The requirements were very clear. With only six months for con-
cept, design, construction and installation, it was a home for a
young family with five children, very fond of Mid-century clas-
sics. A very specific requirement was a big u-shaped sofa in the
family room – somewhere that could become a relaxed family
hub where seven people could easily come together. At the other
end of the scale, the formal lounge room had to be a showroom.
As it was not the “everyday space”, it could afford to become the
real statement area. With the need for a palette that incorporated
their love of rich mauves, this formal area was the opportunity
to explore it and the result was simply perfect.
The starting point for the monochromatic palette came from the
close relationship with the client, whose brief was to deliver a
chic monochromatic scheme, a true delight to the designer. With
regard to the use of geometry and pattern, this is something that
Greg Natale has long established as a signature in his interiors
and product design. The designer loves patterns, something easy
recognisable in his projects. The best thing about the client and
designer relationship is that each part can nudge the other in
new directions creatively and that’s all part of the thrill of seeing
the project come together.
For Greg Natale, the formal living room is the real hero of Mel-
bourne House. On one hand, it encapsulates the spirit of the en-
tire project and on the other, it plays host to some of Greg’s fa-
vourite pieces in the house: Salvador Dali Bracelli Lamp from BD
Barcelona. It’s paired with some stunning, timeless, Fritz Hansen
selections like the swan and the egg chairs.
