Melbourne Townhouse
Characterised by an acute sense of detail, craftsmanship and intuition, Alicia Racovolis’s own Toorak residence is one that functions as both personal sanctuary and creative studio.
Melbourne Townhouse’s sense of atmosphere and mise en scène draws from Racovolis’s studies of 17th and 18th century art and the characteristics of the site. Drawn to the property for its long, narrow proportions that are similar to those of a London townhouse, Racovolis explains, “When I began working on the design, I was struck by the proportions and layout … I wanted to embrace European classicism with a sense of restraint.” Here, robust materiality meets romantic restraint, while classical European sensibilities are reinterpreted for contemporary Australian living.
An arch, softened by a linen curtain in place of a door, opens from the hallway into the kitchen – a space defined by materials that speak to both permanence and warmth. “I focused on how materiality interacts with the light to extend its presence within the home,” explains Racovolis. “In the kitchen, for instance, I chose custom steel joinery to create a seamless continuation of the steel and brass oven, while also reflecting the afternoon light that floods the room with a warm glow.” Calacatta Vagli marble, unlacquered brass and micro-cement joinery add texture and depth.
While there is comfort and warmth in this materiality, there is too a quiet restraint to the arrangement of furniture and art. In the dining room, six 1940s French Brutalist chairs surround an antique Spanish table. “Incorporating antique pieces … added to the home’s story through the age, patina and character of these one-off pieces,” says Racovolis. In the adjoining living room, a minimal fireplace remains a charming focal point by an antique repoussé mirror above. A modular sofa by Piero Lissoni upholstered in an off-white linen and a USM unit underscore the balance between old and new.
The powder room is one of the home’s most distinctive and whimsical spaces. Deep turquoise plaster walls frame a 19th-century stone basin and polished nickel tapware, creating a jewel-like interlude. “The interiors reflect an exploration of materiality with this same atmospheric quality in mind. Using plaster rendered wall finishes and limewash created movement and depth” says Racovolis.
The primary bedroom, defined by natural textures and subdued tones, becomes a cocoon. Pearl coloured carpet and a linen bedhead set the tone for the marble-clad ensuite, where minimal mirrors flank an alabaster sconce by Pierre Chareau.
Melbourne Townhouse is imbued with Racovolis’s sincerity and intuition. Through materials that convey both permanence and warmth, and the careful arrangement of art and antiques, she has created a personal sanctuary and creative studio that feels not merely designed but thoughtfully curated.
Interior design by Alicia Racovolis. Rugs by Armadillo. Artwork by Susan Knight and Trevor Mein.
