Castlecrag, a suburb shaped by the visionary architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, The Meller House exudes a calm and assured presence. Originally designed in 1950 by the highly acclaimed architect Harry Seidler, this mid-century gem has been respectfully reimagined by The Stylesmiths’ interior designers. The result is a home that preserves its architectural heritage while embracing a new chapter of considered, contemporary living.
The renovation achieves a masterful balance of texture and tone. By drawing on the home’s original design language, The Stylesmiths have introduced Calacatta Oro marble and sandy-toned timber veneer to complement the existing travertine floors. Each material has been thoughtfully chosen, fostering a dialogue between the home’s storied past and its modern identity.
Guided by the client’s vision for a serene and purposeful retreat, the home interior designs adopt timeless materials and a minimalist approach. The subtle veining of Calacatta Oro marble and a palette of soft natural tones combine to create a space that feels both grounded and forward-thinking. The Meller House stands as a tranquil sanctuary, deeply rooted in history yet attuned to the present.
Step inside, and tall panes of glass frame lush greenery, seamlessly dissolving the boundary between indoors and out. To one side, an open-plan dining area flows effortlessly into a concealed kitchen niche, where natural finishes take centre stage in a harmonious blend of form and function.
In the kitchen interior design, creamy-veined marble unifies the island, cabinetry, and integrated range hood, creating a cohesive visual impact. Travertine flooring adds an earthy dimension, while timber veneer accents introduce warmth and depth. Matte-white, handle-free cabinetry recedes quietly, allowing the textures to command attention. Subtle black and metallic details punctuate a soft palette of whites and creams, with natural light streaming in to enhance the room’s connection to the verdant surroundings. Designed for both daily living and entertaining, the space combines practicality with understated elegance. Concealed storage and integrated appliances ensure an unbroken rhythm of clean lines, while a generous island encourages casual gatherings, enriched by curated greenery and bespoke accessories.
Above the dining table, sculptural black FLOS lighting designed by Patricia Urquiola creates a striking focal point. The dining area, anchored by a dark timber Florence Knoll table and pale oak Andreu World Ronda chairs, feels like an extension of the surrounding landscape. The interplay of sharp lines and soft curves adds depth to the design narrative. The living area extends the theme of natural materials and thoughtful composition, exuding an airy sense of calm.
A travertine-clad fireplace acts as the room’s centrepiece, complemented by transparent balustrades that allow light to flow unimpeded. Neutral tones dominate, accented by caramel and burnt-orange hues in the rug and furnishings. Black details, like the legs of a chair or the trim of the fireplace, introduce a contemporary edge. A modular B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini provides plush comfort, while a Herman Miller Noguchi coffee table pays homage to the home’s mid-century origins. Playful elements, such as the White Cactus sculpture by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, add an element of whimsy, while an Eames lounge chair and ottoman provide the perfect spot to unwind.
Sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows capture the lush panorama, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor environments. Nature’s palette becomes a natural extension of the living spaces, offering a serene backdrop.
Upstairs, the master bedroom continues the theme of layered neutrals and refined materials. Honey-toned timber floors and caramel-hued linens create a warm and inviting retreat. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a terrace adorned with greenery, ensuring the landscape remains an ever-present companion. Sculptural accents, such as a cognac leather Fogia Bollo chair, lend an artistic flair, while discreet metallic touches—like a brass starburst sculpture and a softly glowing Verner Panton bedside lamp—add subtle luxury.
An adjacent dressing area reflects the home’s cohesive material palette, featuring cream and beige-veined marble reminiscent of the kitchen and bathroom finishes. A custom vanity pairs with a Mobel Copenhagen Angel wire-frame stool, blending functionality with visual appeal.
The ensuite bathroom interior design continues the theme of natural sophistication. A marble vanity with cream, grey, and gold striations commands attention, while soft beige travertine tiles envelop the walls and floors, creating a sense of unified warmth. Black-framed windows and oversized mirrors add graphic contrast and frame sweeping views of treetops outside. Floor-to-ceiling sliders invite light to flood the space, keeping the landscape front and centre. The muted interiors act as a serene backdrop, allowing nature’s vibrant hues to shine and creating a harmonious dialogue between indoors and out.
