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CONTENTS

106

J U N E /J U LY

2024

17

M I L A N R E P O RT Sixty-plus pages of global

18

A RC H I T EC T U R E Vincent Van Duysen takes
an holistic view of whatever his eye lands upon.

29
101

C H I C AG E N DA Direct from Milano.

103

A RT On the wall, works that make a statement,

105
106

L I B R A RY Top-shelf interiors inspiration.

112

C R E AT I V E H O M E Interior designer
Nickolas Gurtler reveals his personal taste.

designers and makers, and the fashion, places and
people that make this annual furniture fair sizzle.

R I G H T N O W Creative spaces and places,

design books, art and a fresh spin on wool.

as selected by Belle art editor Harry Roberts.

LUX E F I L E S Merino wool makes its (soft)

launch into the homewares and fashion realms.

17

MILANO MAGIC
TOUR MILAN WITH US AS WE CAPTURE ALL
THE EXCITEMENT OF SALONE DEL MOBILE 2024
WITH THE LATEST ITERATIONS FROM LEADING
BRANDS OF FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES.

REGULARS

129

12

Masthead and
Privacy Notice

15
178

Editor’s Letter
The Office ...
Shona McElroy

31
OUR COVER

10

117
118

HOM ES

136

I TA LY A 17th-century Tuscany farmhouse receives a contemporary
makeover with a deft Australian touch.

150

SY D N E Y Layers of texture and an abundance of fluted detailing ensure

162

SY D N E Y It’s summer all year long in this airy waterfront home where

SY D N E Y Spanish mission-style meets Old Hollywood glamour in a

mansion with Mediterranean good looks.

that a neutral palette looks anything but dull.

the lines between indoors and out are beautifully blurred.

P H OTO G R A P H Y M A R E E HO M E R ( B E L L E V U E H I L L , P 12 9 )

Photography Tomaso Lisca
and Luca Argenton

EASY TO
E N T E R TA I N

E D I TO R I A L

Editor-in-chief
Creative director
Managing editor
Senior copy editor
Chief copy editor, Homes
Art production
Stylist, Homes
Contributing editors

Tanya Buchanan
Shayne Burton
Matilda Ringrose
Janice Hogg
Peter Griffiths
Matus Kundrat
Sophie Wilson
Steve Cordony (Style director-at-large),
Karen McCartney (Architecture),
Kirstie Clements (Luxe Files) Judy Pascoe
(Library), Carli Philips (Melbourne),
Harry Roberts (Art), Jean Wright (Design)

E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E GPO Box 4088, Sydney, NSW 1028
Tel (02) 9282 8456, email: belle@aremedia.com.au

CON T R I B UTO R S
Luca Argenton , Mattia Balsamini, Angelita Bonetti, Jeremy Callaghan, Zeb Daemen,
DePasquale+Maffini, Alexandra English, David Harrison, Maree Homer,
Timothy Kaye, Alana Landsberry, Gaëlle Le Boulicaut, Rhiannon Lidbury, Tomaso Lisca,
Chris Pearson, Prue Ruscoe, Anson Smart, Kristina Soljo, Rhiannon Taylor, Dave Wheeler.

A D VE RT I S I N G

Commercial manager, Homes
Brand executive
Advertising production manager
Director of sales, agency & direct
Head of direct sales, VIC, SA & WA
Queensland head of sales
Creative director
Production planner
Advertising production

Rhyl Heavener
Claire Ellis, (02) 9282 8038
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Will Jamison, Will.Jamison@aremedia.com.au
Judy Taylor, (07) 3101 6636
Clare Catt, (02) 8116 9341
Sally Jefferys, (02) 8116 9385
Dominic Roy, (02) 9282 8691

M A R K E T I N G , R E S E A R C H & C I R C U L AT I O N

Marketing director
Senior research and insights analyst
Subscriptions campaign manager

Louise Cankett
Ania Falenciak
Nicolette Zorzopis, (02) 9282 8019

A R E M E DI A

Chief executive officer
General manager, Homes
Editorial coordinator
National director of sales
Director of Content
Business manager
Circulation and insights manager
Data and distribution manager

Jane Huxley
Lisa Hudson
Susie Munson
Andrew Cook
Sally Eagle
Dawn Mirontos
Nicole Pearson
Joshua Blanshard

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T R E AT YO U R S E L F O R
SOMEONE SPECIAL

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SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

BRISBANE

EDITOR’S LET TER

Clockwise from left

‘Altitude’ cashmere throw
in Carmine from Hermès.
‘Saffron’ dessert plate
from Cabana. Belle editor
Tanya Buchanan in Milan
with style editor-at-large
Steve Cordony. ‘Scott
Keramik’ dining table
from Milano Furniture.

Above Every corner of Milan was

P H OTO G R A P H Y A N G E L I TA B O N E T T I ( TA N YA A N D ST E V E )

buzzing with Design Week fever.

part from the privilege and thrill of heading to Milano each year for the reveal of
new design and furniture pieces, one of the greatest pleasures is meeting some of the
stars of the design business and other fellow design media I admire from afar. The
Australian contingent of architects, interior designers, industrial designers, media
and other committed creatives really comes out in force during this important week
of design. People are still shocked that we are willing to travel so far but try to stop
us! Another reaffirming part of a trip to Milan is how damned good our Australian
architecture and design aesthetic is. We also do a pretty magnificent event and
installation, so while I am always wowed in Milano, I am very proud to represent our Australian design
talent. Every year is different in terms of what’s on offer and what you get time to see, and we are very
grateful for the support of our Milan sponsors, Fanuli. I am happy to report that we had expert assistance
compiling our coverage. Our Architecture editor, Karen McCartney, and design aficionado David Harrison
bring you the best of the zones, p21 – there are a lot of areas to cover, and this dynamic duo knows them all
very well. Karen also interviews the enigmatic Vincent Van Duysen, p18. My partner-in-crime,
Mr Chic Agenda, Steve Cordony, p29, is a speedy glam magnet, and we covered a lot of ground together. He
is regularly accosted on the streets by international fans. One afternoon, a woman pushed her partner aside,
handed him her shopping and asked him to take a photo of her with Steve for her feed! On another day we
had a very special yet casual working lunch with design legend Antonio Citterio. We were sitting in his very
organised, fabulous studio while he talked about his career and new designs. Our friends at Space invited us
to a morning tour through Piero Lissoni’s Milan premises. It was unlike what I expected. Signore Lissoni
loves flowers and always buys them from the markets when he is in town. While the studio was very
organised, it was also organic. Flowers, books, a resident dog, lots of inspiration, and separate areas for
graphic design, architecture and interior design, plus a room with a giant 3D model printer and a little team
assembling models, make up the Lissoni headquarters. We are also lucky to have a wonderful unflappable
photographer, Angelita Bonetti – it is tricky shooting things when there are masses of people examining
every object in detail and Angelita is serenely patient. So, what is the main take-out? In terms of colours:
reds, oranges, yellows and golds are big and this will sound weird but they are all a little muddy not shiny
and bright. This description I must attribute to Dulux’s colour expert, Andrea Lucena-Orr, who gave me
that take on the run. As usual there was lots of sublime artisanship especially at the standout Hermès
installation – I spoke to Florence Lafarge, the brand’s creative director of home textiles – see p48.

Tanya Buchanan, Editor-in-chief
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15

MIL AN REPORT

THE SECOND EDITION OF ARTEMEST’S
L’APPARTAMENTO, A SUMPTUOUS
VISUAL FEAST CELEBRATING ITALIAN
ARTISANSHIP AGAINST THE BACKDROP
OF RESIDENZA VIGNALE, AN EARLY
20TH-CENTURY MILANESE MANSION.

R R IS
V ID H A
IS H , D A Y
L
G
N
E
D ON
NDR A
VE COR
ALEX A
N D ST E
ANAN,
A
H
Y
C
E
U
N
B
T
N YA
MCC AR
Words TA
K AREN

P H OTO G R A P H Y TO M A SO L I S C A A N D LU C A A RG E N TO N

DESIG

ON,

N WE
EK

THE BELLE TEAM FOUND A TROVE OF RICH PICKINGS AT THIS YEAR’S SALONE DEL MOBILE, AKA MILAN DESIGN
WEEK 2024. WE BRING YOU A CURATED LOOK AT THE FRESHEST RELEASES FROM TOP CREATIVES AND FASHION
HOUSES AND INTRODUCE THE FACES AND PLACES THAT MAKE UP THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRADE FAIR.

17

MIL AN REPORT

Architecture

TOTA L
PACK AGE

ra
Por t
it Z E
EN
AEM
BD
ds
Wor
KA
REN
McC
A RT
NEY

Armed with an holistic vision, architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen
creates beautiful spaces to deliver a complete experience in which to thrive.

This page, clockwise from top left

P H OTO G R A P H Y F R É DÉ R IC B L A NC H O N ( J NCQ U O I B E AC H C LU B ) , ST E P H E N K J OH N SON ( E K R E S I DE N C E ) ,
P I E T-A L B E RT G OE T H A LS ( W I N E RY ) , M A X Z A M B E L L I ( MO LT E N I & C PAV I L I ON )

JNcQUOI Beach Club in Portugal
showcases Van Duysen’s holistic
approach. The ‘Petalo’ armchair
for Molteni&C launched at Salone
del Mobile in April. EK Residence in
LA marries a Belgian aesthetic
with West Coast modernism.
Strong, monolithic forms at the
Winery VV by Vinetiq, Belgium.
Hospitality pavilion by Van Duysen
at the heart of the Molteni&C HQ.

BELGIAN ARCHITECT and designer Vincent Van Duysen
is not without complexity. At its core his personal style, honed
over many years, has its anchor in warm minimalism occasionally
edging towards Brutalism with its balance of raw with smooth,
tactile and organic, contextual and calm. Clients understand his
love of natural materials, the sensorial aspects of his work and
how his close attention to how they live translates into a home,
tailored just for them, that contains a certain monastic serenity
and connection to nature. “I have a good sense and knowledge of
people. That’s my strength. Most architects are more mathematical
and rational. I am more of an instinctive, intuitive person,” he
says, “but the client has to bring their personality to the table.”
Locally he has been named as Belgian Designer of the Year
and globally he seems to have a permanent spot on Architectural
Digest’s AD100 list of top talents. Self-described as tending to be
introverted, he is also a brand with 427,000 Instagram followers
who are on first-name terms with his adorable dachshunds, he
had a hand with Axel Vervoordt and Claudio Silvestrin on interior
selections in a home for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West and is
creative director of Italian furniture brand Molteni&C.
A living exemplar of the word ‘multidisciplinary’ he is in Milan
to front his new collections for Molteni&C and celebrate their
90th year of operation. “The collaboration works so well because
Molteni&C is steeped in outstanding craftsmanship alongside the
architectural heritage of Gio Ponti. Their style does not scream
‘design’ and has an understated elegance, just like my creations,”
he says. While product design forms part of their relationship he
has designed a significant hospitality pavilion at their headquarters
in Giussano, just north of Milan, home to the brand since 1934.
The structure, a reception area, restaurant and hospitality space,
has his signature of timelessness and serenity with two large
horizontal concrete elements, the floor and the ceiling, supported
by the colonnade, leading to a glazed pavilion that is open to

outside views that engage the seasons. “I have designed a space
where exterior and interior blend to create a complete experience,”
he says. “Light, air and sound flow through each room.”
There is also enough latitude for his design for the landscape
by Marco Bay, to create a haphazard, dynamic backdrop of
‘dishevelled vegetation’ as a foil to the precision of the furnishings
– all his designs. This idea of a gesamtkunstwerk where a total
holistic vision, inside and out, is delivered finds expression at the
JNcQUOI Beach Club in Comporta, Portugal. “This approach
... is my modus operandi. It is not only the physical construction
but creating spaces for people to live in surrounded by art,
furniture and objects. All these elements are part of the art of
living,” he says.
His touch is evident in every facet of the club, from bike parking
to the beach cabanas and meticulously designed, custom-crafted
furniture. This is an example of orchestrating an entire experience
so that through material and object selections, through design
and curation, the ambience is unadulterated Van Duysen and as
such delivers on his ideas around beauty. Recognising that it is
not a word that often appears in the architectural lexicon he defends
its importance. “Beauty can be anything – something that comes
from nature, a beautiful conversation, or art that opens your mind
and connects with your soul and makes you happy,” he says.
He understands the emotional world of what a space (be it a
home or hotel) can be and by tapping into something elemental
in his clients he is able to bring that to the fore in the structure
and interior. His EK Residence in Brentwood, West LA, for
Californian lifestyle mogul Jenni Kayne brings a melding of his
Belgian aesthetic with the mid-century modernist tradition of
West Coast US. Built in slim-profile bricks the courtyard-centric
design embraces lush vegetation with a fluid floorplan that aligns
closely with family life. A separate home office in a taller volume
is accessed via a tactile plaster and timber spiral staircase. “I always
try to balance three things: the location with its characteristics,
the vernacular elements and the contemporary. I am first and
foremost a modernist so natural elements are juxtaposed to current
building and construction elements and materials,” he says.
Given that so much of Van Duysen’s work derives from a deeply
personal set of aesthetic values he has just published a book,
Vincent Van Duysen: Private (see Library, p105), an exploration of
his own homes which are ideas laboratories and a constant source
of inspiration for him and now for us.
molteni.it/store/melbourne-flagship-store/en/

19

CONNERY SEATING SYSTEM | RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN
TORII ARMCHAIR | NENDO DESIGN
BOTECO COFFEE TABLE | MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN
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INFO@DEDECE.COM

MIL AN REPORT

FLOS WENT ALL OUT AT PALAZZO
VISCONTI WITH A ‘PAST MEETS
PRESENT’ EXHIBITION CELEBRATING 10
YEARS OF MICHAEL ANASTASSIADES’
HUGELY SUCCESSFUL IC LIGHTING
COLLECTION, ALONG WITH A NEW
ITERATION OF THE ‘BELLHOP’ TABLE
LAMP AS A PENDANT IN GLASS BY
BARBER OSGERBY, A NEW RANGE
CALLED ‘SUPERWIRE’ FROM
FORMAFANTASMA, AND AN ODE
TO THE PAST WITH THE SPECTACULAR
‘TARAXACUM 88’ (PICTURED),
DESIGNED BY ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI
IN 1988. FLOS.COM

P H OTO G R A P H Y N I COLÒ PA N Z E R I

IN THE

Milan Design Week ignites a tremendous activation across the city
in established showrooms and repurposed spaces, from grand villas
to tiny shops, garages and galleries. Tour the best on display
with design gurus Karen McCartney and David Harrison.
21

G RO U N D U P
Since the 1920s Italian company Fornace Brioni has produced handmade
earthernware tiles from the sediment of the River Po in a 1000-year-old
tradition. Its show, ‘Grounded’, was a collaboration with designer
Cristina Celestino, who preserved the tile manufacturer’s cultural and
authentic qualities while “finding a balance between nostalgia
and progress in design”. fornacebrioni.it; cristinacelestino.com

MORNING MIST

LIGHTING DESIGNERS
GIOPATO & COOMBES EXCELLED
WITH ‘BRUMA: A THOUSAND
LANDSCAPES’. THE SPACE TOOK
ON AN ETHEREAL QUALITY AS
MODULES OF SUSPENDED CAST
GLASS, WITH A SURFACE CALLED
‘PULEGOSO’ (TINY BUBBLES
MIMICKING WATER), FULFILLED
THE INSPIRATIONAL STARTING
POINT OF MISTY AIR IN
THE MORNING.
GIOPATOCOOMBES.COM

In Milan’s oldest streets shops are
given over to inventive brand fitouts in
intimate spaces that serve to encourage
conversations with designers.

Melbourne-based lighting
practice Volker Haug Studio and
interior designers Flack Studio
partnered in a dazzling show
of collaborative talent with a
beautifully detailed lighting
exhibition titled ‘Me and You’.
A tiny corner shop in Via San
Maurilio was expertly fitted
out with perforated metal
wall lights combining with
a central pendant light in
fibreglass and bronze (left).
volkerhaug.com; flack.studio

CR AF T MAGIC
L’Appartamento by artisanal
design sales platform Artemest
commandeered the ground floor of
fin-de-siècle Residenza Vignale,
first built for an Austrian prince,
with Studio Meshary AlNassar
from Kuwait undertaking the
design of the entryway and flower
room (right). Pretty tones and
whimsical fixtures, such as the
‘Madia’ intagliata chest by
Giuseppe Rivadossi, soften the
transition from house to garden.
artemest.com; mesharyalnassar.com

P R I N T R E A DY

UNobject, a new Taiwanese design house,
launched ‘Experiential Matter’ exploring
sensory bonds between humans and
materials. In the Baroque surrounds of
Palazzo Litta is a lightweight 3D-printed
chair, ‘Topo’ (above), with an emphasis on
ergonomics and the transformation of
recycled plastics. un-object.com

P H OTO G R A P H Y M AT T I A B A LS A M I N I ( FO R N AC E B R IO N I ) , D E PA S Q UA L E + M A F F I N I ( V O L K E R H AU G A N D F L AC K ST U D IO )

YOU ‘N’ ME

MIL AN REPORT

SHAPE SHIFT

IN FLOWER

Nilufar Depot offered a startling mix of new
limited-edition works and rare vintage
pieces. Objects of Common Interest’s ‘Fillo’
table showed with ‘Totem’ pyrex ceiling lamp
by Bethan Laura Wood. bethanlaurawood.
com; objectsofcommoninterest.com

PHOTOGRAPHY RONALD SMITS (SOLIDIFIED), FILIPPO PINCOLINI (NILUFAR DEPOT), ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ OROZCO (ANDRÉS REISINGER)

DEPOT

UMUT YAMAC, A LONDON-BASED
DESIGNER, EXPLORES THE THEMES OF
MOVEMENT AND DELICACY USING
SUPERFICIALLY FRAGILE MATERIALS. HIS
PLAYFUL APPROACH DELIVERS POETIC
OUTCOMES SUCH AS THE ‘BLOOM’
PENDANT LIGHT AND FLOOR LIGHTS
ALONG WITH THE ‘CRUSH’ RUG FOR
MOOOI. UMUTYAMAC.COM

To the north of the city Isola’s highlight was Dutch
show ‘Solidified’, while Nilufar Depot is always a
must-see with a cavernous gallery of the very best
in vintage and contemporary work.

