Design + Diplomacy is a multi-disciplinary interior design company specialising in property styling and co-ordinating renovations for Melbourne’s real estate market. We have built a reputation for ourselves in the Melbourne property scene with our expertise and broad-appeal style.
Here at D+D, we believe in creating a look that is relatable to any potential buyer, while remaining stylish and contemporary. Our collection of furniture, art and accessories are carefully sourced from all over Australia and the world, to ensure we have an extensive selection of stylish pieces to enhance our clients’ property.
D+D brings unrivalled experience in the interior design sector, having worked in Australia, Europe and the US over the last 10 years. Now firmly established in Melbourne, we have been delivering outstanding results for our clients across every market demographic for several years.
Why Choose Design + Diplomacy?
Property styling and staging is a very important part of the residential real estate market in Australia. It is proven that a well styled property targeting the right buyer can deliver a result well in excess of a vendor’s expectations. D+D have styled hundreds of properties across Melbourne, and our results speak for themselves with more than 90% selling under the hammer or prior to auction day.
We are entirely self-sufficient – all of our designers and stylists are fully qualified, we own our own furniture, art and accessories, run our own fleet of vehicles and provide a full end-to-end service for our clients. We also advise on, and project coordinate the pre-staging preparation of your property which covers important areas such as interior/exterior paint, bathroom and kitchen makeovers, landscaping and lighting.
D+D cover every suburb and demographic across Melbourne and can design any interior to appeal to the agreed target market for your property. We work closely with your real estate agent to deliver a campaign-ready property that will hit the mark every time. With an incomparable understanding of the Melbourne market and our interior design expertise, D+D will get you the best result come auction day.
“I just wanted to express my appreciation for all your efforts Rhea. The house looks amazing, I love it. You did a great job in styling it and hit the brief perfectly. Thanks for everything.”
Steve - Davis Street, Burwood East
“I’d like to thank you for your service and advice during our sales campaign. From the initial meeting although brief I felt D+D grasped the concept we were after and although it had pieces of furniture that were not mine they were definitely my style making it feel as it was still my home. Being able to use most of my artwork also made it feel personal. My wife and I loved the setup of the home and furniture placement that we would not have envisaged made the rooms more complete. I have no doubt that the furniture selection and placement assisted in achieving the great result over the weekend. I would definitely recommend D&D and I look forward to working again with you in the future.”
Adrian - Tennyson Street, Essendon
“Design + Diplomacy’s advice and styling brought our property to life. The visual difference between first having tenants furniture in the property, then fully styled, to finally a vacant leasing campaign following the sale, was a clear indication of the value in styling when selling property.”
Cam - Moor St, Fitzroy
“It was a very easy and collaborative experience that made us feel confident of a good result.”
Chris - Barnett St, Kensington
“From the moment the team from D+D arrived at our home I knew we made the right decision. Furniture was expertly and efficiently moved into place with great care. Senior stylist Rhea cast her thoughtful and stylish eye over every last detail, ensuring everything was just right. The quality and style of furniture was perfect for our home and the target market. From the beginning of installation, throughout the campaign, auction day and beyond the service and communication was exceptional. I couldn’t more highly recommend the D + D team. Special mention to Rhea for her outstanding design choices and to Lara for styling the most amazing beds!! On auction day we sold for $190,000 over reserve!! Best money we ever spent thanks D+D!! I’ll be using you for my next property!!”
Lisa - Addison Street, Moonee Ponds
“Thanks Rhea. The styling obviously had a great impact on the result so thanks again for your work.”
Eloise - Newry St, Fitzroy North
“After a successful sale of our townhouse in Richmond on Saturday I want to take the opportunity to thank you both. From our first meeting I was confident that you understood the brief and that your styling would add value to our property. It was great to hear from our agent that everyone who viewed the property commented on how well it was presented, you certainly transformed it. We would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone selling their property and wish you both continuing success.”
Shelagh – Gardner Street, Richmond
“Dear Nicole, I am still admiring the beautiful transformation of our home. The work you have done is spectactular. Every room exudes warmth and has a “lived in” feel.”
Julie- Langdon Road, Caulfield North
Creative Director Nicole Langelier: ‘The Designer’
Originally from New York, Nicole Langelier holds a BFA in Product (furniture) Design from Parsons School of Design in New York, and a Masters in Interior and Living Design from Domus Academy in Milan.
Nicole’s creative career spans many design disciplines including interior design, property styling, prop styling for advertising and editorial, set design, and furniture design.
Having lived on 3 different continents and worked in many of the world’s major cities over the past 2 decades, including New York, Milan, Rome, Los Angeles, and Melbourne – Nicole has a unique and global eye and a refined style which draws upon her international experience and expertise.
About D&D’s Creative Director Nicole Langelier: ‘The Designer’
Originally from New York, Nicole Langelier holds a BFA in Product (furniture) Design from Parsons School of Design in New York, and a Masters in Interior and Living Design from Domus Academy in Milan.
Nicole’s creative career spans many design disciplines including interior design, property styling, prop styling for advertising and editorial, set design, and furniture design.
Having lived on 3 different continents and worked in many of the world’s major cities over the past 2 decades, including New York, Milan, Rome, Los Angeles, and Melbourne – Nicole has a unique and global eye and a refined style which draws upon her international experience and expertise.
Commercial Director Tim Gauci: ‘The Diplomat’
Tim Gauci is an experienced international business and marketing consultant and former diplomat. He has lived and worked in many countries over the last 15 years, advising and representing important corporations in Australia, Europe and Asia. Tim held positions with government as the Australian Consul General to Milan and the Australian Senior Trade Commissioner to Vietnam. Importantly across these roles Tim has sponsored and promoted Australian designers and artists at events across Italy, France and South East Asia.
In addition to his diplomatic and international business experience, Tim was the Director of one of Vietnam’s first export quality furniture and homewares design and manufacturing companies.
About D&D’s Commercial Director Tim Gauci: ‘The Diplomat’
Tim Gauci is an experienced & senior international business & marketing consultant and former diplomat. He has lived and worked in many countries in Asia and Europe over the last 15 years and has advised and represented many important MNC’s and SME’s in Australia, Europe and wider Asia. Tim held positions with Government as the Australian Consul General to Milan and also Australian Senior Trade Commissioner – Minister Counsellor to Vietnam. Importantly across these roles Tim has sponsored and promoted emerging and established Australian designers and artists at events and fairs across Italy, France and South East Asia.
Tim was also a Senior Advisor to the Government of Thailand and Senior Advisor to Crosby Textor. In addition to his diplomatic and international business experience, he held the position of Director of one of Vietnam’s first ‘export quality’ furniture and homewares design and manufacturing companies.