or provide more functionality and flair in your home. She invited us into a personal trip down memory lane, from her humble beginnings in suburban outer Melbourne, living in the house she described herself as “the one you walk in and say ‘thank God I don’t live here'” to where she is today.  And it was all thanks to being given permission by her supportive parents who said as long as she was prepared to do the hard work herself (and out of her own pocket!) she could kick start the obsession which would become a glitteringly successful career.

Shaynna also graciously shared her thoughts on “The Double D’s” from The Block (by which point I swear you could have heard the proverbial pin drop in the ballroom, such was our fascination with what actually transpired in the show), before, fittingly, finishing on a beautiful note about how she lives her life free from any toxic relationships, is comfortable within her own skin and stands by everything she ever says on TV. She is unapologetically herself – which is refreshing – and that signature laugh is a bold and brassy in real life as it is on our TV screens.

What a gift it was bearing witness to Shaynna sharing hers – both in her beautiful book (where even the texture of the pages take your breath away!) Design with Colour & Style – and opening up on stage about her colour and music infused life. As she said, you don’t have to have the budget of The Block to make your home into the sanctuary you desire (and deserve!). Even by just possessing as little as one precious, perfect tea cup, that when you clasp your hands around it evokes a sigh of pleasure can be enough when you start out. And with each item you buy for your home, take the time to think about how it resonates with you, how you connect with it on a very deep, personal plane. Do not be afraid to embrace the style that most resonates with you – not your friends, family or followers on social media.  

For we should all seek to fill our homes with those things that make our heart sing. That’s one design goal we are all capable of meeting.