Interiors

PRETTY IN PROMINENT PINK

May 21, 2023

JEWEL-LIKE TONES OF PINK AND MAROON TEAM UP WITH ARCHES, SLEEK LINES AND THE GLEAM OF BRASS AT THE HANDS OF GREG NATALE, BOLDLY TRANSLATING INTO THIS GLORIOUSLY GLAMOROUS PENTHOUSE IN MELBOURNE.

Weaved within the DNA of the utterly in vogue Barbiecore trend that dominated the fashion scene thanks to Valentino’s Pink PP collection for Fall/Winter 2022-23 by Pierpaolo Piccioli, pink has been proudly proclaimed the new black. Perhaps predicting the powerful pull of this phenomena is globally-renowned interior designer Greg Natale, as demonstrated by the interiors of this 4,000 square-foot penthouse apartment occupying the Australian high-class suburb of Toorak, Melbourne – befitting a scene within a classic Wes Anderson film. 

Although viewed as an unorthodox colour choice which is further heightened by the bold decision to go the tricky monochrome route, he was unafraid of shying away from the ambitious challenge in order to satisfy the young couple of jewellery and luxury watch designers who yearned for their strong personalities and unyielding passions to be aptly represented. Including the homeowner’s professions, Natale found inspiration from Parisian arches along with swaths of maroon and pink which are believed to respectively elicit power and desire as well as whimsy and euphoria. Intermingled with a take on luxe contemporary which is augmented by gold accents, the overall style represents an eclectic range of kaleidoscopic sources – think art deco, postmodern and 80s glam.

Originating with an antithetical clean slate deemed ideal as a starting point for creativity to unfurl, Natale took the alluring gleam of brass and the owners’ love for rich, varied hues to layer and embellish throughout the space. He incorporated a variety of elements that were anything but neutral which included a dramatic mirrored entry, a series of arches lined with plated brass to create separated spaces as well as the instalment of a fireplace, joinery, kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities. 

This endeavour was also achieved using a curated selection of marvellous pieces from different exclusive brands, including Natale’s in the form of art deco-style rugs and artworks. In fact, a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces were brought in to work with the couple’s existing Jonathan Adler furniture, virtually transforming this abode into a design museum of sorts. 

Introducing light oak floors with a slight tinge of pink together with fluted white and maroon lacquer panelling that spans practically every inch of the home’s walls is the living room, adding luxurious detail to an otherwise minimalist shell. A Boca do Lobo Wave Center Table found its place in the middle, surrounded by blush Jonathan Adler chairs and a maroon Minotti sofa, all of which are illuminated by a PETRA III pink quartz Christopher Boots light fixture. The overall colour scheme here is echoed in Natale’s Emilio Print wall art.

Wall sconces in the form of tiered hemispheres is seen across the shared spaces, including the sitting room where the reupholstered sofas decked with a modern abstract print sings in ecstasy. Sat beneath a vintage chandelier, the melange of colours play off the rug and Jonathan Adler’s clear acrylic coffee table with brushed brass accents. 

The dining room comes alive with a feature wall covered in an eye-catching Gucci Heron wallpaper for a playful touch. The organically shaped Fortuna dining table by Boca do Lobo takes centre stage, illuminated by a Kelly Wearstler suspension light; tallying the shade of gold used for both furnishings is the freestanding Ginkgo Biloba-like light fixture next to the vintage bar cart, easily mistaken or strategically doubling as an art sculpture. Gradient upholstered velvet chairs atop Natale’s Stella Diva rug and Futura Print wall art compliment the scene.

The striking materiality of Calacatta Viola marble is evident in the countertops and backsplashes of the kitchen, where an island table is illuminated by the funky Laine suspension lamp from Delightfull. This marble is seen again in the living room fireplace to draw a pleasant contrast to the fluted walls, before conquering the richly patterned powder room in dual tones and materials for an undeniable sense of drama. 

Continuing the flamboyance is the master bedroom, plastered with a crocodile skin-like feature wall to contrast the exquisitely sculpted Oly Studio canopy bed in antique gold. Together with the fluted piece of furniture at the foot of the bed, these collectively add the final touch of grandeur to the moody maroon-hued space. A lacquered maroon door reveals a change of pace in the master bathroom, courtesy of the black, grey and white mosaic tiles by Bisazza; laid in a chain link pattern, it cheekily references the homeowners’ business.

Contending for the ‘pièces de résistance’ title is the simple yet impactful walk-in closet, with its panels of brass-lined mirrors, dark velvet ottoman and Natale’s Maja rug. These mirrors also appear in the secondary bedroom, lined with embossed wallpaper, to create an illusion of a larger space. The room takes a more delicate approach through salmon pink hues and elegant decor, with the exception of the dazzling Norah Suspension ceiling lamp by DelightFULL.

Brazenly venturing beyond the norm, this sultry sanctum relays the unrestrained devotion to luxury, glamour and eccentricity. It is a true testament to the rewarding outcome that follows those that dare remain authentic to every colourful facet of themselves.

For more information, please visit www.gregnatale.com