THOUGHT PIECE
‘12 Chairs For Meditations’ by Andrés Reisinger
starred at Nilufar Depot with the Spanish
designer’s installation revolving around a
5x5m glass mosaic-tiled panel (above) made
in Mexico by Taller Perdomo. reisinger.studio

M E S M E R I C C O LO U R

‘Solidified’ was a beautifully conceived
exhibition of four Dutch design studios:
Rive Roshan, Jesse Visser, Umut Yamac
and Rick Tegelaar, alongside gallery
Form Editions, which showcases work
by a small group of Dutch designers.
Rive Roshan is the partnership
of Ruben de la Rive Box and
Golnar Roshan whose preoccupations
are the play of light on surfaces and
observing the movement and colour
shift across objects and lighting such
as on these rippled glass panels (right).
riveroshan.com

23

C O N V E R S AT I O N P I E C E

STONE AGE

At Moooi’s ‘A Life Extraordinary’ the
‘Serpentine’ pendant lights are by Front,
the ‘Transformed Remnants’ side table by
Willem Zwiers uses pages from discarded
books as its core material and the
‘Aldora Vis a Vis’ by Cristina Celestino
offers a relaxed sofa context. moooi.com

Porta Venezia, one
of Milan’s historical
gateways to the city,
hosted big-brand
expressions in galleries,
showrooms and even
private apartments.

A RT I S A N A L V I S I O N

UP-SCALE

PIET BOON’S BOON_EDITIONS
COLLABORATED WITH STEFANO
GIACOMELLO OF STUDIO ROTOLO
TO ILLUSTRATE THE LATTER’S
3D MODELLING SKILLS IN A
COLLECTION OF HYPER-REALISTIC
SUPER-SIZED PIECES (ABOVE).
BOONPARIS.COM/BOON_
EDITIONS; STUDIO-ROTOLO.COM

BELLA BELLINI
In ‘To the Edge of Matter’ show, the spectacular
chaise longue, ‘La Grande Muraglia’ (above), by
Mario Bellini is carved from Bianco Covelano
marble and covered in velvet, pairing extreme
comfort with monumentality. neutradesign.it

Retailer Spotti Milano on Viale Piave curates its showroom continuously, often
through the unique lens of a particular stylist, architect or designer. For MDW 2024,
it featured the versatile ‘Lorentz’ sofa system by David Lopez Quincoces for Living
Divani and the extraordinary ‘Bloom 2.4’ pendant light by Mario Tsai. spotti.com;
livingdivani.it; quincocesdrago.com; mariotsai.studio

P H OTO G R A P H Y G . A L E X A N DR E ( CO L L ECT IO N PA RT ICU L I È R E ) , A L B E RTO ST R A DA ( S P OT T I M I L A N O )

Collection Particulière marries a love of
timeless materials with a dedication to
traditional craft. In ‘Natural Disco’
metallic glazes were applied to
lavastone and a 16th-century
terracotta method was revisited for
Luca Erba’s ‘Terra’ table and stools.
collection-particuliere.fr; lucaerba.eu

MIL AN REPORT

ICON REVIVED

Cassina re-released Charlotte
Perriand’s 1943 ‘Indochine’
chaise lounge as a cradle of
painted tubular metal and
recycled PET fibre padding.
In Vietnam and confined to
her bed at the end of her
pregnancy, Perriand designed
the original in rattan because
it was impossible to source
steel during the Pacific War.
cassina.com

The traditional home for brands such as B&B Italia and Cassina, Durini is
the go-to district for prestige showrooms that define contemporary design.

P H OTO G R A P H Y G IO N ATA X E R R A ( B & B I TA L I A ) , A N D R E A F E R R A R I ( ST U D IO P E P E ), A N DR E A F E R R A R I ( FAY E TO O G O O D )

RED CENTRE
The B&B Italia showroom in
Via Durini showed ‘Assiale’
(left), an elegant, monolithic
table in Levanto red marble
by the maestro Piero Lissoni.
It comes in two sizes and
also has an extendable
option in a glossy or satin
lacquered finish: the 210cm
top jumps to 294cm, while
the 250cm top slides to
a massive 334cm.
bebitalia.com

C U RV I / L I N E A R
Gallotti&Radice’s new
Studiopepe-designed
showroom takes a holistic
approach to a soft,
contemporary aesthetic,
and includes a 3D paper
wall treatment. Studiopepe
also designed this new
dining table, ‘Selce-T’
(right), with a sculptural
base and hand-applied
natural pulverised stone
powder on the surface.
gallottiradice.it;
studiopepe.info

RU D E H E A LT H

Designer Faye Toogood applied her
amorphous, sensual aesthetic to a rug
collaboration with cc-tapis (‘Tiddlybits’,
pictured above) and to Tacchini daybeds
and sofas. Both collections were on spirited
display at cc-tapis’ Rude Arts Club.
cc-tapis.com; tacchini.it

25

LIGHT TOTEM
Canada’s A-N-D Light exhibited in the
grand entrance area of Villa Bagatti
Valsecchi, showing its new modular
pendant and floor light by Caine
Heintzman called ‘Vale’ (far left). The
brand also incorporated UMA’s new
‘T4’ sofa, and Bethan Laura Wood’s
‘Kaleidoscope-o-rama’ rug for cc-tapis.
a-n-d.com; umaobjects.com; cc-tapis.com

POLE POSITION

PARISIAN ARCHITECT BERENICE CURT’S
‘TESTA DEI MARMI’ (HEAD OF MARBLE) SERIES
OF SCULPTURAL TOTEMS WITH POLISHED
STAINLESS-STEEL BASES AND SHIELD-LIKE
HEADS CRAFTED FROM RECLAIMED MARBLE
PAVE THE WAY TO VILLA BORSANI.
BERENICECURT.COM

A roving exhibition, Alcova seeks interesting
venues for avant-garde design each year. For
MDW 2024, there were two: Villa Bagatti
Valsecchi and Villa Borsani, both in Varedo.

The San Francisco-based
landscape and urban
design firm Surfacedesign,
Inc. presented outdoor
furniture in the form of
fine stainless steel sheets
anchored by rough-hewn
rocks that appear to have
emerged from the earth
(left). The use of fractured
rock is the brand’s
signature. sdisf.com

A STEP UP
Australian designer
Tom Fereday has been
showing his work in Milan
since 2016. This year he
revealed his ‘Mazer’ collection
of solid stone furniture. Each
chair, stool and side table
features a dish-shaped
depression in the stone
that subverts the collection’s
otherwise brutal geometric
forms constructed in Roman
red travertine (right).
tomfereday.com

26

S TAC K S O F C O LO U R

Italian ceramics company Bitossi showed
a collection of brightly coloured garden
planters by Objects of Common Interest
(above). Bearing the signature fluted
qualities of Grecian columns, the ‘Torsi’
series can be stacked or arranged
creatively. bitossiceramiche.it;
objectsofcommoninterest.com

P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E SY OF A- N - D, P I E RG IO RG IO S ORG E T T I ( B E R E N IC E CU RT, B I TOS S I ),
P I E RG IO RG IO SO RG E T T I ( SU R FAC E D E S IG N , I N C . ), GIULIO GHIARDI (TOM FEREDAY)

OF THE
EARTH

MIL AN REPORT

SOLID STATE
Salvatori showcased the prodigious designer
Patricia Urquiola’s ‘The Small Hours’ bathroom
collection (below). She took the brand to the next
level by introducing marbles such as Verde Antico
alongside matte-finished steel, and timber furniture
pieces that act as a ‘hinge’ between the rest of the
house. salvatoriofficial.com; patriciaurquiola.com

G LO W U P

Australian brand Rakumba
launched a number of lights at
its ‘Enlightened Living’
installation, including
‘Gallery’ and ‘Port’ by Tom
Fereday and ‘Bell’ by AFTR.
Shown here is ‘Petal’ by
German-based Sebastian
Herkner, with its generously
thickened glass and organic
form working brilliantly as a
pendant, wall and table light.
sebastianherkner.com;
rakumba.com.au

FUTURE ICON
According to furniture
brand Moroso, Ron Arad’s
reinterpretation of the
classic lounge chair, the
‘One Page’ armchair (left),
is set to become an icon
of design with its rigid
moulded polyurethane
shell, soft internal
padding and lyrical shape
that’s inspired by the curve
of a sheet of paper.
moroso.it; ronarad.co.uk

Brera is biggest drawcard of the design destinations, with a density of
studios and brand HQs being activated during Design Week.

N E W DY N A M I C
P H OTO G R A P H Y L EON A R D O D U G G E N TO ( M OROSO ), ST U D IO E Y E ( RO N A R A D )

FLOAT AWAY
THE JAPANESE BRAND TIME & STYLE
SHOWED LATERAL THOUGHT WITH ITS
‘STONE GARDEN’. FOCUSING ON THE
ATTRIBUTES OF THE TRADITIONAL
JAPANESE HOME – CEDAR, CYPRESS,
STONE AND STRAW – THE BRAND
DEVELOPED A RANGE OF FLOATING
PLATFORMS TO ENCOURAGE A SENSE
OF HORIZONTAL EXPANSION. LAYERED
UPHOLSTERY AND TATAMI COVERINGS
ALONGSIDE FINELY CRAFTED SCREENS
CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL SERENITY.
TIMEANDSTYLE.COM

Always in favour of a big gesture, Italian brand
Moroso launched Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Gruuve’ sofa,
which channels a 1970s spirit with its dynamic,
convivial seating possibilities.
moroso.it; patriciaurquiola.com

vboaustralia

CHIC AGENDA

Ed
ite
db
y
ST
EV
E
C
O
RD
O
N
Y

P H OTO G R A P H Y A N G E L I TA B O N E T T I

Join Belle style
editor-at-large
Steve Cordony as
he drinks in all the
glamour and gloss of
this year’s furniture
fair in Milano.

This page “The grand doors of Milan always pique my
interest into what lies beyond,” says Steve, who wears
Giorgio Armani in the city’s Brera district. This arty
quarter of Milan is populated with sleek boutiques and
upscale dining establishments, and features cobbled or
tiled streets and imposing 18th-century buildings.

29

01_RUG INDIVIDUALIST

Patricia Urquiola presented numerous new designs and products during
Design Week including the playful ‘M’ama non M’ama’ rug handknotted in linen
and wool in Nepal for cc-tapis, available in a range of colours. mobilia.com.au

02
02_FROM SEED

Taking us on a
a
journey to the foothills
of the alps in northern Italy,
Zegna transformed its Milan
HQ into the Oasi nature reserve
to celebrate Born in Oasi: Zegna.
The book looks at the house’s
alpine roots and its founder who
also created a thriving ecosystem
at the same time. zegna.com

03_EARTHY WIT

Presenting the 2024 home collection at their Via Manzoni
store, Fendi Casa showcased a sophisticated series of furniture
and homewares epitomising artisanship in luxurious raw
materials and topped off with notes of whimsy. fendi.com

CHIC AGENDA

04_DIVINING MATERIA

Showing at Palazzo Bovara and dedicated to the discovery of materials in
all their forms, Elle Décor Italia presented ‘Material Home’, which curated
rooms and spaces presenting variations on the theme, preceded by a large
area dedicated to the materials library. elledecor.com/it

05_STOCKING UP

Just in time for Design Week
and to celebrate their 10th
anniversary, Cabana magazine
opened its first store on
Via Borgospesso curating
their various tableware and
home collections as well as
vintage furniture pieces.
cabanamagazine.com

05

06

06_BAR HOPPING

A standout piece from the week, the latest
Fornasetti collection was dedicated to the
dining room including the ‘Polyhedric’
curved bar cabinet in the Vasi pattern from
the 1950s. fornasetti.com

31

CHIC AGENDA

07_CATCHING UP

For me, one of the best parts about
Milan Design Week is seeing
designers from all over the world
who have come together to be
inspired and running into friends
from Australia. Here I am pictured
(left) bumping into esteemed
industrial designer David Caon, on
the move to see the latest designs
from heritage brands and new up
and coming designers.

08_GLORIOUS GATHERING

My go-to Milan Design Week
highlight, Maxalto presented
its 2024 designs coordinated
by Antonio Citterio at their
Via Durini store, including the
standout ‘Florius’ sofa collection.
space.com.au

09

09_STAR BRIGHT

Offering ‘unexpected
interactions’ with light, Loewe
presented 24 lamps created by
24 international artists in an
exhibition in the heart of Brera
at the historic Palazzo Citterio.
The lamps featured materials
from horsehair to leather,
Japanese washi paper and
birch twigs. loewe.com

32

10_LATHER AMPED

My personal highlight from the
week, Aesop’s new retail outlet on
Corso Magenta was unveiled
with an installation designed by
Nicolas Schuybroek creating a
‘soap salon’ with walls created
entirely from the Australian
brand’s body cleaning slabs.
aesop.com

11

11_PARALLEL LINES

Thom Browne made his Design
Week debut with a homeware
collection created in collaboration
with linen brand Frette, translating
his iconic grey and white aesthetic to
a stunning range of bedding
and towels. frette.com

12

12_CELESTIAL INSIGHTS

Melbourne-based
lighting studio
Christopher Boots
presented a stunning
new collection entitled
‘Cruz’, informed
by the Southern
Cross constellation.
christopherboots.com

CHIC AGENDA

13_BEAR MAXIMUM

13

Presenting for the first
time at Dimore Centrale
in a space designed by
the studio, the well-padded
‘Polar Bear’ armchair took
centrestage alongside
a selection of gouaches
by Jean Royère.
maisonroyere.com

14_TABLE TALK

Melbourne powerhouse
lighting designer
Nicci Kavals unveiled her first
foray into furniture design with
a debut collection of bespoke
tables – ‘Cuff’, ‘Flare’, ‘Fin’
and ‘Slip’ – inspired by apparel
design from Italian ateliers.
articolostudios.com

16_ ROCK STARS

15_THE POWER OF CARMINE

Continuing to take his rich red paintbrush
to objects, Gucci creative director
Sabato De Sarno reimagined furniture
classics with new editions of Italian icons,
including the ‘Storet’ storage cabinet
(right) designed by Nanda Vigo for
Acerbis and the ‘Le Mura’ sofa (below)
by Mario Bellini for Tacchini.
gucci.com

Partnering with Fondation Le Corbusier
and Cassina, Bottega Veneta
presented ‘On The
Rocks’ with a large-scale
installation at Palazzo
San Fedele creating
custom editions of the
‘LC14 Tabouret Cabanon’.
bottegaveneta.com

16
34

17_CULTURAL DIALOGUE

Echoes from the World, the latest
Armani/Casa collection took guests on a
cinematic journey through places and
journeys that have inspired Mr Armani,
even lending personal objects from his
private assemblage to enhance each
vignette taking us to Europe, Japan,
China, Arabia, and Morocco.
giorgioarmani.com

CHIC AGENDA

18_DRIVING PASSION

It’s not Milan Design Week without a visit
to one of my favourite places in the world, the
mid-century mansion, Palazzo Ralph Lauren.
Opening their grand doors to the palazzo,
Ralph Lauren presented Modern Driver, an
expansive collection inspired by Ralph’s legendary
assortment of vintage automobiles. The range
is extensive and includes bedding, lighting,
tailored clothing, dinnerware and furniture.
ralphlauren.com

36

MIL AN REPORT

WINDOW SHOPPING

C L A S S I C I T A L I A N
C H I C
FLEXFORM’S FLAGSHIP STORE SITS
GRACIOUSLY ON MILANO’S VIA DELLA
MOSCOVA IN A CHI-CHI NEIGHBOURHOOD.
WITH ITS SOARING WINDOWS AND
ENDLESSLY FASCINATING PARADE OF
PASSERSBY IT IS A DREAM DESTINATION IN
WHICH TO SHOWCASE THE LUXURY ITALIAN
BRAND’S CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY
PIECES. IN AUSTRALIA ALL PIECES ARE
AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM FANULI.COM.AU.

Photography ANGELITA BONET TI

These pages Antonio Citterio
‘Perry Up’ sectional sofa,
‘Giano’ ottoman, ‘Fly’
coffee and side tables, with
rectangular or round tops, all
sit on a Juma ‘Inca’ rug, all
Flexform from Fanuli.

39

MIL AN REPORT

This page Antonio Citterio ‘Arnold’ dining table and ‘Vesta’
dining chairs with leather upholstery on a Juma ‘Inca’ rug,
all Flexform from Fanuli. Opposite page, clockwise from top left
‘Arnold’ dining table and ‘Vesta’ dining chairs. ‘Atollo’ glass
table lamp from Oluce sits on Flexform ‘Adler’ side tables
from Fanuli. Antonio Citterio ‘Groundpiece’ sectional sofa
and ‘Hera’ armchairs, all Flexform from Fanuli.

40

TREND
SUBLIME RESTRAINT
DETAIL S
ENDURING STYLES AND
TIMELESS MATERIALS DEFINE
FLEXFORM’S PIECES – AN
INVESTMENT THAT WILL
WORK IN MANY DIFFERENT
INTERIOR SCENARIOS FOREVER.

41

MIL AN REPORT

TREND
UPDATED CLASSICS
DETAIL S
STATEMENT PIECES THAT HAVE
BEEN PART OF THE FLEXFORM
COLLECTION FOR MANY YEARS
HAVE BEEN ENHANCED WITH
SUBTLE DETAIL UPDATES.

These pages, clockwise from top left Flexform’s outdoor collection features new and classic pieces
from their collection. ‘Lauren’ outdoor armchair, ‘Vulcano’ seating system, ‘Echoes’ outdoor armchair,
‘Oasis’ coffee and side table, all Flexform from Fanuli. ‘Lampampe’ table lamp by Ingo Maurer on an
Antonio Citterio ‘Earl’ sideboard. The ‘Tessa’ chairs, ‘Oasis’ outdoor seating system, ‘Any Day’ outdoor
ottomans, ‘Atlante’ daybed, ‘Cesta’ outdoor storage bin, ‘Bangkok’ ottoman and ‘Zefiro’ side table sit
around an ‘Oasis’ outdoor coffee table, all Flexform from Fanuli.

42

» In association with FANULI, Australia’s leading furniture and
design brand, Belle is delighted to announce that entries are open
for the 2024 INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS. » Now in its 14th
year, this prestigious awards program is committed to supporting
the creativity and innovation of the local industry by celebrating
and rewarding excellence in Australian interior design and
decoration by individuals, partnerships and design practices
at residential, hospitality and commercial levels.

