Picture a classic Grecian residence with its pristine white walls, warm timber accents, cobblestone floors, and handcrafted ceramics, filled with abundant sunlight and gentle sea breezes. This timeless and simplistic aesthetic inspired interior designer Melissa Redwood as she worked on a home nestled just 100 metres from the beautiful coastline of North Beach.
"The architect Joseph Calasara of Webb & Brown-Neaves envisioned a contemporary interpretation of the classic Mediterranean vibe," she says of the dynamic home that comprises two storeys of cosmopolitan spaces. Each space, rich in texture, exudes a relaxed, clean aesthetic and a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Upon entering the home, you are greeted by a floor of whitewashed crazy pavers that draw inspiration from Greece's renowned cobblestone paths. They seamlessly transition into Ginger timber floorboards from the Coswick Series by Woodpecker Flooring. "I wanted the interiors to be pale and soft for a beautiful, airy feel," she says. "I chose a straight plank formation, which is more relaxed and simplistic than a Herringbone. It extends into the wellness space and multi-purpose room on the lower level, up the stairs, and throughout the main living spaces, creating a fresh and cohesive feel throughout the home."
Melissa cleverly tied in the fresh, light tones of the floor with similar pale oak shades seen in the cabinetry and furnishings that speak to the classic Hellenic rustic-chic style. Vast glass windows dressed in light floating fabrics in a milky palette create a cool backdrop for Melissa's carefully curated furnishings in finishes like wood, wicker, handcrafted ceramic and other natural fibres. In the kitchen, a splashback of imperfect white square mosaic ceramic tiles catch the light, while in the dining room, wicker back chairs by Black Mango Interiors are pulled up to a pale oak-toned timber table from Ethincraft.
White walls are a crisp and simplistic backdrop for framed imagery of the Greek islands and Santorini, transporting you to the Mediterranean. Ceramic ceiling pendants, handcrafted pots, and a charming cluster of painted plates on the wall perfectly capture the essence of Greece's iconic aesthetic.
In the light-filled living space, a beautifully curved sofa from Castlery references the elegant curves in the recessed ceiling, archways, and feature circular window. "We drew inspiration from the old curved doorways in Greece and incorporated them throughout the interiors to add a softening effect to the spaces," Melissa explains. A circular glass-topped coffee table atop a Mallee root draws nature into the room, while Satara cane-backed chairs provide comfort and textural contrast. Grounding the space is a monochromatic floor rug from Tribe Home with a three-dimensional quality that subtly enhances the overall ambience.
"It's a spectacular home, not just for its coastal location, but for its airy vibe," she says. "With the use of glass and those lovely pale floors, by night, the home glows, and you can see it from miles away. It is light and breezy yet also very sophisticated."
Words by Elizabeth Clarke.
