From the street, the classic European façade suggests that this home is everything you might expect of its location in Melbourne’s affluent Malvern – sophisticated, traditional and perhaps somewhat conservative… and that’s exactly what it was, before the new owners engaged Massimo Speroni of Massimo Interiors to inject some of their own style into the property – the result is an audacious delight that screams wow factor from the moment you enter.
Drawing inspiration from the 1930’s Hollywood Regency style, the interior combines elaborate, Neo-Classical elements with a quirky contemporary spin reflecting the client’s bold and colourful personalities. The colour palette was determined in most cases by spectacular artworks owned by the client and their repositioning to different parts of the house opened up new possibilities for innovative design concepts.
Entering the home the spectacular antique 8 arm cobalt blue, cut glass and Bohemian Crystal chandelier with gilt embellishments was sourced from the UK. On the floor are real zebra and kudu skin rugs. The Centre Table is an early 19th Century Italian table, inlaid with radiating black and white Pietra Dura Marble.
The staircase and iron balustrading is original, however Massimo designed the mirrors on the curved wall leading from the ground floor to the second floor drawing inspiration from Coco Chanel’s staircase.
In the dining room, the inspiration for the design originated with the vintage Italian Murano lamps, which provided a starting point for the colour palette that is echoed in the rug design. Grass-cloth wallpaper with metal threads, that works as a shimmering backdrop for the rest of the furniture was an expert choice.
A custom-made stone table has been combined with chairs upholstered in hot Pink Safari velvet. The two abstract squares antique gold mirrors were a great find in Los Angeles, so were the two table lamp bases: vintage 1950 Italian made in hand blown teal blue Murano glass with custom gold satin pleated shades.
A custom classical fireplace in a high-gloss, black lacquered finish, rests on a thick black marble base. Originally, there was no fireplace in the formal dining and lounge area, this was added with a profile that projects into the room creating a focal point between the formal dining and lounge room.
Combining a myriad of rich colours and textures the lounge room incorporates a plush custom-made rug and custom blue velvet sofa. Two exquisite antique swan tub armchairs were refinished and reupholstered.
The windows of the glamorous home office offer views to the manicured garden and fishpond at the front of the home. Two clear guest-chairs made of glossy clear polycarbonate, in a timeless Bergere style are unobtrusive yet functional. The hero piece of this room is the desk with a custom made stainless steel base and bold blue top painted in a 2-Pac-High Gloss finish.
The design for the family room was for a more casual, relaxed feel, whilst still maintaining an element of tailored style and elegance. A large square deep buttoned ottoman at the center of the room functions as a foot rest, coffee table and extra seating.
The wife’s brief for this generous size master bedroom was to achieve a sexy “Boudoir” bedroom, fit for a queen or king! As this room needed to flow with the design and style applied to the rest of the house, I came up with a modern and eclectic interpretation of a classical “Boudoir” bedroom still keeping the old Hollywood glamour atmosphere.
The outdoor area is very much influenced by glamorous Palm Springs and combines modern and vintage influences to create a “laid-back elegance”.
See more of this fabulous Melbourne interior design project in the gallery below.
MASSIMO interiors provide interior design for newly built homes, refurbishments, apartment renovations and fit-outs. With a keen eye for style, head Designer Massimo Speroni, blends conceptual design ideas and functionality to create bespoke spaces. See more at www.massimointeriors.com.au