2 02 4 AWA R DS CAT EG OR I E S
» BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR
» BEST RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR
– READERS’ CHOICE

» BEST RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN DESIGN
» BEST RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM DESIGN
» BEST HOSPITALITY INTERIOR

» BEST COMMERCIAL INTERIOR
» BEST WORK WITH COLOUR
» EMERGING DESIGN STAR
» HALL OF FAME
» BELLE/FANULI INTERIOR
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

S P O N S O R E D BY

S U P P O RT I N G S P O N S O R S

EN T R I E S C LO SE F R I DAY, AUGUST 2 3 , 2 02 4

43

ENQUIRIES TO (02) 9282 8456 OR BELLEAWARDS@AREMEDIA.COM.AU. TO ENTER, GO TO HOMESTOLOVE.COM.AU/IDA2024

cattelanitalia.com
MILANO FURNITURE - Sidney
MISURA - Melbourne, Sidney
ULTIMO INTERIORS - Perth
ULTIMATE LIVING - Auckland

MIL AN REPORT

D
R
A
D
N
S TA

From the runway to the
hallway, luxury fashion
houses have made it
increasingly clear they
are master hands at
designing more than just
exquisite clothing.
Photography ANGELITA BONET TI

FA SHION HO USE

D O L C E & G A B B A N A
Baroque opulence was on full glorious display in the brand’s Oro 24K homewares collection – a
physical manifestation of glamour. Meanwhile, Palazzo Reale hosted an exhibition celebrating the
legacy of the house’s founders, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. world.dolcegabbana.com
45

MIL AN REPORT

46

TREND
COLLEGIATE
MEDITERRANEAN
DETAIL S
AMERICAN PREP AND ITALIAN
EXTRAVAGANCE HAPPILY
COLLIDE IN THE COURTYARD
OF RALPH LAUREN’S
PALAZZO.

FA SHION HO USE

P H OTO G R A P H Y I M AG E S SU P P L I E D BY R A L P H L AU R E N

R A L P H

L A U R E N

Ralph Lauren’s signature American prep embraced an
Italian twist in the designer’s Milan headquarters.
Waiters in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren circulated with
canapes and champagne for guests, while the upper floor
was transformed into a mahogany-clad backdrop for the
brand’s homewares. The entire collection – including the
chairs and lamps – took inspiration from Ralph’s impressive
collection of vintage cars. ralphlauren.com.au
47

MIL AN REPORT

FA SHION HO USE

H E R M È S
The maison’s installation at La Pelota was an understated yet powerful
ode to the spirit and soul of heritage. Their commitment to fine craft even
extended to detailing undetectable to the untrained eye. hermes.com

PEOPLE
FLORENCE LAFARGE
DETAIL S
IN A CONVERSATION WITH BELLE,
LAFARGE – THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
OF HOME TEXTILES AT HERMÈS
– EXPLAINED HOW THE MAISON
APPROACHES THE TRICKY SKILL OF
SILK AND CASHMERE EMBROIDERY,
AS WELL AS THE FASTIDIOUS NATURE
OF ADDING TWICE-DYED FRINGE TO
THE HOUSE’S ICONIC BLANKETS.
“WE ALWAYS APPLY METICULOUS
ATTENTION TO DETAIL,” SHE SAYS,
ADDING THAT IT’S A THRILL TO
SEE PATTERNS EMERGE THROUGH
EMBROIDERY. THE TEXTILES TEAM
ALSO BORROWED FROM THE
FASHION DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR,
INTRODUCING RAW SILK TWILL
PREVIOUSLY RESERVED
FOR JOCKEY SILKS.

48

TREND

S U R F A C E
T E N S I O N
DETAIL S
IN HERMÈS’ EXHIBITION, ‘THE TOPOGRAPHY OF MATERIAL’,
THE BRAND UNVEILED 16 TRADITIONAL FLOORING PATTERNS,
DRAWN FROM HERITAGE MOTIFS AND ASSEMBLED FROM A
VARIETY OF MATERIALS INCLUDING ITALIAN STONE, SAND,
BRICKS AND WOOD. THE PRESENTATION OF THE SURFACES
IN DRAMATIC FORMATIONS WITHIN AN EXPANSIVE, DARK
SPACE, ALLOWED THE DETAILS TO TAKE CENTRESTAGE. VISITORS
WALKED ALONG BRIDGES OVER THE FLOORING INSTALLATIONS
ON A JOURNEY THAT ULTIMATELY TOOK THEM TO A DISPLAY
OF PIECES FROM THE NEW HOMEWARES COLLECTION.

MIL AN REPORT

FA SHION HO USE

A R M A N I
The historic Palazzo Orsini – aka Armani Casa – always
attracts long, winding queues of visitors. This year, they
entered the palatial residence to see the brand’s new
furniture collection alongside Armani Privé haute
couture creations and archival ready-to-wear pieces.
armani.com/en-au

PEOPLE

G I O R G I O
A R M A N I
TREND
HAUTE HOME
DETAIL S
TAKING THE SAME ARTISANAL
APPROACH TO HOMEWARES AS IT DOES
TO ITS HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTIONS,
ARMANI’S FURNITURE WAS A
MASTERCLASS IN SOPHISTICATION.

51

MIL AN REPORT

DETAIL S
HORSEHAIR, BAMBOO,
WALNUT AND PAPER WERE
ILLUMINATED BY ARTISANS
INCLUDING CERAMICIST
MAGDALENE ODUNDO, WHO
CREATED THESE POINTED
LEATHER HANGING LAMPS.
ALSO SHOWN ARE CREATIONS
FROM ANTHEA HAMILTON,
ANDILE DYALVANE AND
ZIZIPHO POSWA.

FA SHION HO USE

L O E W E
While creative director Jonathan Anderson once described craft as the “essence of Loewe”, fans of the
brand know a sense of humour is just as important. Both were on display in a curation of lamps created
by 24 international designers and ranging from the starkly chic to the endearingly strange. loewe.com
52

creative
Australia: Anibou – anibou.com.au

Sydney 726 Bourke St. Redfern NSW 2016, 02 9319 0655
Melbourne 3 Newton Street, Cremorne VIC 3121, 03 9416 3671
info@anibou.com.au

since 1965

the modular icon by
Fritz Haller & Paul Schärer, Switzerland
New Zealand: ECC – ecc.co.nz

Auckland 39 Nugent St. Grafton 1023, 09 379 9680
Christchurch 145 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central 8013, 03 353 0586
Wellington 61 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea 6021, 04 473 3456
info@ecc.co.nz

usm.com

INDOOR | OUTDOOR | HOMEWARES

20

YEARS

Celebrating 20 Years of Distinctive Furniture
globewest.com.au

MIL AN REPORT

AE

S
E
T
E
H
ST
og
Phot

G
y AN
ra p h

A
ELIT

BON

ET T

I

While in Milan for this year’s
design week, the Belle team
opened our little black book of
designers. Here, we pay them
a visit as their creativity is
celebrated on a global scale.

PEOPLE

D O N

C A M E R O N

The filmmaker turned interior designer showed a body of work
titled ‘Translations’ at Alcova, a roaming exhibition that revives
dilapidated Milanese buildings. Cameron used his photographic
explorations of Europe as a jumping off point for his furniture
design, with the idea to capture the same atmosphere in a different
medium. There’s a gravitas to Cameron who, despite having
worked with architecture heavyweights such as Dr Gene Sherman,
AM, flies modestly under the radar. @doncameron.studio
55

MIL AN REPORT

PEOPLE

B E T H A N

L A U R A

W O O D

The spectacularly colourful multidisciplinary artist’s popularity has exploded thanks to several high-profile
accolades, including presenting work at London’s Instagrammable Sketch restaurant and being the recipient
of the Mecca x National Gallery of Victoria 2023 Women in Design commission. The London-based designer
has built a cult following since launching her eponymous design studio in 2009 for her exploration of the
transmission of knowledge and the domestic sphere through colour and materiality. bethanlaurawood.com

TREND
MORE IS MORE IS MORE
DETAIL S
THE RESULT OF WOOD’S MECCA
X NGV COMMISSION WAS
KALEIDOSCOPE-O-RAMA, A
PSYCHEDELIC EXHIBITION THAT
WAS ON DISPLAY AT THE NGV
TRIENNIAL. IN AN EXPANSION
OF THAT EXHIBITION, WOOD
AND ITALIAN RUG COMPANY
CC-TAPIS CREATED A SERIES
OF “FANCY WOODS” RUGS,
DESIGNED TO PROMOTE
INTIMATE GATHERINGS.

PEOPLE

D A V I D

F L A C K

&

V O L K E R

H A U G

Flack Studio is primarily an architecture firm, while Volker Haug Studio specialises in lighting design. These
Melbourne studios teamed up for a debut lighting collection, Me and You. flack.studio; volkerhaug.com
57

Springtime from Olsen + Ormandy Collection

Exclusive collaborations from iconic Australian designers

designerrugs.com.au @designerrugs 1300 802 561
Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Auckland

MIL AN REPORT

TREND
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
DETAIL S
THE ‘ONDA’ CONSOLE IS PART OF NATALE’S
COLLABORATION WITH THE ITALIAN MARBLE HOUSE
SERAFINI. IN A CONTINUATION FROM LAST YEAR’S
‘ONDA’ TABLE, THE CONSOLE DISPLAYS BOTH THE
SOLIDITY AND SOFTNESS OF STONE THROUGH FLUID
LINES, CARVED WAVES AND INTRICATELY VEINED
MARBLE IN CONTRASTING TONES.

PEOPLE

G R E G

N A T A L E

Renowned for his use of colour and texture in his interior design, Natale is a deft hand at minimalism with
a focus on materials and tactility. Whatever the brief, though, the result is bold. gregnatale.com
59

MIL AN REPORT

TREND
PAINTERLY TEXTILES
DETAIL S
INTERIORS RETAIL
SUPREMO FIONA SPENCE
AND FORMER MISSONI
HOME CREATIVE
DIRECTOR WANDA JELMINI
REVEALED ‘INNATE’, THEIR
DREAMY COLLECTION OF
TEXTILES INSPIRED BY THE
WORK OF AUSTRALIAN
ARTIST LUKE SCIBERRAS.

PEOPLE

F I O N A

S P E N C E

&

W A N D A

J E L M I N I

Friends and self-proclaimed ardent design disciples, Fiona and Wanda have created a sumptuous
collection of towels, fabrics and cushions inspired by the Australian landscape. innatecollection.com.au
61

MIL AN REPORT

PEOPLE

N I C C I

K A V A L S

The founder and creative director of Melbourne lighting studio Articolo makes
a complicated design ethos look easy. Her aim is to design products that are
“complex and not easy to manufacture”, she has said, but are still “enduring
and sophisticated”. For her debut furniture range, her goal was to challenge the
eye and make people look twice. Mission accomplished. articolostudios.com

TREND
PLAYING WITH SCALE
DETAIL S
FRUSTRATED BY A LACK OF
COMPACT FURNITURE AVAILABLE
FOR HER OWN HOME, KAVALS
DEVELOPED A COLLECTION
OF SMALL-SCALE PIECES,
INCLUDING THE CYLINDRICAL
‘SLIP’ TABLE, WHICH IS SLICED
TO REVEAL A BRONZE DISC.

62

Victor XL Chair by Vincent Sheppard

cotswoldfurniture.com.au

MIL AN REPORT

PEOPLE

V I C T O R I A

Y A K U S H A

This Ukrainian artist and furniture designer doesn’t shy
away from complicated concepts. Last year, she pondered
time and space. This year, Yakusha considered art as
collateral damage in war. Under Russian control,
Ukraine’s sacred burial mounds – remnants from previous
civilisations – are at risk of being destroyed in what she
refers to as one of the largest art heists since World War II.
Yakusha’s exhibition, SKARB, is a reflection on the
struggle to protect the country’s national treasures.
yakusha.design

TREND
HISTORIC HOMAGE
DETAIL S
VASES FROM YAKUSHA’S TIARA
COLLECTION ARE MADE FROM
UKRAINIAN CLAY AND ADORNED
WITH TOPAZ. THEY REPRESENT
A 5TH-CENTURY ROYAL TIARA
FROM THE HUN ERA THAT WAS
STOLEN BY THE RUSSIANS WHEN
THEY INVADED UKRAINE IN 2022.

64

The early 20th-century
Residenza Vignale’s
front doors were
thrown open as six
designers were invited
to transform the spaces
within, taking their
cues from the mansion’s
romantic history.

66

L’Appartamento
These pages In the dining room designed by VSHD Design, segments of Glas Italia’s ‘Tall Table’ by
Massimiliano Locatelli-CLS Architetti straddle Carpet Edition’s ‘The Floor is Lava’ rug by Placée which
snakes across the space. Seating, from far left: Gebrüder Thonet Vienna ‘144 Chair #1’, Morelato ‘Scala’
transformable chair and stepladder with Stilnovo ‘Fante’ table lamp, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna ‘Post
Mundus’ chair by Martino Gamper, Jonathan Bocca’s yellow ‘Zampa’ chair sculpture, L’Abbate ‘Livia’ chair
by Gio Ponti (next to Tato ‘Luna Orizzontale’ floor lamp also by Gio Ponti, just seen) and Glas Italia ‘Merci
Bob’ high-back glass chair by Elena Cutolo. ‘Esmeralda’ modular cabinet from Bottos Design Italia by
Sebastiano Bottos. On the tables, Schiavon ‘Inglese’ silver ice cream cups and ‘Essentia’ silver champagne
bowls, Mepra ‘Stile’ trays, San Lorenzo ‘Pure Silver Glass N°1’ and ‘N°6’ by Afra and Tobia Scarpa,
San Lorenzo ‘Millennium’ martini glasses by Lella and Massimo Vignelli and Greggio spritz glasses.
Medulum ‘Mobili Sintetici’ bench. Through the doorway is the living room, by Rottet Studio.

Words ALEX ANDR A ENGLISH Photography TOMA SO LISC A AND LUC A ARGENTON

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I

L’Appartamento

magine a dinner party where half the guests are modernist loyalists and the other baroque enthusiasts. It’d be a vivacious affair full
of lively debate and not much to be agreed upon except a mutual infatuation with beauty. That’s exactly what’s happening in
interior architect Rania Hamad’s dining room (previous page), which she transformed with her VSHD Design team for Artemest’s
l’Appartamento, an immersive take-over of an early 20th-century Milanese mansion.
Artemest – an online platform for Italian design – invited six designers to redecorate rooms in Residenza Vignale, a mansion
built in the early 20th century for an Austrian prince who had fallen in love with a Milanese girl and couldn’t bear to return home without
her. Taking their cues from the site’s romantic history, they were tasked with redecorating using pieces from Artemest’s 1500 artisans.
On entering the mansion, visitors were greeted by an opulent-meets-modern entryway designed by Studio Meshary AlNassar. A lover
of storytelling, AlNasser infused the space with narrative, bringing depth to an otherwise simply pretty area filled with gorgeous objects.
In the dining room, VSHD Design deployed their signature moves: creative use of light and a dichotomy between traditional culture and
contemporary design. Through the doorway is the serene living room by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio, who gave the space a lift through
a delightful array of textures – silk brocade, sleek glass, smooth marble and soft velvet with raw accents. Adjacent is the Elicyon-designed
cocktail room, where founder Charu Gandhi’s vision was to immerse visitors in the mansion’s illustrious history (surely these walls have
seen many cocktail parties). The bedroom – the sanctuary of any home – was in the care of Tamara Feldman of Tamara Feldman Design,
who took inspiration from her Mexican heritage. Wood and natural stone anchor extravagant furniture and a dramatic red.
In the courtyard, John and Christine Gachot’s New York design firm took its experience in hospitality design and applied it to an
outdoor living room with multiple seating clusters, custom bar and fire pits that added to the ‘linger longer’ vibe.
While these six designers come from different backgrounds and have disparate design sensibilities, the overall effect that took hold of
Residenza Vignale was a grounded opulence, punctuated with fun and clever contemporary elements. Something in common after all.

These pages In Rottet Studio’s living room, FMM Design ‘Pyrite’ cubic cabinets sit on either side of
the fireplace with orange Studio Bojola ‘Marsala’ vases. Lighting, from left: Paolo Castelli ‘Morandi
Icone Luminose’ floor lamps and Luci Italia ‘Calle Ciuffa’ wall lamps. Ghidini 1961 ‘Abbracci’ pink
sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli, Lorenza Bozzoli Couture ‘Cachemire Fur Piroutte’ armchair, Fratelli Boffi
‘Daina’ dining chairs by Nigel Coates beside the windows and Ghidini 1961 ‘Portofino’ sofa by
Stefano Giovannoni. Provasi white marble-top side table, Rottet Collection ‘Cubist’ cross-bar
coffee table with Elleffe Design tray and Rottet Collection ‘Aurora II’ coffee table with Daniela Forti
‘Golden Drop’ Murano glass sculpture. Rottet Collection ‘Float C’ side table. On windowsills,
Mason Editions ‘Mademoiselle’ table lamp by Quaglio Simonelli, ‘Polype Moor’s Head’ sculpture
(used as vase) by Ovo - Idee e Manufatti and ‘Cartocci’ bottle, ‘Ranuncolo’ vase and ‘Anemone’
bowl all by Paola Paronetto. Jaipur Rugs vintage-finished hand-knotted ‘Revolution’ rug.

69

This page Elicyon’s cocktail room, with Inedito/Asnaghi ‘Rockefeller’ side table by Giannella Ventura
with, from left, ND Dolfi ‘Soriale’ majolica vase and Elisabetta Cialli ‘Anemone’ vase. Fratelli Boffi
‘Divano Wild Back’ sofa by Lorenza Bozzoli with ‘Cortina’ screen from Bottos Design Italia by
Sebastiano Bottos behind and Dolomitisch ‘Tip Topographic’ coffee table by Riccardo Vendramin in
front with Ghirò Studio ‘Gocce’ crystal sculpture. On the sofa is Giobagnara ‘Vitruvio Marble Valet N.2
Small Tray #9’ and CreArt ‘Twister 03’ mouth-blown glass box with lid. Secondome Edizioni ‘Jeunesse’
striped stool by Duccio Maria Gambi with Serena Confalonieri ‘Calypso’ martini glass. Fratelli Boffi
‘Pemba’ lounge chair by Lorenza Bozzoli. On the wall are Matlight Milano ‘Circle’ sconces by LC Atelier,
Aggiolight ‘Vanity Vanity 83.5’ wall lights and Carpet Edition ‘Selce’ rug by Studio Salaris.

L’Appartamento

MIIL AN REPORT

This page, clockwise from top In Studio Meshary AlNassar’s entryway, the large-format Crocefissione Di San Pietro painting by Giusto Pilan revisits
details of Caravaggio’s The Crucifixion of St. Peter, two Tommaso Garavini sketch-like wrought-iron ‘S_Bookshelf’ shelves flank BB for Reschio’s
‘The Long Side Table’ console. On console, from left: Sigma L2 ‘CL1922’ ivory and black table lamps, Budri ‘Alice’ table lamps in Sarrancolin marble
by Cristina Celestino, MMairo ‘Pietro’ marble vases by Matteo Cibic and ‘Inside Out’ red Levanto marble centrepiece by Karen Chekerdjian, Marioni
‘Pike’ pot holder, small Didoni mahogany obsidian jewellery chest. In front is a Hebanon Fratelli Basile - 1830 ‘Circensi’ circus-inspired coffee table
by Gum Design and Kreoo by Decormarmi ‘Ever’ bench by Christophe Pillet. In the stairwell, the Luca Polato ‘Girasole’ (sunflower) chandelier is
inspired by Van Gogh. On the wall opposite the stairs, an Alberto Levi ‘Inca’ rug by Barbara Frua. From left: Forma & Cemento concrete ‘Side Table
G’ from the Abecedario Collection with Botteganove ceramic rooster, Portego ‘Isola’ ceramic side table by Cara\Davide and Forma & Cemento
‘Fusto’ fir-green concrete console. On console, top shelf, from left: Design Center 1991 set of ‘Paesaggio 11’ porcelain vases by Nino Basso, Cyrcus
Brick sculpture by Luca Dalla Villa, ND Dolfi ‘Verde Maiolica’ bowl and ‘Chrysanthemum’ lamp. Lower shelf, from left: Salvatori ‘Omaggio A
Morandi’ sculpture in Rosso Collemandina marble and Paola Paronetto ‘Cartocci’ mint-green bottle, ‘Bosco’ vase and set of ‘Ninfea’ bowls.

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L’Appartamento

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These pages, above and opposite The Tamara Feldman Design bedroom
with Giopagani ‘Senza Fine’ bed, Once Milano summer linen set and LO
Decor Major Collection cushions. Loves Who Don’t Know How to Get
By in This World (He) Sculpture #10 by Matteo Mauro on the floor, Il
Pezzo Mancante ‘Il Pezzo 10’ credenza by Barbara Bertocci E Cosimo
Terzani with Nicola Tomaselli ‘Moor’s Head’ and Adriani e Rossi ‘Status’
vases. ‘Ma Davvero?’ tapestry rug by Caterina Frongia on the wall.
Bottega Veneziana ‘Nest’ chandeliers. On the right side of the bed is a
Purho ‘Angel’ side table and on the left is the ‘41’ iron vase holder by
Marco Gaviraghi Calloni and Agapecasa ‘Eros Green Alpi’ console by
Angelo Mangiarotti with BAU Design ‘Scultura’ decorative chair,
Daytona ‘Regent’ mirror and Fornice Objects vases (from left) ‘New
Delhi’ and ‘Mumbai’. On the wall, Draga & Aurel ‘Canary Yellow Small
Joy’ wall lamps. In the corner of the room is Firmamento Milano ‘Stick’
floor lamp by Cino Zucchi and ‘Belemnite Cluster #2’ decorative vase
by Daniel Cavey. Carpet Edition bamboo rug by E. Garbin & M.
Boglietti. This page, below right Marioni ‘Sunset’ floor lamp, Lorenza
Bozzoli Couture ‘Tribe Polychrome Bench #3’ with a throw from The
House of Lyria, Scapin Collezioni cantilever ‘L’ end table in Verde Alpi
marble by Matteo Zorzenoni with Ghidini 1961 ‘One on One’ table lamp
and Prono Strata Coffee 2 sculpture by Alessandro Pongan. On the wall
is Human Kind Visiting God by Traglio Vismara. This page, below left
Secondome ‘Voluta’ rocking chair by Stefano Marolla next to
Carpanese Home ‘Athena’ coffee table set with Fornace Mian ‘Aureum’
vases. On the bed are blankets from The House of Lyria and San
Patrignano and Wanderart Lustful sculpture.

This page, top and below right In the Gachot-designed courtyard, BB for Reschio ‘The Brazier’ (used as vase) next to the Zanaboni custom-designed
‘L’appartamento’ bar by Gachot. On bar, BB for Reschio’s 1930s Italian-inspired ‘The Smart Baby Poggibonsi’ battery table lamps, Fornace Mian ‘Flute
Smeraldo’ vases, Schiavon ‘Essentia’ snacks bowl, Venini ‘Fazzoletto Opalini’ large red vase by Fulvio Bianconi and Del Savio 1910 ‘Marble Marbling
Decagonal’ tray by Zanellato&Bortotto (seen below). Alma Design ‘Mojito’ high bistro tables with Estro ‘Kumina’ table lamps by Michele Bönan, Bronzetto
hexagonal brass box, La Gallina Matta ‘Angelina’ placemats and Fornace Mian ‘Ottagoni’ ashtray. Below left Exteta ‘Sunset Round Lucido Mediterraneo +
Carrara’ coffee table by Paola Navone. On table, Blueside Perugia ‘Glenda’ outdoor lanterns by Luca Binaglia, Arcahorn ‘Bacco’ smoking set and
Pietro Spoto Studio ‘Geografie Emozionali’ oxidized brass coasters. Around table, clockwise from left: Exteta ‘Bellagio’ sofa with l’Opificio powder-pink
cotton velvet lounge cushions, Giobagnara ‘Jeremy’ serving trolley with Venini ‘Fazzoletti Opaline’ small vase by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini,
Francesca Colombo ‘Bird Song’ napkins, Schiavon ‘Essentia’ champagne bowl, Coralla Maiuri ‘Michelangelo’ dessert plates (on bottom shelf),
Antonino Sciortino ‘Tito’ iron side table with Fornace Mian ‘Ottagoni’ ashtray, Exteta ‘Vieste’ armchair by Massimo Castagna. Behind that, Laura Meroni
‘ST 21’ burnished copper console by Bartoli Design with Armani Casa ‘Ronnie’ table lamp, Bronzetto rectangular brass box #3, Griffe Montenapoleone by
Vetrerie di Empoli ‘Capriccio’ glasses, Officina Della Scala ‘Breccia Pontificia Vase #1’ by Franco Albini (on ground), Officina Ciani ‘Vitis Kummel’ limitededition armchair inspired by shoots of willowy plant vines.

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L’Appartamento

MIIL AN REPORT

This page Dante Negro ‘Bambusae’ zinccoated dining table by Zanellato/Bortotto
with Exteta ‘1938’ chairs by Franco Albini,
La Gallina Matta ‘Angelina’ placemats,
Coralla Maiuri ‘Michelangelo’ plates, bowls,
mugs and saucers, Francesca Colombo
‘Ornamental Crush’ napkins, VGnewtrend
‘Flower’ napkin holders, Casa Bugatti cutlery,
Giberto Arrivabene green ‘Laguna’ Murano
glasses, VGnewtrend ‘Maxi Minimes’ goblets
and flutes, Menta Creative Lab ‘Bloom’
decorative wine glasses, PaolaC ‘Karaffa’
carafe, Salvatori ‘Pietra L12’ cake stand by
Piero Lissoni and VGnewtrend ‘Royal Pyrex’
tall candle holder.

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o
Phot

EXPERTS

N
hy A

ET T

I

Year on year, furniture designers level
up their offerings in exhibitions that
take everyday necessities like chairs,
tables, beds – even kitchen appliances
– into the realm of high art.

GAGGENAU
THE LUXURY HOME APPLIANCE BRAND PUT ON A SENSORIAL FEAST,
COMPLETE WITH A BESPOKE SOUNDSCAPE AND DANCE PERFORMANCE CALLED
‘THE ELEVATION OF GRAVITY’, THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE INVOLVED CREATIVE
AGENCY ANOMALY BERLIN, ARCHITECTURE FIRM 1ZU33, FLOORING SPECIALISTS
SCHOTTEN & HANSEN AND STONE ARTISANS SALVATORI. GAGGENAU.COM.AU

76

g ra p

BON
I TA
GEL

VIABIZZUNO
THERE WAS SOME WEIRD SCIENCE GOING ON AT THE LIGHTING DESIGN BRAND’S
PAVILION, ‘ELLISSI ELLISSI’. LIKE A MODERN APOTHECARY, BEAKER-ESQUE VESSELS
LINED THE BAR NEXT TO THE ‘BOTTIGLIERA’ WALL-MOUNTED WINE RACK, AND
ELEGANTLIGHTS TRICKLED FROM THE CEILING. THE COLOURED PAPER ON THE DINING
TABLE IS A STACK OF RUBBER-STAMP ARTWORKS BY GIANPAOLO PAGNI, WHO CREATED
THEM IN FRONT OF VISITORS. VIABIZZUNO.COM/EN/VBOAUSTRALIA

77

MIL AN REPORT

ELLE DECOR ITALIA
THE INTERIORS PUBLICATION WORKED WITH THREE DESIGN STUDIOS FOR ITS
EXHIBITION, ‘MATERIAL HOME’. INTERIOR DESIGNER ELISA OSSINO, LIGHTING
DESIGNER ROSSI BIANCHI AND LANDSCAPE DESIGNER ANTONIO PERAZZI
CREATED SEVEN ROOMS, EACH WITH A DEDICATED MATERIAL THEME:
POWDERS, SURFACES, MARBLE IN MOVIES, REFLECTIONS, SOFT, ORGANIC AND
HUES. ELISAOSSINO.IT; ROSSIBIANCHI.COM; ANTONIOPERAZZI.COM/EN

DRAGA & AUREL
THE FOUNDERS OF THIS MULTIDISCIPLINARY ART, DESIGN AND FURNITURE
STUDIO AND WORKSHOP, DRAGA OBRADOVIC AND AUREL K. BASEDOW, IN
COLLABORATION WITH ARCHITECT GIULIANO ANDREA DELL’UVA, SET UP “AN
APARTMENT OF WONDERS” AT ROSSANA ORLANDI GALLERY. FEATURED IN
THE INSTALLATION ARE PIECES FROM THEIR NEW COLLECTION, ‘LEWIT’, AND
STRIKING PAINTINGS BY BASEDOW. DRAGA-AUREL.COM

79

HENRY TIMI
IN AN ATTEMPT TO ELEVATE NATURAL
MATERIALS TO THE STATUS OF ART OBJECT,
THE FOUNDER OF THIS EPONYMOUS STUDIO
INCORPORATED A PATINATED MIRROR AND
STONE FOR A HARMONIOUS DISPLAY OF
LIGHT AND SHADOW, REFLECTION AND
VOID IN WHAT HE REFERS TO AS “MATERIAL
MINIMALISM”, INSPIRED BY ARCHAEOLOGY.
HENRYTIMI.COM

80

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ALESSANDRO CIFFO
AT ROSSANA ORLANDI ART GALLERY, ALESSANDRO CIFFO’S
EXHIBITION, ‘LA BÜRSCH’, SHOWED A DOMESTIC
SPACE THAT APPEARED TO BE CREATED ENTIRELY FROM
MONOLITHIC MARBLE, BUT WAS ACTUALLY CLEVER
HYPERREALISM MADE FROM REGENERATED SILICONE.
(EAGLE-EYED FANS WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED
GIVEN SILICONE IS CIFFO’S PREFERRED, AND ONLY,
MEDIUM.) @ALESSANDROCIFFOSILICONE

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PAO L A L E N T I
THIS COLLECTIVE OF WEAVERS, ARCHITECTS, UPHOLSTERERS,
TAILORS AND ENGINEERS TAKES LEISURE VERY SERIOUSLY.
THE NEW ‘BALEARI’ SEATING SERIES FEATURES THE BRAND’S
SIGNATURE HANDWOVEN ROPE BELTS IN VIBRANT HUES WITH
HIGH GLOSS FRAMES. PICTURED HERE ARE THE LOUNGE CHAIRS,
AND THERE IS ALSO A CHAISE LONGUE. DEDECE.COM

82

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K R I STA L I A ‘ D I M O R A’ B E D BY
C R I ST I N A C E L E ST I N O.

R I VA 1 920 ’ S ‘AVA N T’ O P E N
WA R D RO B E F E AT U R E S S C E N T E D
C E DA R O F L E B A N O N W O O D.
K R I STA L I A ‘ 1 0 85’ A R M C H A I R
BY B A RTO L I D E S I G N .

TREND
QUIET LUXURY
DETAIL S
WITH A PRIMARILY NEUTRAL PALETTE AND
SLEEK FABRICATIONS, FANULI’S PARTNER
BRANDS EMBRACED FORM AND TEXTURE
FOR INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITIONS THAT
PROVED NATURAL DOESN’T MEAN DULL.
FANULI.COM.AU
F L E X FO R M ‘ P E R RY ’ M O D U L A R
S O FA BY A N TO N I O C I T T E R I O.

85

MIL AN REPORT

B O F F I K I TC H E N W I T H R E T R AC TA B L E
D O O R S TO H I D E T H E S H E LV I N G
( T H O U G H I T’ S S O B E AU T I F U L W H Y
W O U L D YO U WA N T TO ?)

D E PA D OVA L I V I N G RO O M W I T H
‘ I S H I STO N E ’ BY N E N D O C O F F E E
TA B L E A N D ‘ D RO P PA P E R L A M P ’
F RO M T I M E & ST Y L E .

D E PA D OVA D R E SS I N G A R E A W I T H
‘ S E N ’ TA B L E S BY K E N S A KU O S H I RO.

TREND
NO SHARP OBJECTS
DETAIL S
WITH BOFFI ON KITCHENS, BATHROOMS AND WARDROBES,
ADL DESIGN ON SMART DOOR SYSTEMS AND DE PADOVA
ON FURNITURE, THIS FAMILY OF BRANDS HAS ALL BASES
COVERED FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME, WHERE CURVED
SURFACES CREATE A SENSE OF CALM. THE GROUP
CELEBRATED BOFFI’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THIS
DISPLAY, CALLED ‘A WAY OF LIVING’. BOFFI.COM
B O F F I B AT H RO O M W I T H B AC K L I T ‘ LOT U S ’
M I R RO R BY N AOTO F U K A S AWA .

86

MIL AN REPORT

GOOGLE X CHROMASONIC
SYNESTHESIA IS THE PHENOMENON
OF EXPERIENCING MORE THAN ONE SENSE
AT A TIME, LIKE TASTING SHAPES OR HEARING
COLOUR. IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE THAT
ULTRA-SENSORY EXPERIENCE, GOOGLE
TEAMED UP WITH CHROMASONIC FOR
‘MAKING SENSE OF COLOUR’, AN INSTALLATION
THAT AUGMENTS REALITY WITHOUT THE
NEED FOR AR GOGGLES. THE MEDITATIVE
EXPERIENCE STARTED IN CHAMBERS
THAT CHANGED COLOUR ACCORDING
TO SOUND, AND MOVED INTO A SERIES OF
ROOMS THAT PONDERED WHAT COLOUR
FEELS, SMELLS AND TASTES LIKE.

88

WELLNESS DESIGN

Designed by Italian Architect Antonio Citterio, Personal Line makes your home training experience
truly unique with hundreds of video workouts on the integrated display and through Technogym App.

Call 1800 615 440
or visit technogym.com
Technogym Sydney,
20 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay

Download the
Technogym app

MIL AN REPORT

‘ D U D E T’ A R M C H A I R BY
PAT R I C I A U RQ U I O L A .

TREND
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
DETAIL S

‘TABLE MONTPARNASSE’ AND
‘VASE À FLEURS ÉCHANCRÉ’ BY
CHARLOT TE PERRIAND, ‘FLUTZ’
CHAIRS BY MICHAEL ANASTASSIADES
AND ‘GAL AXY’ PENDANT LIGHT BY
CHARLES AND R AY EAMES.

COLOUR, SHAPE AND TEXTURE CAME TO
THE FORE AT THE CASSINA PERSPECTIVE
2024. THE ESTEEMED FURNITURE COMPANY
WHEELED OUT SOME OF ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL
DESIGNERS – THINK PATRICIA URQUIOLA AND
MICHAEL ANASTASSIADES – TO DISPLAY SOME
OF THEIR MOST INTERESTING NEW PIECES.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO SAW THE RETURN
OF REINVENTED ICONS LIKE CARLO SCARPA’S
‘CORNARO’ SOFA. MOBILIA.COM.AU

C O N S O L E BY PAT R I C I A U RQ U I O L A
F RO M H E R ‘ H AYA M A’ C O L L EC T I O N .

90

CARLO SCARPA ‘CORNARO’ SOFA,
MICHAEL ANASTASSIADES ‘ORDINAL’ LOW TABLE
AND BR ADLEY L. BOWERS ‘BROLIC’ VASE.

MIL AN REPORT

T EC H N O GY M ’ S A E ST H E T I C A L LY
P L E A S I N G W E I G H T R AC K A N D
S U R P LU S O F M E D I C I N E B A L L S AT
T H E 4 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY PA RT Y.

TREND
EVERYDAY, ELEVATED
DETAIL S
THE PROBLEM WITH WORKING OUT AT HOME IS THAT
EQUIPMENT CAN BE CAPITAL-U UGLY SO TECHNOGYM ASKED
40 DESIGNERS TO REIMAGINE ITS WEIGHT BENCH (TOP LEFT).
IT ALSO HOSTED ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY (TOP RIGHT).
FHIABA JUMPED ON THE HOME GLAMORISATION TREND WITH
PRECIOUS METAL-HUED FRIDGES AND WINE COOLERS (BELOW
AND RIGHT). TECHNOGYM.COM/EN-AU; FHIABA.COM.AU
F H I A B A’ S W I N E R E F R I G E R AT I O N
A N D STO R AG E SY ST E M .

FHIABA GOES FOR GOLD (AND
S I LV E R A N D B RO N Z E ) F R I D G E S.

92

MIL AN REPORT

USM
THE SWISS DESIGN COMPANY REFERS TO ITS MODULAR
FURNITURE SYSTEM AS ‘MICRO-ARCHITECTURE’, AND IT’S
EASY TO SEE WHY: WITH ALMOST ENDLESS FORMATIONS,
EACH ELEMENT CAN BE TRANSFORMED TO SUIT ITS USER’S
PURPOSE. TO DEMONSTRATE, THE BRAND CREATED AN
INTERACTIVE SPACE WHERE VISITORS SAW THE PIECES
ADAPTED IN REAL TIME, WITH PEEPHOLES, DOORS AND
PULL-OUTS FOR ADDED FUN. ANIBOU.COM.AU

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DESTINATION

L A

C O R N U E

Ahead of the biennial exhibition EuroCucina, which celebrates the latest in kitchen design, the luxury
French oven brand La Cornue showed off its ‘Anywhere’ cooktop at a pre-event cocktail party. It also
revealed new cabinetry and colourways for its Château and CornuFé lines. How delicious! eands.com.au

96

Noble,
natural
& strong.
Natural European oak has the power to transform
interiors—and our finely engineered timber boards are
a celebration of its organic beauty. Sustainably crafted
from three layers of solid timber, their unmatched size
and strength gives you the freedom to bring your most
ambitious creative visions to life.
tongueandgroove.com.au

Sydney . Melbourne . Brisbane . Adelaide . New Zealand . New York

MIL AN REPORT

DESTINATION

N I L U F A R

G A L L E R Y

Curated by the gallery’s founder, Nina Yashar, the ‘Time
Traveler’ exhibition was a contemplation of how design
can form connections across time, culture, continents and
creative expression. It was an invitation to consider echos
of past influences and the future of design. nilufar.com

TREND
PAST AND PRESENT
DETAIL S
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE PIECES IN
ANESTIS MICHALIS’S SCULPTURAL SERIES ‘LIKE
FRIENDS YOU KNOW’ WERE CREATED THROUGH
A PROCESS OF ADDING AND SUBTRACTING
CLAY. OBJECTS OF COMMON INTEREST
SHOWED ‘PURPLE NEBULA’, INSPIRED BY THE
COSMOS, EXPRESSED IN A MONOCHROMATIC
AND SLIGHTLY ALIEN DINING ROOM. OSANNA
VISCONTI UNVEILED ROVI, HER COLLECTION
OF CAST-BRONZE PIECES, REMINISCENT OF THE
THORNS THAT PROTECT THE ROSE.

98

Create your perfect outdoor space with
Remarkable Outdoor Living.

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast
remarkablefurniture.com.au

A L L I M AG E S CO U RT E SY O F A RT I ST S A N D G A L L E R I E S .

The NGV’s new exhibition of work by
Grace Crowley and Ralph Balson
charts the pioneering pair’s
fascinating and tremendously
influential transition into pure
abstraction. It moves from early
pieces such as Portrait of
Lucie Beynis – painted in 1929 by
Crowley, who studied with the
Cubists in Paris – to some of
Australia’s earliest and most widely
seen experiments with reductionist,
geometric abstraction, resulting
from a dynamic artistic dialogue that
endured until Balson’s death in 1964.
May 23-September 22. ngv.vic.gov.au

Ahead: art news, a selection of design books,
a creative residence and a new spin on wool.
101

Art

RIGHT NOW

V E N I C E

LIP READING

Twenty-five years after artist Maria Madeira returned
to an independent Timor Leste to hear tales of women tortured
under Indonesian occupation she invokes vestiges of their suffering with
Kiss and Don’t Tell (detail, right), a work for the country’s first pavilion
at the Venice Biennale. Melding ancestral influences, craft traditions and
concern for the voiceless, the installation includes 25 panelled paintings
and a video in which Madeira kisses the walls while singing in the
Indigenous language. Until November 24. labiennale.org

SY D N E Y

P H OTO G R A P H Y A L L I M AG E S CO U RT E SY G A L L E R I E S A N D A RT I ST S

HOUSE MUSIC
With her newly commissioned This Place Where They Dwell,
artist Diana Baker Smith pays tribute to the legacy of
Australian abstract painter Margo Lewers. Staged in historic
Lewers House, Smith’s video sees the private, domestic domain
as a living record of the late artist’s practice, drawing on
archival correspondence and channelling the qualities of the
setting for the work’s improvised movements set to a score by
Jane Sheldon. Until August 14. penrithregionalgallery.com.au

Parallel lives
Visual tales from the imagination
with universal themes to relate.
M E L B O U R N E

LOST AND
FOUND
Presenting historical drawings,
sculptures and watercolours
alongside a suite of new paintings
(left), Elizabeth Newman’s
‘Loss of World’ turns on the
compelling tension between
gesture and geometry within an
abstract painting practice that
remains curiously porous to the
interventions of found objects and
text. Energetic, emotionally
charged, playfully elusive and
open-ended, her work confronts
contemporary life and culture
while referencing modernist
precedents, appearing evocative
yet enigmatic as it seems to shift
between psychological and
aesthetic realms. August 24–
September 23. neonparc.com.au

Edited by HARRY ROBERTS

M E L B O U R N E

WARM MINIMALISM
ADAPTING ARTISANSHIP WITHIN A
CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORK,
JACQUELINE STOJANOVIC SEES
WEAVING AS AN ANCIENT
CARRIER OF CULTURE,
CONNECTED TO FOLK
PRACTICES IN HER PARENTS’
RESPECTIVE HOMELANDS,
FORMER YUGOSLAVIA AND
VIETNAM. THE COLOUR-BLOCKED
COMPOSITIONS (RIGHT) OF HER
LATEST SERIES BELIE A COLLAGE-LIKE
WEB OF MEANINGS AND MORES
THAT UNSPOOL ACROSS TIME AND
TRANSLATION. MAY 24-JUNE 22.
HAYDENS.GALLERY

SY D N E Y

U LT R AV I O L E N C E
In new work by eX de Medici, Blue For Boys (above) finds the
artist reckoning with anxiety and its insidious effects.
Enmeshed within the thickets of the artist’s decorative floral
profusions and delicately cascading cell structures are
duelling pistols, exploding bullets and symbols of corruption,
conflict and eco-collapse, rupturing the work’s lush,
wallpaper-like look and vividly entangling atomic malaise
with cosmic destruction. Until June 1. sullivanstrumpf.com

103

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Library

N E W C OA S TA L
A delightfully evocative book from architect, designer and
photographer Ingrid Weir, following on from New Rural. From
King Island and Apollo Bay in Australia to Malibu and Laguna
Beach in the US, Weir has profiled innovators who have chosen to
make their home beside the sea. Whether rustic and idiosyncratic
or contemporary and minimal their habitats are redolent of
freedom, calmness and affinity with nature – a by-product
of living on the coast. Ideas for recreating that effortless
look at home are included. Ingrid Weir, Hardie Grant, $60

Home affairs
Glorious design concepts to savour.
Edited by JUDY PA SCOE

RIGHT NOW

P R I VAT E
Vincent Van Duysen’s
monastically spare
aesthetic in his projects –
commercial and residential
– plus his creative direction
of Molteni&C are greatly
admired and often
emulated. Here the
Belgian architect and
designer looks inward,
providing a glimpse into
the private world of his
own homes which he
treats as testing grounds
for his prolific ideas.
Refined, contemporary
and inventive his ethos
is showcased in the
sublime photographs by
François Halard. Vincent
Van Duysen, Rizzoli, $200

THE HOUSE RO MANTIC

INTERIOR
DESIGNERS
AT HOME
Australian designers
Andrew Parr, Tina Engelen
and Carole Whiting are
among the stellar rollcall
of global visionaries
featured in this book that
showcases a refreshing
unpredictability of styles.
Guided by their own
aesthetics rather than
clients’ dictates allows
a freedom of expression
that is deeply personal
and ultimately satisfying.
Whether gritty, laidback,
minimal, collected or
lavish all these abodes,
from petite to expansive,
are rich in meaning,
detail and memories.
Stephen Crafti, Schiffer
Publishing, $110.

Delving into the decorating style of 15 designers and talents across Europe,
the UK and the US, including her own, author Haskell Harris articulates how
to fashion living spaces brimming with authenticity, meaning and romance.
She extols the virtue of carrying the spirit of previous houses forward into new
abodes, suggesting it is the items of significance within rather than the bricks
and mortar that speak to us. Foreword by Anna Spiro. Haskell Harris, Abrams, $70

S E A N S C H E R E R’ S V I G N E T T E S
Creating spaces with personality is Sean Scherer’s
stock in trade and here he provides a masterclass
on injecting whimsy and charm into the styling of
private homes. Whether market finds or precious
collections, savvy arrangements of objects that
balance colour, texture and shape make a strong
visual impact and can elevate the mood of a room
to extraordinary. Sean Scherer, Vendome, $70

S T U D I O A S H BY: H O M E A RT S O U L
With a deep love and understanding of colour informing her work
Sophie Ashby has built a reputation as one of today’s foremost interior
designers. This is her first book, celebrating the 10th anniversary of her
studio and it features projects from London and Paris to San Francisco,
all bursting with vibrant hues, glamorous flourishes and quirky touches,
her sophisticated sleight of hand lending credence to rooms that
veritably sing. Sophie Ashby, Rizzoli, $130

105

WITH KIRSTIE CLEMENTS

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ALAÏA MERINO WOOL DRESS, FALL 2024 RTW. DINOSAUR DESIGNS ‘POLLINATION’
PURE NEW ZEALAND WOOL RUG, $4950/200X300CM, DESIGNERRUGS.COM.AU. WOOL ‘BOBBLE’ CUSHION FROM FREEDOM,
$79.95, FREEDOM.COM.AU. ALAÏA MERINO WOOL COAT, FALL 2024 RTW. ‘ANTIPODES’ ORGANIC WOOL RUG, FROM $4904,
KINGLIVING.COM.AU. ‘MODULO’ IS A REVOLUTIONARY AIRCRAFT SEAT CONCEPT USING WOOL, CAONDESIGNOFFICE.COM.
B&B ITALIA ’EDA-MAME’ SOFA, FROM $14,485, SPACEFURNITURE.COM.AU. WAVERLEY MILLS 100 PER CENT AUSTRALIAN MERINO
WOOL THROWS, FROM TOP, ‘HERRINGBONE’ IN GINGER, $299, ‘GEM’ IN SUNSTONE, $329, AND ‘ESSENTIAL’ IN PLUM, $299,
WAVERLEYMILLS.COM.AU. OPPOSITE PAGE LUXURY MERINO JERSEY BEDDING IN MESA CANYON, POA, SHLEEP.CO/AU

Luxe Files

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The wonders of pure merino wool, revisited and redefined.
Regarded as a miracle fibre, due to its softness,
breathability and sustainability, premium
merino wool delivers a feeling of luxury that
has long been used across the board in fashion
and furnishings. Designer Pieter Mulier’s
ground-breaking Fall 2024 show for Alaïa
showcased the remarkable techniques and
draping skills using just one fabulous fibre –
merino wool. The artisanship was unparalleled:
long strands of yarn looped to create flowing
sleeves and a short, draped skirt, a pale pink
coat cut a couture silhouette in tufted wool, while concentric
circles of wool fabric were layered to create a tactile 3D dress.
Biodegradable and sustainable, merino wool naturally breaks
down in soil, making it a completely renewable fibre with
minimal environmental impact. Yet for years pure merino wool
was almost criminally overlooked as a lightweight, durable and
totally luxurious option for bedlinens. All that changed in 2023
with the launch of the Australian luxury lifestyle brand Shleep,
the brainchild of founder Indi McCullough, who saw the
potential of merino wool and how it could benefit a good night’s
sleep. Wool is the only fibre that can absorb 35 per cent of its
own weight in moisture, which allows it to perfectly regulate
the body’s temperature and is scientifically proven to increase
and induce deep slumber. “Most people think wool is old school,
itchy, bulky and too hot for warmer months. Wool is the most
amazing fibre but it is not all the same,” says McCullough who
developed her collection of luxury wool bedlinens using the
‘ShleepHalo’ merino jersey fabric: a range of sheets, pillowcases,
duvet covers, calming blankets and throws, a tactile collection
of cosy and comforting bedlinens. The brand has also introduced

meticulously knitted sleep and leisure wear, including thick
robes and superfine woven gowns, slips, bralettes and socks.
Shleep recently launched into the UK market at Harrods,
Fortnum & Mason and John Bell & Croyden.
The warmth and comfort that pure wool provides is part
of the top line thinking for a new collaboration from Caon
Design Office and The Woolmark Company. ‘Modulo’ is a
revolutionary concept that reimagines the future of premium
cabin travel using a 3D knitted wool blend membrane to
transform aircraft seating. “In exploring how to expand the
capability of wool fibre within the airline industry we address
a major bugbear of airlines in that they have to spend huge
sums of money and time in changing the feel of their cabin
interiors,” explains David Caon. “Passengers benefit too by
having more of this wonderful material which breathes and
allows us to play with light and opacity to create new scenarios
for privacy and relaxation.”
The Landscape collection is Designer Rugs’ fifth
collaboration with Dinosaur Designs co-founders, creative
directors and artists Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy.
“Our inspiration for Landscape was looking at nature through
a magnifying glass,” says Olsen. “The creative process started
when we met with Designer Rugs senior designer Lia Pielli
as she opened a wonderful magic box of wool colours. We
then investigated our archive of images we have created for
Dinosaur Designs with our collection stories to create a body
of four rugs in a palette of warm and cool colour relationships
in bold forms.” The Landscape Designer Rugs collection is
hand tufted in felted yarn using 100 per cent New Zealand
wool, in a standard size of 200x300cm. Each design can be
custom sized and coloured.

107

Luxe Files

RIGHT NOW

1

1_SOFT TOUCH

2_CLASSIC COMFORT

Perfect year round, pure
wool cushions in a subdued
plaid are a cosy addition to
a bedroom, reading chair or
sofa. ‘Alby’ Australian wool
cushion in Toffee, $106.
lmhome.com.au

The first Australian brand to partner with Woolmark
in 1964, Sportscraft is launching a special collection to
celebrate this 60-year partnership and mark its own 110year legacy. Each piece is made from fine merino wool,
renowned for its exceptional quality and sustainability.
‘Sunshine’ sweater, $250. sportscraft.com.au

2

Edited by KIRSTIE CLEMENTS

LIST

7

Forget feathers, today’s best nests are
lined in very versatile, wonderful wool.

7_FALL GUY

Renowned for using
fabrics of only the finest
Australian wool, the Zegna
Fall 2024 menswear readyto-wear show showcased the
beautiful symbiosis between
merino wool and the finest
Italian craftsmanship in softly
draping seasonal essentials.
zegna.com/au

4

3_A SHOE IN Slippers are always a good idea

in winter, but make them chic. Slip into
ballerina-style curly wool UggExpress ‘Lucina’
slippers. $145. uggexpress.com.au

3

4_IT’S A WRAP

6
6_ROYAL HOST

King Living’s ‘Promenade’ king-size
bed, with its tailored bedhead,
delivers the ultimate in comfort and
practicality. It comes with clever
gas-lift hidden storage and can be
customised in fabrics (including a
wool blend) or leathers in a spectrum
of shades, from neutrals to rich hues.
From $5384. kingliving.com.au

Waverley Mills is Australia’s
only woollen mill producing
100 per cent onshore. Its
rugs, throws and blankets are
artisan-crafted for enduring
comfort. ‘Gem’ merino wool
throw in Sunstone, $329.
waverleymills.com.au

5
5_SINK IN

Customisable in an array of
luxe coverings, B&B Italia’s
‘Le Bambole’ chairs and sofas
designed by Mario Bellini
in the early 1970s have lost
none of their cachet. From
$9680. spacefurniture.com.au

108

Luxe Files

RIGHT NOW

CLOSE
K N IT

After living and working on a
150-year-old sheep farm, this
pair returned to the city with
a bold new vision for wool.

Photography KRISTINA SOLJO
RAQUEL
BOEDO
AND
luAgnim
facilicipsae
NED
SCHOLFIELD
INSIDE
vellest
lita nonsequossus
THE MCINTYRE MERINO
dolupienisit et amus et
BOUTIQUE IN SYDNEY’S
exerese
ceprepreri doluptatur,
PADDINGTON.

omnimpore nihilis ad ut etur,

110

Raquel Boedo and Ned Scholfield founded McIntyre Merino in 2016 after
spending a year living on Scholfield’s family’s sheep farm in Victoria. With retail
stores in Melbourne and Sydney, and a thriving online business, the apparel label
has created a smart niche with a cool, contemporary range of luxury basics made
in impeccable Australian merino wool. WHAT DREW YOU TO WOOL? Raquel Boedo
Ned’s family have been wool growers for over 150 years. We noticed that our
generation was not familiar with wool and garments were designed for an older,
more conservative buyer. WHAT IS YOUR L ABEL'S ETHOS? We are an Australian
brand that exists to share our passion for wool with the world. We truly believe
wool doesn’t need to be boring, and design with this in mind. DOES PURE WOOL
DESERVES A L ARGER PL ACE IN FASHION? Yes. Pure merino wool is so nice to wear.
Its natural properties like temperature regulation, odour control and breathability
mean your garment adapts to your environment. It needs much less washing than
a blended wool garment so you use far less water. Pure wool is 100 per cent natural,
renewable, biodegradable and recyclable, making it an environmentally positive
fibre. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FE ATHERWEIGHT WOOL . Our ultra-light garments have
a wonderful drape and are so light and soft against the skin. We were so happy with
the response to the summer collection as it has been hard to educate customers that
they can wear wool in the hotter months. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN
WITH AUSTR ALIAN WOOL MANUFACTURING? We would love to see more [of it].
There is a small industry of knitters left, but new skilled workers are needed to join
the workforce, and investment in the industry to keep it alive. The missing step
here is spinning and dying and we are forced to go offshore even if we want to be
solely Australian made. It's a shame that as the predominant growers of wool
globally we cannot make a finished garment here. mcintyremerino.com

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RIGHT NOW

Creative Home

Interior designer
Nickolas Gurtler’s
own home displays
personal treasures
in a sleek and
sophisticated
environment.

This page In the meals area ‘Monument’ dining table and
‘Lina’ chairs, all from Daniel Boddam. Custom ‘Prometheus
IV’ table lamp by Christopher Boots on USM unit in Beige
from Anibou. Striving for Perfection artwork by Elsbeth Shaw
from Studio Gallery. Pendant light from Lost Profile Studio.
Opposite page ‘Agent 86’ sofa from Grazia&Co in the living
area. ‘Aegis’ vase by Lost Profile Studio on vintage travertine
plinth. Batman gelatin print by Herb Ritts. On left, from
top, Untitled by Timothy Kaye and Armour Imaginaire by
Clément Legrand. On right, Black Rock by Bradley Duncan.

MONOCH ROM E M AGIC

Words C ARLI PHILIPS
Photography TIMOTHY K AYE

113

RIGHT NOW

W

Creative Home
HAT

APPE ALED

TO

YOU

ABOUT

YOUR

The building was designed by SJB
and Carr. My apartment features oak
flooring, black oak cabinetry, crisp white
paint, stainless-steel trims in the kitchen,
Arabescato marble countertops and aged-iron tapware from
Perini. I was really drawn to the architecture and the leafy
outlook to the Yarra river that flows through Melbourne.
There’s a soft moodiness to the light due to a diagonal concrete
beam that partially encloses the balcony. Most people want
natural light but I prefer a softer, more romantic light and
found this very appealing. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE
INTERIORS? Collected and curated with a lot of personality. It’s
very layered but also feels gallery-like with large swathes of
white walls acting as a canvas for everything to harmonise.
Most of my pieces have a very shapely quality and remarkable
forms. This is evident in pieces like the ‘Waffle’ armchair by
Furnished Forever, an up-and-coming Australian designer
that I discovered by chance, and the pyramid-like geometry of
my walnut and brass dining table by Daniel Boddam. There
are even sculptural pieces in my art collection such as the
aluminium piece by Alexander Brown and the timber and
pigment work by Bradley Duncan. Lighting is my favourite
part of design and I commissioned Lost Profile Studio to make
an incredible blown glass and bronze light that hangs over the
dining table. DO YOU COLLECT ANY THING? Books! I’m a
shameless bibliophile and my apartment is overflowing with
tomes on topics that interest me: cars, classical mythology,
HOME?

fashion, architecture, photography and interiors (obviously).
I have stacks of them in almost every room, and my collection
is constantly growing, moving and changing. I like having
books around, they speak to my sense of self and provide great
inspiration for projects. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PIECES?
I love all my children equally but I’m especially fond of
Batman, a silver gelatin print by Herb Ritts I picked up from
an antique store in New York. I love my custom Christopher
Boots table lamp which creates the most captivating light and
all my guests comment on it. I just acquired a piece based on a
Tom Ford runway by Elsbeth Shaw – there’s something so
incredibly chic about it. TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART COLLECTION
It’s evolving all the time. I have stacks of pieces layered in the
corner of the bedroom – I’m just waiting to find the right spot.
I don’t naturally gravitate toward colour in artwork as my
interest in a particular hue can be powerful yet fleeting. I like
pieces that are evocative and thought-provoking such as the
Timothy Kaye painting (I bullied him into selling it to me)
that is tiny, dark and mysterious. HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR
PURCHASING DECISIONS? I select everything based on how it
makes me feel or whether it happens to catch my eye. I find
pieces simply from browsing showrooms for clients or
discovering a new artist at a gallery opening. I wanted my
space to have a lived-in feel while maintaining a sense of the
sleek sophistication my studio is known for. WHAT'S YOUR NEXT
PURCHASE? I’ve been mulling over an Arflex ‘Marenco’ sofa in
a baby blue fabric. I think it might have to happen soon!
nickolasgurtler.com.au

This page, clockwise from top left ‘Monument’ dining table by Daniel Boddam.
‘Knot’ chair by Normann Copenhagen from District. ‘Diiva’ stool by Grazia&Co.
‘Aegis’ vase by Lost Profile Studio. Checkerboard by Sarah Shinners. Arabescato
Vagli stone on the kitchen island. Parisi tapware. Nickolas Gurtler next to
Batman print by Herb Ritts. ‘Aegis’ vase by Lost Profile Studio on travertine
plinth. Artwork is Black Rock by Bradley Duncan. ‘Bellaire’ bed from King Living
with linen from The Sheet Society. Beyoncé poster. ‘Sims’ bedside table from
Merlino Furniture. Vintage Finnish glass ashtray from Modern Times. Black bowl
by Theodosius Ng. Silver candelabra set by Thomas Maxam. ‘Journey’ wall light
from &Tradition. In the hallway, vintage Pierre Jeanneret bench from 1stDibs.
Artwork is Luna (Dusk) by Nick Thomm. Opposite page Hermes, Nickolas’s Welsh
Pembroke corgi. USM unit in Beige from Anibou. Greg Natale ‘Moore’ vase
(left), custom ‘Prometheus IV’ table lamp by Christopher Boots, ‘Popotin’ vase
by Anissa Kermiche. Gubi ‘Pacha’ chair from Criteria.

115

Absolute Beachfront. Byron Bay Luxury.
BOOK NOW
elementsofbyron.com.au

SOL AR POWER

P H OTO G R A P H Y M A R E E HO M E R

A 1930s mansion in Sydney’s Bellevue
Hill with lashings of Mediterranean style
sports a pool area featuring outdoor
sunloungers from Restoration Hardware
with Janus et Cie square umbrellas.
See ‘On a Mission’, p118.

Revelling in idyllic
grounds, these
homes open a
window onto a world
of inner beauty.
117

Sydney

HOME

Old Hollywood glamour
meets Mediterranean flair in this sprawling
Spanish mission-style mansion.
Words ALEX ANDR A ENGLISH Photography MAREE HOMER Styling MARIA PAPANTONIOU

These pages This Spanish
mission-style mansion was
built in the 1930s for a family
of graziers.The present
owners, Stephanie Conley
Buhre and her family,
maintained many of the
original Mediterraneanesque features while
overhauling it with a
contemporary internal
renovation.

119

Sydney

HOME

These pages, from left Home owner Stephanie Conley Buhre wears Christian Dior top and Valentino skirt in front of the home’s original fireplace in the formal
living area. Vases from Orient House. Vintage chaise lounge reupholstered in emerald-green Schumacher velvet. SC Décor ‘Sitting Horse’ sculpture from
Studio Cavit on a custom marble-topped coffee table. Twin limited-edition sofas from Restoration Hardware and a pair of Studiolo ‘Ricardo’ fringed armchairs
by Richard Shapiro sourced from LA, with vintage side tables and ‘Brush Stroke’ table lamps in Blue from Bunny Williams Home. Tapestry on wall sourced
from France. Custom rug from Premier Carpets. Visual Comfort ‘Classic Ring’ chandelier by Chapman & Myers from Laura Kincade.

O

n entering Stephanie Conley Buhre’s home, you’ll
likely be greeted with a smile and a cocktail. Come
on in, sit down, make yourself comfortable, she’s just
putting the finishing touches on lunch.
Where to sit? Just beyond the entry foyer is the
formal dining room, with its round gloss-topped dining table
and Regency-style cane chairs. In the adjacent loggia, four
oversized custom armchairs lure you to sink into them. To your
right, the formal living area’s cream lounges and vibrant emerald
velvet chaise suggest a space for quiet serenity. To your left, the
long marble-topped casual dining table with Hoffmann chairs
promises a buzzing atmosphere. Beyond that, the casual living
room, rendered in pinks and greens, invites you to settle in
comfortably. From the vantage point of any of these seats, you’ll
have panoramic views of the sparkling Sydney Harbour. But the

most alluring seat in the house is a stool at the kitchen island.
Sure, the vista is behind you, but in front of you is something
more captivating: a hostess at work. As if plucked from the
golden age of domestic dinner parties, Conley Buhre wouldn’t
be out of place in a scene from Mad Men or Bewitched – chic,
glamorous, warm and making it all look exceedingly easy.
If it’s not yet obvious this is an entertainer’s home, consider
that this kitchen is Conley Buhre’s favourite of the three in this
sprawling, four-level 1930s Spanish mission-style mansion. The
former fashion designer – who, in the early 2000s, counted
among her fans Naomi Campbell, Kim Cattrall and Lauren Bush
– left the runway behind in 2008 to pursue her love of food. That
led to a blog in 2014, The Hostess, in which she shares recipes and
hosting tips, and multiple cookbooks. Now, she’s embarking on
a new side-hustle in interior design. All of which is to say, »

121

These pages The formal dining area
with original floorboards and transom
windows. Formations ‘Alessio’ dining
table with iron base sourced in LA.
Hickory Chair ‘Stewart’ Regency-style
side chairs with caned seat and back,
and buttoned pad with tassels both
from Laura Kincade. On the table,
Alexandra Kidd Atelier ‘Contessa’
vase from Becker Minty and large
R&Y Augousti ‘Lily’ stacking bowl
from Studio Cavit. Antique side tables
from Conley & Co. Artwork over the
original fireplace by Brett Whiteley.
Visual Comfort ‘Classic Ring’
chandelier from Laura Kincade.
Mirrors from MCM House. Custom
rug from Premier Carpets.

Sydney

HOME

123

This page Looking at the back of the house from the
backyard. On the ground floor is the former ballroom
turned kids’ area. Above is the loggia, the second
floor holds the main bedroom, and the top floor the
guest bedroom. Restoration Hardware outdoor
furniture. Opposite page, clockwise from top left The
sun-drenched loggia has 180-degree views of Sydney
Harbour and looks out to Point Piper and over the
harbour to Mosman. Custom armchairs reupholstered
in ‘Performance’ fabric from Christopher Farr Cloth.
Coffee table by Julian Chichester and stool by
Legends of Asia both from Laura Kincade. On the
table is a McMullin & Co. ‘Wilma’ bowl and ‘Ketut’
vessel. The tiles are custom stone from Bisanna Tiles
and the walls are painted in a custom limewash.
Custom rug from Cadrys. Visual Comfort ‘Launceton’
large square lantern and Thomas O’Brien ‘Hulton’
double sconce both from Laura Kincade.

Sydney

HOME

« having a beautiful kitchen (or several) and myriad spaces for
guests to gather was at the top of Conley Buhre’s renovation
wishlist when she and her husband, venture capitalist Oskar
Buhre, bought this F. Glynn Gilling-designed home in 2021.
The first thing that captivated the couple was the mansion’s
history – and its potential. Originally built for pioneering
graziers Mary and Hugh Taylor and named after the Spanish
province Biscaya, in 1965 it became the home of property
developer Maurice Moubarak, who changed the mansion to its
current name, Alcooringa, an Aboriginal word for Dreamtime.
Moubarak became the honorary Tunisian consul in the mid80s and refurbished the property at that time.
“I love anything that has any sort of Mediterranean
influence, and I love old homes,” Conley Buhre says. “They’re
full of so much character and history. I immediately had a
vision of how it could look and how we could bring it back to its
former glory.”
While they gradually made their renovations (with the
architect Tony Freeman on structural plans and Conley Buhre
on interiors), the couple and their two young sons, Hugo and
Freddy, lived in the property’s self-contained three-bedroom
cottage, which is tucked discretely underneath the main home’s
backyard and has a separate entrance.
During this time, they also went to Spain, where Conley
Buhre says most of her inspiration came from – especially the »

125

HOME

126

Sydney

This page The main kitchen, which joins the
casual dining area adjacent to the loggia,
features a bespoke splashback in blue-andwhite tiles. Arabescato marble island top from
Granite & Marble Works. Thonet bentwood bar
stools in a custom natural finish. Visual Comfort
‘Goodman’ pendant lights from Laura Kincade.
Tapware from The English Tapware Company.
Opposite page, clockwise from top left The pantry
connected to the main kitchen features Smeg
appliances and a Liebherr wine fridge. ‘No.811
Hoffman’ chairs from Thonet with table from
Oliver Tanner Art & Design in the casual dining
area. Vessel from McMullin & Co. Shaker-style
cabinets feature Noble Elements handles.
La Cornue ‘La CornuFé’ freestanding cooker in
Polished Steel in the main kitchen. In the dining
area, ‘Hulton’ sconce from Visual Comfort.
‘Sienna’ napkins from Bedouin Societe.

This page The casual living area links to the casual dining area. On wall Christopher Farr ‘One Way’ raffia wallpaper with Ascraft grass weave wallpaper on ceiling.
Custom shelves from Freestyle Joinery, on closest shelves, from top: Katie Manekshaw bowl from Saint Cloche; second shelf, vase and bowl by Katie Manekshaw
from Saint Cloche Gallery; third shelf, sculpture by HenryK from Farage House; fourth shelf, Anissa Kermiche vase. Hickory Chair sofas from Laura Kincade on ‘Village
Rooftops’ wool rug from Robyn Cosgrove. Opposite page The home office, off the entry foyer. Thibaut ‘Tulum’ wallpaper in Wheat from Boyac. Geometric rug from
Robyn Cosgrove. Desk from Formations with Kelly Wearstler ‘Rousseau’ table lamp from Bloomingdales Lighting. Wall lighting, chandelier and Swedish art deco
armchairs are all vintage. ‘Moravian Star’ pendant light from The Montauk Lighting Co. Vases from Orient House. L’Objet ‘Bamboo’ bookends from Becker Minty.

« white-and-blue tiled splashback mural in the main kitchen.
With images of poultry, pork and fish, it was hand-painted by
an artisan in Spain, who also painted tiles for the pool area and
one of the other kitchens.
Behind the main kitchen, tucked out of sight but no less
impeccably renovated, is a large butler’s kitchen. Conley Buhre
describes it as a sort of staging area for her hosting efforts. “The
main kitchen is sort of like front-of-house; it’s like a show
kitchen,” she says. “Then there’s the back-of-house where I can
make a big mess and wash dishes while I’m entertaining.”
It’s impossible to list every notable feature of this expansive
home, but to name a few: a wellness centre with a sauna, a wine
cellar, eight bathrooms, his and hers dressing rooms (one his
and two hers, of course), a billiard room, and a Mexican
courtyard for alfresco dining. There’s also a marble-floored

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ballroom, which Conley Buhre transformed into a sundrenched kids’ area now filled with Lego.
Speaking of her sons, Conley Buhre says her new design
ethos has become “user-friendly”. Two houses ago, her interiors
were more “uptight” than they are currently, she claims.
“Having kids was a bit of a learning curve,” she explains of her
design transformation. “I had made everything so formal, and
then I thought, ‘What’s the point? We can’t even go into this
room now,’ and we just started living in this small area of
the house.”
Now, she’s all about fusing the aesthetic and the utilitarian.
“Nothing should be too special because then you find yourself
living in one-third of your home,” she says. “You should use
every room in your home every day.” #
stephanieconley.com

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These pages from left Conley Buhre wears Alexander McQueen top and skirt. The main bedroom features ‘Amazonia’ wallpaper by de Gournay and
a Mecox Gardens bed frame sourced in LA. Frette bedding. Vintage bedside drawers with table lamps from Conley & Co. Bunny Williams ‘Olivia’ armchairs
and a Hickory Chair ‘Clover Leaf’ ottoman, all from Laura Kincade. The side tables are vintage, with Alexandra Kidd Atelier ‘Serena’ vase on the left table,
and Aerin ‘Calinda’ box and ‘Cosmos’ porcelain flower on the right, both from Becker Minty. Framed by custom curtains, views of the Sydney Opera House
and the Harbour Bridge beyond create a stunning backdrop.

These pages, from left A downstairs bathroom features Iksel wallpaper from Boyac and Calacatta stone flooring.
Lorenza Bozzoli ottoman from Freeman Gallery. ‘On vanity, ‘Brass Bird’ soap dish and Lalique vase from Macleay on
Manning, grasscloth and bamboo box from Gray & Co. Perrin & Rowe’ sink from The English Tapware Company.
Aerin ‘Hampton’ chandelier and sconce from Laura Kincade. ‘Nebraska’ bath linen from Analu.

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SPEED READ
» Stephanie Conley Buhre was drawn to the history and potential of this four-storey mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour which was built in the 1930s
but had not been renovated since the 1980s. » She engaged architect Tony Freeman to work with her to maintain the home’s heritage while making
it both beautiful and livable for her family, including her husband and their two young sons. » She designed the interiors herself, with a mix of Old
Hollywood glamour and Mediterranean influences. » The sprawling property now has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, three kitchens and an outdoor
barbecue area, a wellness centre with sauna, wine cellar, billiards room, a former ballroom turned kid’s area, a pool, a three-car garage and a selfcontained cottage with separate entrance. » The kitchens are a high point for the former fashion designer, blogger and cookbook author.

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This page The pool area with custom tiles by the Spanish artisan
who created the splashback in the main kitchen. Restoration
Hardware outdoor sunloungers and Janus et Cie umbrellas.
Opposite page, from top The powder room in the billiards
room. Thibaut ‘Sunset Boulevard’ wallpaper from Boyac and
‘Montego’ mirror from Wisteria Design. Vase from Orient House
on Calacatta ‘Picasso’ marble sink from Granite & Marble
Works. In the outdoor entertaining area, the furniture is from
Janus et Cie with cushions from Ascraft and throws from Analu.
Tableware from Themis Z. Terracotta tiles from Perini Tiles.

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1 Aubusson verdure tapestry in wool and silk, $18,000,
from The Vault Sydney. 2 ‘Rigby’ bridge arm floor
lamp in polished nickel and ebony with linen shade,
$2690, from The Montauk Lighting Co. 3 Perrin & Rowe
‘Ionian’ bench-mounted mixer in Gold, $1715, from
The English Tapware Company. 4 Arteriors ‘Mowgli’ mirror,
$5725, from Boyd Blue. 5 Lorenza Bozzoli Design ‘Sparkle’
green pouf with gold fringe, $2695, from 1stDibs.

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Under the

T US CA N SU N

These pages The open uninterrupted views at Podere Casalberna
were a major selling point for the couple. They have added more
varieties of plants en masse including buxus, lobellias, viburnum
and verbena to the established gardens. Umbrellas and pool
cushions from Italiving Outdoor, Perugia.

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A globetrotting Australian couple are living la dolce
vita, reimagining a 17th-century Tuscan farmhouse,
now a fabulous meeting point for family and friends.
Words and production TANYA BUCHANAN Photography ANGELITA BONET TI

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This page The farmhouse facade has been refreshed with the colour palette remaining close to what was there originally. Opposite page The terrace affords a
view of a specially commissioned statement marble sculpture from Studio C&C Milano. Emu chairs and table on the terrace with Ichendorf Milano glassware
and cabbage plates that came with the house.

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This page The existing sofas were reupholstered in Mokum ‘Festivity’ in Gull with cushions from Istanbul. The table lamps are from Dust in Darlinghurst,
Sydney. An expansive fireplace warms the room that once housed the farm animals. Opposite page Bench seat with velvet upholstery from local Tuscan
vintage atelier. Rug from Dhoku, Istanbul.

W

hen an Australian-based husband and wife – he
was born in Scotland and she was born in
Australia to Italian parents – happened upon
the area of Val d’Orcia in Tuscany during a
memorable birthday trip, they loved the area so
much that they decided to make it their mission to buy a property
there. Because of the wife’s heritage, Italy had always been very
attractive and, during Covid-19, they started looking for a Tuscan
residence in earnest. To help with the search, they engaged a
buyer’s agent to scour the area for a house in a great position that
would be a fabulous base for them, their London-based children
and frequent flying guests and family.
After looking at a handful of properties, they settled on
picturesque Podere Casalberna nestled in the Val d’Orcia near the
pretty town of San Casciano dei Bagni in the province of Siena
110km southeast of Florence and 70km southeast of Siena and
conveniently placed between Rome and Florence. The stunning
location and open, uninterrupted views of surrounding hills and
villages won over the couple instantly. The house had been owned
by an older Florentine couple for 20 years and needed some

freshening and repair work, but the bones of the 17th-century
farmhouse were fabulous. Before the Italian couple bought the
property, it had been given an extensive overhaul by high-profile
British interior designer Mimmi O’Connell who, with a cohort of
designing Brits including colour maven Tricia Guild, made quite
an impact in the area in the late 80s and 90s. Mimmi’s extensive
overhaul meant that the layout flowed easily from inside to the
terrace, gardens, pool and nearby guest cottages and gym, and
much of the interior work was timeless.
The ground floor rooms with standout vaulted brick ceilings
were once the animal shelters while the farmers lived upstairs.
Today, these rooms are spacious living areas that afford views of
the rolling Tuscan hills, pool and garden. The Tuscan house and
land package came fully furnished, and some of the pieces were
surplus to the couple’s requirements, but the wife came across the
perfect sustainable and vintage solution trading pieces with the
owner of a nearby antique atelier who restores and collects. He has
no website or company name, but everyone in the local area knows
him! “I don’t throw furniture out. I paint, I sand and reupholster
so pieces can follow us from house to house,” she says. »

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This page The antique book cabinet filled with an interesting collection of books came with the house. Red chair from The Conran Shop,
London. Moroso coffee table. The sofa from Ikea and the rug also came with the house. Opposite page The couple’s study sits between the
dining room and living rooms and is a fabulous hub for both to work. All furniture including the light came with the house. Behind the dining
table previously there was a badly situated guest toilet which has been cleverly turned into a cellar and lined with groutless terracotta tiles.

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« Not only did the enchanting residence come with a rich
history and many antique pieces, but it also came with a dedicated
team working at the house for many years. It helped the new
owners run the property and gardens, and introduced them to
local suppliers and businesses.
The wife has reworked several properties worldwide, and
these experiences, her attention to detail and her love of project
management meant the renovations happened quickly. “One of
the main and greatest assets to me here compared to London,
Hong Kong and Australia in reimagining this property is the
source of local trades who are true artisans. Everything here is
imagined and made by hand. It is such a pleasure to work with
professional craftspeople like this who can turn an idea into a
beautiful feature or solution,” she says. “Being able to send an
image and dimensions and let them design and create from there
allowed me to manage this work remotely.”
Exterior paintwork was freshened but not radically changed,
and the local painters – more like artisans – framed the window
trims with small handpainted border trims for added dimension.
Sofas and chairs were reupholstered in a selection of luxe textural
fabrics. Furniture pieces and artworks collected over 30 years
together have also made their way to their new Italian base.
While a self-imposed deadline is fine, there is nothing like the
impending nuptials of your only daughter to ensure restorations
are completed. The couple’s daughter will marry at the property
in August this year. The garden has, therefore, become a big
focus. “We have layered and enriched the garden with extra
plantings and brought in some varieties that weren’t here before,
from buxus to verbena, and it is all looking more textured and
interesting,” she says. When Belle visited, this globetrotting
couple had just spent the day mulching the garden – a very
Australian thing to do in the middle of Tuscany.
A striking marble sculpture created by Studio C&C Milano is
another statement feature the couple commissioned that will be
a centrepiece for their daughter’s spring nuptials. It sits
commandingly under a gracious established tiglio (linden) tree.
“We feel that our family has come full circle. My parents left
Italy when they were young, and my mother said that by creating
a home here, I am bringing the family back to its origins,” says
the owner. # Podere Casalberna is available for exclusive stays.
Email info@casalbernatuscany.com; Instagram @casalbernatuscany
This page, top and bottom The furniture in this room came with the house
excluding the ottomans that were reupholstered by Edwin Odermatt from
Atelier Upholstery in Sydney. Painting by William York. Opposite page The
kitchen was freshly painted and the door hardware and floor replaced.

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This page The generous main ensuite has views out to the rolling hills. Chandelier from local atelier. Opposite page All of the bedroom furniture
was existing. Bed cover from Haremlique, Turkey.

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These pages, clockwise from top left The garden
has been layered and enriched with extra plantings
and new plant varieties, from buxus to verbena, to
make it look more textured and interesting.

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1 ‘Roy’ wicker footrest in Natural, $595, from
Cotswold InOut Furniture. 2 ‘Anthea’ terracotta
urn, $259, from Domayne. 3 ‘Dedalus’ marble,
POA, from Signorino. 4 ‘Flute’ side table,
POA, from Poliform. 5 ‘Vogue’ sofa, $16,795,
from Milano Furniture.

Into the

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Greg Natale chooses an abundance of texture
to make an impact in this new home in Sydney’s south
that parades a predominantly neutral palette.
These pages The double-height living
room is an impressive space with
walls lined with custom fluting by
Greg Natale (pictured). ‘Concave
Border’ wall tiles from Academy Tiles
finished in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’.
HC28 ‘Bear’ sofas from Domo. Gubi
‘Croissant’ lounge chairs, ‘IOI’ coffee
tables and ‘Epic’ coffee tables in
grey and white travertine, &Tradition
‘Shuffle’ table and Fredericia
‘Sequoia’ pouf, all from Cult.
Custom side table from Greg Natale.
Vintage glass lamps from Peninsula.
Rug from Alishba Rugs. Artwork,
Shadow Lines by Marisa Purcell.
Visual Comfort ‘Franca’ pivoting
chandelier. Cushions and accessories
from Alexandra Kidd Atelier and
Greg Natale. Herringbone oak floors
from Enoak. Decorative objects
from Alexandra Kidd Atelier on
Escea fireplace with custom marble
surround from RMS Marble.

Words JUDY PA SCOE Photography ANSON SMART Styling MARIA PAPANTONIOU

This page The entrance and its sweeping staircase are punctuated by a glimpse of the powder room’s vibrant Christian Lacroix ‘Atlantis Aube’ wallpaper
from IconRadford. Karakter ‘Principal’ chair in Walnut from Cult. Ligne Roset ‘Gavrinis 3’ rug from Domo. Floor in Nero Marquina marble tiles from RMS
Marble. Vintage Murano blue glass chandelier from eModerno. ‘Concave Border’ wall tiles from Academy Tiles finished in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’. Stairs in
herringbone oak from Enoak. Opposite page, clockwise from top left In the living room, HC28 ‘Bear’ sofas from Domo. Gubi ‘Croissant’ lounge chair, ‘Epic’
coffee tables in grey and white travertine, and Fredericia ‘Sequoia’ pouf, all from Cult. Custom side table from Greg Natale. Vintage glass lamp from
Peninsula. ‘Franca’ pivoting chandelier from Visual Comfort. Rug from Alishba Rugs. Cushions and accessories from Greg Natale and Alexandra Kidd
Atelier. Herringbone oak floors from Enoak. Escea fireplace with custom marble surround from RMS Marble. ‘Concave Border’ wall tiles from Academy Tiles
finished in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’. The study packs a punch with walls papered in Christian Lacroix ‘Atlantis Aube’ from IconRadford. Custom joinery painted
in Dulux ‘Sharp Blue’. ‘Pinch-01’ and ‘Pinch-05’ pulls in Brass from Spark & Burnish. Accessories from Greg Natale and Alexandra Kidd Atelier. &Tradition
‘Tripod’ table lamp from Cult. Artwork by Scott Petrie. Window furnishings by Design Curtains.

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G

reg Natale’s latest project in the southern Sydney
suburb of Oatley is an ode to texture. Renowned
for his use of pattern and colour the interior
designer admits that this house is “cleaner”,
relying less on pattern and instead emphasising
texture, particularly in the form of fluted detailing that
makes an appearance in most rooms.
Greg came to be involved in this project in an amusing
way. The clients, busy businesspeople with three young
teenagers, had been impressed by new design work at their
neighbour’s house. “But they thought I was a brand, not a
real person,” he laughs.
Pleasantly surprised to discover the human embodiment
of Greg Natale they engaged him on the spot for their
project – a new house that they wanted to be in the Georgian
style. “They already had a DA but it was pretty basic,” says
Greg who set to work “shuffling and tweaking” with the
facade, the windows, the roof and the floor plan to make the
home more generously sized and spectacular.
“We took it to the next level,” he continues. “The
foundations of the design were there, but we definitely had to
re-plan and move a few things around. The kitchen and
dining room and the back of the house would have been very
poky but we opened them up so they flow better.”
The two-storey house has five bedrooms and bathrooms,
the upper level accessed by a sweeping curved staircase. »

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These pages Custom fluted kitchen joinery by Greg Natale painted in Dulux ‘Tranquil Retreat’ with Superwhite and Statuario marbles from RMS Marble.
Tom Dixon ‘Fat’ counter stools from Living Edge. Aerin ‘Sommerard’ large triple-arm chandelier from Visual Comfort. Accessories from Greg Natale and
Alexandra Kidd Atelier. Icon + Lever Knurled basin mixer in Urban Brass from Astra Walker. Wolf oven and cooktop in stainless steel from Winning Appliances.
Stepped ceiling painted in Dulux ‘Lexicon’.

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These pages, from left The blue dining room was the realisation of the owner’s dream,
with walls, ceiling and joinery painted in Dulux ‘Sharp Blue’. Nero Marquina marble trim
from RMS Marble. ‘Pinch-01’ and ‘Pinch-05’ joinery pulls in Polished Brass from Spark &
Burnish. Designers Guild ‘Manohari’ grasscloth wallpaper from IconRadford. ‘Jewel’
scalloped dining table from Zuster with Gubi ‘Gent’ chairs from Cult. Custom ‘Vapour’
rug by Greg Natale from Designer Rugs. Custom pendant light from Lucretia. Eikund
‘Fluffy’ lounge chair from Stylecraft. HC28 ‘Bold’ lacquered side table in Bordeaux Red
from Domo. &Tradition floor lamp from Cult. Accessories from Greg Natale.

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« Arches are a repeated motif throughout in windows, doorways,
mirrors and the marble fireplace mantle, but it is the fluting that
really gives this home its unique persona. From the walls of the vast
double-height living room to the kitchen joinery and the cornices,
fluted detailing is a thread that stitches the rooms together. “The
texture of the fluting is gorgeous and very effective,” says Greg.
“The house is really quite neutral and light especially in the open
plan but I was able to break out rooms and change colour and add
personality by creating beautiful fluted portals that provide
a separation to the spaces.”
While the neutral palette is based on walls in a very soft grey –
“to give a warm feeling” – and chevron timber flooring also in a
grey wash, bursts of colour provide vibrant punctuation points.
Take the living room’s aubergine accents in the Gubi ‘Croissant’
lounge chairs, Greg Natale ‘Ponti’ cushions and Marisa Purcell
artwork, the viridescent main bedroom with its walls washed in
ethereal green Dulux ‘Sweet Nymph’ and swathes of emerald-green
marble in the ensuite bathroom.
The dining room is the realisation of the owners’ dream –
a rhapsody in blue with highly lacquered joinery in Dulux
‘Sharp Blue’ animated by lengths of the chinoiserie-inspired
Designers Guild ‘Manohari’ grasscloth wallpaper. “She calls it her
blue salon as she was inspired by salon-like spaces,” says Greg, “and
it is definitely her favourite room. I love the drama of it too.”
Greg’s signature style is more apparent in the study where the
owners requested colour and pattern. Christian Lacroix ‘Atlantis
Aube’ wallpaper envelops the room, with the same treatment
appearing on the walls in the powder room. “These rooms definitely
have maximalist and layered elements and they provide a great
contrast to the rest of the home,” says the designer.
While art deco features were not on his mind while he was
designing the house Greg says he became aware of a slight deco
inclination in the project when the house was being photographed.
“The stepped ceilings, the fluting, the arches – it was an unintentional
reference,” he says. “The idea was all about creating texture so the
house didn’t feel too plain, especially with all the neutral tones.”
The furniture, however, is definitely in the contemporary genre
with sculptural pieces by Karakter, Gubi and Fredericia, playful
designs such as the &Tradition ‘Shuffle’ side table, and artful
pendant lights. “We wanted it to feel modern and light and didn’t
want any deco or Georgian or heavy pieces,” says Greg who included
some custom designs such as the wave-inspired bedhead and bedside
tables in the main bedroom.
The designer’s attention to detail is impressive. Along with the
elegant design flourishes and luxe finishes Greg ensured that
services such as the air-conditioning ducting were discreetly
concealed in shadow lines and cornicing – “I love that!” he enthuses.
The home sits comfortably in the streetscape, presenting quite a
restrained classical facade, and when the front door opens the magic
within is revealed. #
gregnatale.com

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SPEED READ
» Sydney design guru Greg Natale was tasked with delivering a new house in
Sydney’s south for a busy couple with three young teenagers. » The couple wished
for a Georgian-style home and Greg tweaked the existing DA to create a large and
elegant family residence with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. » In a twist on his
usual style Greg opted for a neutral palette in the open-plan living areas, creating
interest with texture in the form of fluted walls, cornices and portals. » Pops of
colour are introduced in rooms such as the dining room, study, powder room and
main bedroom with vibrant lacquered joinery, wallpapers and swathes of marble.
» Furniture is light and contemporary with iconic pieces by &Tradition, Gubi and
Karakter, alongside artful light fittings and custom designs.

This page, clockwise from top left The main bedroom has a custom bed, ‘Golden Elm’
bedding and pillows by Greg Natale. Bedside lamp from Peninsula. ‘Santorini’ rug
from Designer Rugs. Artwork by Graziela Guardino, from the 2022 Hiatus Collection.
&Tradition ‘Shuffle’ side table from Cult. Tom Dixon for Cappellini ‘S-Chair’. Walls
painted in Dulux ‘Sweet Nymph’. Window furnishings from Design Curtains. The
ensuite bathroom is swathed in Indian Green marble from RMS Marble. ‘Concave
Border’ wall tiles from Academy Tiles. Custom joinery painted in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’.
Kelly Wearstler ‘Melange Pill Form’ wall sconce from Visual Comfort. Downlight in White
from LightCo. ‘Pura’ undermount basin and Icon + Lever Knurled basin mixer in Urban
Brass from Astra Walker. Towels and accessories from Greg Natale. Custom joinery by
Greg Natale in the walk-in robe painted in Dulux ‘Sweet Nymph’ with Carrara marble
benchtops from RMS Marble. Aromas ‘Dalt’ pendant light from LightCo. Accessories
from Greg Natale. Opposite page The upstairs seating area is furnished with &Tradition
‘Wulff’ chairs in Boucle and Sheepskin Honey, Hay ‘Slit’ round high side table, and
Gubi ‘Modern Line’ pouffe, all from Cult. HC28 ‘Hap’ sofa and ‘Bold’ side table in Black
Lacquer from Domo. Artemide ‘Laguna’ table lamp from Stylecraft. Flos ‘Smithfield’
ceiling light from Euroluce. Artwork by Jan Maarten Voskuil from Freeman Gallery.
‘Walter’ rug from Designer Rugs. Window furnishings from Design Curtains.

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This page, from top The second bedroom has a HC28 ‘Fugue’ bed, ‘Anni’ bedside table, ‘Toy’
lacquered side table in Bordeaux Red, ‘Bold’ lounge chair and ‘Citti‘ bench, all from Domo. Charcoal
Grey rug from Alishba Rugs. &Tradition ‘Flowerpot’ table lamp from Cult. Kelly Wearstler ‘Precision’
large square flush-mount light from Visual Comfort. Artwork by CXC Studio from Freeman Gallery.
Walls painted in Dulux ‘Milton Moon’. Window furnishings from Design Curtains. The children’s
bathroom has a Pivotech undermount bathtub from Harvey Norman with Carrara marble from
RMS Marble. Custom fluted joinery finished in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’. Benchtop in Carrara marble
from RMS Marble. Tapware in Urban Brass from Astra Walker. ‘Concave Border’ wall tiles from
Academy Tiles. Marvel Stone ‘Bardiglio Grey’ floor tiles. Kelly Wearstler ‘Melange’ elongated wall
sconces from Visual Comfort. Hay ‘Slit’ round high table from Cult. Artwork by Marisa Purcell.
‘Electric Dreams’ vase, towels and accessories from Greg Natale. Opposite page The home’s classic
facade is painted in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’. Royal Botania ‘Dome’ pendant lights and wall lights from
LightCo. Roof shingles in Onyx from Boral.

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1 ‘Gowrie’ jacquard cushion, $140, from Greg Natale.
2 Arabescato Vagli marble, POA, from Signorino. 3 ’Sofia
Induction Pro’ range cooker in stainless steel, $20,999,
from Fulgor Milano. 4 ‘Digbeth’ solid-brass appliance
pull, from $778, from Gregory Croxford Living. 5 ‘Cuba
Keramik Bistrot’ table in Matt Portoro, POA, from
Cattelan Italia.

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These pages Part of architect Koichi Takada’s
original concept, an infinity pool, perched among
the treetops and with expansive views of the
harbour, creates a seamless connection with the
landscape. White gloss pool tiles from ColorTile.

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Indoors and out are in perfect harmony in this warm,
cocooning home on Sydney’s lower North Shore.

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rchitect Koichi Takada boldly ventured outside the box with
this luminous home hugging a hill on Sydney’s lower North
Shore, its curves and parallel lines evoking the perfection of
a palm frond. “Nature’s umbrella, the palm frond provides
shelter from sun, wind and rain in the same way as our
screening protects this home,” says Koichi. “The effect is an endless display
of shadow and light.” Similarly, the interiors by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh,
echoing Koichi’s inspired exterior, share those curves, lines and textural
richness. So it’s little wonder, for the owners, living in the home is like a
‘frond embrace’.
The couple were living next door when in 2016 this property came on
the market and proved irresistible. “It was a much larger block of land,
with impressive views out to the [Sydney] Heads,” says the owner. But the
views were hogged by a pile of indeterminate age. After toying with
renovating, the only option was to bring in the bulldozers and start afresh.
The owner was already familiar with Koichi’s work which references »

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These pages On the terrace beside
the open plan, ‘Mesh’ sofa and coffee
table and Kettal ‘Roll Club‘ chairs, all
from Moebel. Crema Bella limestone
patio tiles from STS Stone.

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« nature and sits seamlessly in its surroundings. “We loved his
buildings with their organic, fluid shapes, embodying lots of
curves, and refined in an understated way,” she says. “Here we
wanted a sophisticated but coastal home with a natural palette,
connected to its setting and maximising bush and water views.”
Koichi obliged with a five-bedroom, three-storey home etched
out of concrete, glass and aluminium with spectacular vistas and
sweeping curves that echo the terrain, the shapes and materiality
taking their cues from the harbourside location.
On the ground floor, the kitchen forms the central hub, with
the entertaining spaces on one side and shoes-off family zones on
the other. Walls of glazing allow a seamless transition between
indoors and out. “Generous, protected spaces entertain family
and friends, while pockets throughout offer solitary escape,”
explains Koichi. Meanwhile, the first floor features four bedrooms,

including the main, while the lower ground includes a fifth
bedroom, a casual living room and a study.
Koichi cocooned the home in aluminium timber-look batten
screens and louvres, sheltering the interiors and terraces from the
sun, ensuring privacy and directing sightlines toward the trees
and beach below.
In a similar vein, for the interiors by Justine Hugh-Jones and
Katrina Mackintosh of Hugh-Jones Mackintosh, the couple
wanted to celebrate natural materials such as clay, stone, timber
and rattan, [all] muted and organic, textured and handcrafted
“with nothing shiny”, says the owner.
“This was the first time the client had lived in a contemporary
home with all that glass and open plan,” says Justine. “So we had
to make it warm and liveable, with tactile, layered interiors, using
natural fabrics and colour. We wanted each room to have a focal »

These pages, clockwise from left In the living room, ‘Julep’ sofa upholstered
in Pierre Frey ‘Bridget’ fabric in Meringue, from Stylecraft. Maxalto ‘Febo’
armchairs upholstered in Kvadrat ’Gentle 2’ fabric and Maxalto ‘Clio’
armchairs, all from Space. Cassina ‘Rio’ table in oak and rattan from Mobilia.
Miniforms ‘Soda’ glass side table from James Richardson Furniture. Custom
bench seat and shelves upholstered in Kvadrat leather. Custom scatter
cushions in Pierre Frey velvet and Cloth velvet from Ascraft. Reuber Henning
‘Cut Out’ rug in Green from Halcyon Lake. Curtains in Kohro ‘Lucilla’ fabric
from South Pacific Fabrics made by Simple Studio. Custom fluted fireplace
made by Northern Kitchens and Joinery in Elba marble from Worldstone.
Engineered European oak floorboards in Bistre from Tongue & Groove.
&Tradition ‘Copenhagen’ floor lamp from Cult. Kungka Kutjara (Two Women)
at Winpirri Rockhole artwork by Pansy Napangardi. Walls in Dulux ‘Snowy
Mountains’. In the entry, ‘Wedge’ plaster table lamp from Blackman Cruz.
‘Exto’ green desk in lacquered solid wood from Origine. Accessories on desk,
client’s own. European oak floorboards in Bistre from Tongue & Groove. Walls
in Dulux ‘Snowy Mountains’. In the dining area, De La Espada ‘Twenty-Five’
dining table and ‘Capo’ armchairs, all from Criteria. Rose Uniacke plaster
cone pendant lights from Dunlin Home. ‘Agra’ rug in Marlin from Armadillo.

167

HOME

Sydney

« point, so the eye travelled easily through the home and
everything looked cohesive.”
“Koichi’s trademark screens, louvres and curves gave us the
framework for the texture and layers, such as the timber and
travertine fluting, which was influenced by the slats,” adds
Katrina. “The fireplace and the powder room, both in fluted
travertine, and the fluted-timber kitchen bench became the
heroes in these spaces.” The tactile palette also includes rattan
inserts in joinery, marble in the kitchen, terrazzo in the main
ensuite and seagrass wallpaper in the powder room. Similarly
the designing duo took their inspiration for the colour palette
from the outside, with its wattles, eucalypts and water views,
including warm terracottas, reds, mustards and greens.
For the furnishings, the owner brought vintage pieces to
the table, as well as an impressive art collection featuring
Aboriginal and contemporary works. »

168

These pages In the informal dining area, Expormim ‘Frames’ rattan dining chairs from Ke-Zu. ‘Bell’ oak
dining table from The Wood Room. Faina ‘Strikha’ woven pendant light from Tigmi Trading. In the
kitchen, WEPlight ‘Renata 35’ wall light in Ash from Enlightened Living. Custom banquette with buttoned
loop detail with backrest in Navy leather and printed fabrics from Tigger Hall Design and Walter G.
Perrin & Rowe ‘Mimas’ sink mixer in Nickel from The English Tapware Company. Terracotta bowl from
OOV (Objects of Virtue). The Lovers View artwork by Johnny K. Joinery in Dulux ‘Snowy Mountains’
with benchtops in Lucente Dolomite from SNB Stone made by Northern Kitchens and Joinery.

These pages, clockwise, from top left In the hallway,
three artworks by Abie Jumbyinmba Tjangala above the
vintage console. In the informal sitting area, joinery in
Dulux ‘Lamb’s Ears’ with American oak veneer and
rattan inserts. Cassina ‘Maralunga’ sofas from Mobilia.
Cushions in Alhambra ‘Candela’ linen from Elliott Clarke.
Gubi ‘Epic’ white travertine coffee tables from Cult and
‘Cala’ side table from Kettal. Hand-woven kilim from
Halcyon Lake. Danish Studio stoneware table lamp a
vintage find. Vintage ‘Pretzel’ armchair with footstool
re-upholstered in fabric from Tigger Hall Design. Artwork
by Kirra Jamison. In the kitchen, Weplight ‘Renata’ 35
wall light from Enlightened Living. Danish cord counter
stools sourced by HJM. Joinery in Dulux ‘Snowy
Mountains’ with benchtops and splashback made by
Northern Kitchens and Joinery in Lucente dolomite from
SNB Stone. The Lovers View artwork by Johnny K.
Terracotta bowl from OOV (Objects of Virtue). Custom
runner in natural with stripe detail from Cadrys.

Sydney

« “She loved vintage furniture and we loved contemporary
pieces – together we mixed them,” says Justine. Standouts in the
dining area include a handsome 1950s Danish oak sideboard
and a De La Espada ‘Twenty-Five’ dining table with its tactile
top boasting tiles handcrafted in Sintra, Portugal, resonating
with the owners, because they had visited there on their travels.
Meanwhile, the classic 1960s Cassina ‘Rio’ coffee table in oak
with Viennese cane inserts sits in perfect harmony with the
pervading decorative themes, while sinuous sofas reflect the
curves that flow throughout the home. In striking contrast
HJM, known for their love of pleasant surprises, has included
an asymmetrical console in brilliant green lacquer in the entry.
Accessories bring further warmth to Koichi’s slick shell.
“We love lighting,” enthuses Justine. “We made a feature of
decorative lighting with pendant lights and floor lamps, vintage
and contemporary, most notably two large plaster pendant

HOME

lights over the dining table.” Similarly, the rush of rugs comes
in diverse colours, patterns and textures among them wool
kelims, Afghans and woven jute and, most dramatically, in the
living room a Reuber Henning ‘Cut Out’ hand-knotted wool
and silk rug in autumnal hues from Halcyon Lake.
For the owner, originally a little hesitant about living in such
a modern home, the lush layering has proven a textural feast.
“I love the handcrafted and textured Moroccan tiles in the
bathrooms and pantry in pinks, greens and honeys, the raffia
inserts in the joinery and all the lovely rugs,” she says, scanning
HJM’s and Koichi’s handiwork.
“My favourite feature is how you can see all the way through
the house,” says Justine. “And, with so many pauses, you don’t
want to rush. While the house celebrates the view, there’s so
much to see along the way.” #
koichitakada.com; hughjonesmackintosh.com

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HOME

Sydney

5
3

2

SIGNATURE ST YLE

key Pi ece s
4
1
1 ‘Nigella’ rug in Olive, $1250, from Hali. 2 ‘Cruz’ lazy chair in Natural, $795, from Cotswold InOut Furniture. 3 ‘Anthea’ terracotta vase, $259, from Domayne. 4 ‘Dice’
ottoman in Luxe-02 fabric, $500, from Camerich. 5 Aerin ‘Clarkson’ single pivoting sconce in antique brass with linen shade, $790, from The Montauk Lighting Co.

SPEED READ
» When the owners bought this property on Sydney’s lower North Shore,
they were drawn by its water and bushland views. But it was occupied by
a rundown home of indeterminate age. » They commissioned architect
Koichi Takada of Koichi Takada Architects to design them a new build
that was organic and flowing, while making the most of the water and
bush views. » He obliged with a three-storey home, inspired by palm
fronds, that embodies curves and straight lines, cocooning the home
in timber-look screens. » For the interiors, Justine Hugh-Jones and
Katrina Mackintosh of Hugh-Jones Mackintosh took their cues from
the exterior, by using lots of curves and fluting, together with natural
materials such as travertine, oak, rattan and textured fabrics. The colour
palette features natural greens, rusts and mustards. » A combined effort
between the designers and the owner, the furniture selection blends the
contemporary and vintage, while celebrating the handcrafted.

These pages, clockwise from left In the main bedroom, Phillip Jeffries
raffia wallpaper from The Textile Company. Natural oak bedside tables
from Lawson-Fenning. Custom king bedhead by HJM. ‘Franca’ wall lights,
in Antique Brass, from The Montauk Lighting Co. Bonacina ‘Eva’ chair
from De De Ce. Custom chaise and cushions by HJM. Bolster cushion in
Virginia White Collection ‘Ola’ in Fruit Salad from Tigger Hall Design, and
scatter cushion in Ottoline ‘Happy People’ from Elliott Clarke. Bed
cushions by HJM. Curtains from Simple Studio. Nicholas Watt artwork.
John Blackman artworks above chair. In the main ensuite, ‘Scandal’ short
wall sconce from Articolo. Custom rush bench by HJM. Vanity benchtop
and splashback in Elba marble from SNB Stone. Vulcano Design ‘Terrazzo
Grande’ Italian floor tiles from Inigo Jones & Co. Brodware ‘City Plus’ wall
taps and ‘City Stik’ bath mixer in Brushed Nickel and Kaldewei
Meisterstuck ‘Centro Duo’ oval bath, all from Candana.

173

B E L L E P R O M O T IO N

BUYERS’ MARKET
When it comes to updating your home and lifestyle, only the best will do
– so here’s a round-up of the latest and greatest products out there.

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1 CATTELAN ITALIA The Scott Keramik table emphasises the artistic-decorative aspect of interior design. Modern sculptural techniques are applied to
shape its base, all to be contemplated, just like a work of art. cattelanitalia.com 2 ELEMENTS OF BYRON This five-night rebalance package, packed with
wholesome activities and treatments, leaves guests with clear heads, refreshed and glowing from within. Full package is inclusive of five nights’
accommodation in a private villa, $250 spa credit, unlimited Pilates and yoga classes, and daily breakfast for two. Prices start from $3000 for a
five-night stay in a one-bedroom villa and $4225 for a five-night stay in a two-bedroom villa for two guests. elementsofbyron.com.au/wellness-2/
3 ENGLISH TAPWARE Introducing the Water Monopoly Rockwell Bath. The perfect muted grey with unpretentious style, Rockwell’s Seattle Grey brings
a subtlety to your space. Seattle Grey is available throughout the Rockwell bathroom collection. RRP $13,825. Stockists ring: 03 9818 1403 (VIC) or
02 9362 4736 (NSW). englishtapware.com.au 4 NATIONAL PRODUCT REVIEW Your home will love the year-round cooling and heating climate
control provided by the new range of Westinghouse reverse cycle split system air conditioners. nationalproductreview.com.au 5 INTERNATIONAL
FLOORCOVERINGS Natural fibres, colours and textures. International Floorcoverings source and distribute different styles of carpets that add style and
function to a home. They take pride in being innovative and different, selling carpets, rugs and runners produced using environmentally sound and
ethical practices, without compromising quality, design or style. interfloors.com.au 6 TONGUE & GROOVE Australia’s leading producer of solidengineered European oak flooring, with a three-layered construction that offers unmatched strength and stability. tongueandgroove.com.au

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Featuring the ‘Cara’ Sculpted Table Lamp by Ralph Lauren Home

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SYDNEY 19A Boundary St, Rushcutters Bay, NSW 2011 (02) 9310 7400 MELBOURNE 916 High St, Armadale, VIC 3143 (03) 9576 3022

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THE OFFICE

Fan base

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SMAC STUDIO PRINCIPAL
SHONA MCELROY WEARS DION LEE
DRESS IN HER PADDINGTON STUDIO.
‘BILLY’ RUG IN PINK FROM HER ART
DECO-INSPIRED ICONS COLLECTION
WITH HALI. VINTAGE BROWN VELVET
CHAIR AND FANS FROM FACEBOOK
MARKETPLACE. ALL OTHER FURNITURE
CUSTOM DESIGNED BY FFORM.
DREAMSCAPE #28 PAINTING BY
AMELIA AXTON FROM SIBU GALLERY.
‘PROMETHEUS VII’ LIGHT BY
CHRISTOPHER BOOTS FROM
EST LIGHTING. POMEGRANATE
SCULPTURES FROM JANUS ET CIE.
WALLS IN BAUWERK ‘JINDABYNE’.

Shona McElroy’s Smac Studio has been clocking up wins
and accolades from a host of global admirers.
178

DO YOU WORK FROM HOME? Luckily we’re at the stage where we
can have this gorgeous studio on a corner in Sydney’s Paddington,
where I have lived for the past five years. Part of what drew me
here was the corner art galleries I had such connection to and that
often spilled out onto the street. It’s quite serendipitous that we
ended up here. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORKSPACE?
Downstairs looks and operates more like an intimate bar, with a
small plush lounge area and a striking dining area. The palette is
also non-traditional, swathed in a dark green-grey with pops of
pinks, oranges and burgundies. We wanted the space to feel like
a true representation of our style, which can lean traditional but
with elements of surprise, we also have a heavy focus on smart
storage and design. We have a huge piece of joinery that conceals
our kitchenette, air conditioner, samples and bathroom that we’ve
designed mirrors into to make the 25-square-metre space feel
larger and brighter. WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SPACE? The
double-storey layout, as well as the large windows engaging with
the streets beyond. Its sage-green facade and the double-door
entrance feel very nostalgic and true to the Paddington context.
The alterations saw a new bathroom where no plumbing existed
(the toilet had a handbasin built into the cistern – horror!), a new

This page, clockwise from top left In the upstairs workspace artworks,
from left, Beetle by Trevor Cross, on mantelpiece Saoirse Wayfarer
sculpture by Clairy Laurence, Petale #7 by Jean Paul Mangin and
Twiggy by Trevor Cross, all from Studio Gallery. Eden pear sculpture on
floor from Janus et Cie. All vessels from Ondene. Kelly Wearstler table
lamps from Bloomingdales Lighting. Fform furniture in the downstairs
meeting room. ‘Precision Pharmacy’ floor lamp by Kelly Wearstler from
Bloomingdales Lighting. ‘Hermes’ marble sink from Marble Hub,
tapware from Astra Walker and Fform custom mirror in the powder
room. In the upstairs workspace. ‘Draper’ rug in Beige designed by
Smac Studio for Hali. Custom desk from Fform.

kitchenette encased in our joinery, staining the floors, adding new
window treatments, and paintwork to the entire inside. We then
layered it with custom furniture from Fform, rugs from our Hali
collaboration, art from Amelia Axton, considered lighting including
DIY fan wall lights made by me and a beautiful Christopher Boots
pendant light to top it off. WHAT ARE YOUR WORKSPACE ESSENTIALS?
This is the most boujee thing I do in life (justified for the business,
of course) but we get fresh flowers delivered every second week.
It honestly changes the space. We also have scented candles on
rotation downstairs, and our Sonos sound system constantly going.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR SPACE? It’s non-traditional and
inviting, which definitely describes us as people. Its functionality
pushes the boundaries of the space – which is also what we’re good
at. Fitting a kitchen, storage, bathroom, meeting room and lounge
room into 25sqm was no easy feat. And finally it stylistically is us,
it doesn’t have a prescribed ‘style’, it’s more of a conglomeration
of things that we liked and it’s come together beautifully. COULD
YOU DESCRIBE THE VIEW? Leafy. Upstairs the view is through the
treetops, and downstairs you’re looking onto the footpath and the
planting, and the street beyond. COULD YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL
WORKDAY? We get in around 8:30, fill up with tea and discuss the
day ahead (and the night before). Every day is a little different in
what we’re up to. We could be on site overviewing builds, which
is always fun. We might be hosting a VR presentation for clients
in the office, or could just be at our desks powering through work.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR?

We’ve been blessed with some amazing large-scale residential
projects with fun and trusting clients. We’ve got a beautiful one
in Greece, a few in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, and one in North
Sydney overlooking the Harbour. I’ve just purchased my own
apartment in Edgecliff that’s getting a reno. I’m currently deciding
whether to go really colourful or very muted. smacstudio.com.au

FF1023b

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