David Hicks
Known for his minimalist yet layered take on luxury, the acclaimed interior designer has just notched up 25 years in the business and his Melbourne home is a refined study in sophistication.
My Melbourne apartment is more than a home – it is an archive of my design philosophy. It reflects the architectural discipline and the decorative richness that have come to define my work over the years.
The location is what drew me to this apartment. It is perfectly positioned between Hawksburn Village, with its laid-back charm, and the amenities of Toorak Village – it offers the best of both worlds. Being on the high side of the street affords sweeping views over South Yarra to the city beyond, which comes alive at night with the mesmerising twinkling of light providing glamorous drama.
The architectural calibre of the building was another drawcard – it is thoughtfully designed and incredibly expansive. At 270 square metres, the scale alone made the possibilities of the space feel exciting.
When I purchased the apartment in 2018, it was a blank canvas. It’s the second time I’ve tackled a personal project as an empty shell, which is very alluring for a designer. This process is different to working with clients as it’s more personal. With so much knowledge of what’s available, the sheer number of options could feel almost paralysing, however, I blocked out the noise and focused inward, thinking carefully about how I wanted to live and the atmosphere I wanted to evoke.
What I love most is the freedom that a blank canvas offers. It allowed me the scope to plan the spaces to suit my own needs and aesthetic. Once I had a clear concept in mind, everything flowed naturally. I’m quite disciplined about sticking to the vision once it has been set, then refining the details and making sure the final execution is seamless.
The design blends Parisian, Haussmann elegance with a dash of London minimalism, balancing classic European influences with a contemporary sensibility to create quiet luxury with a hint of glamour. I view design through a global lens, which means sourcing vintage pieces and antiques from markets around the world and commissioning bespoke furniture and artwork that incorporates a layering of individuality, bringing warmth and texture into spaces that are otherwise minimal.
My early work was distinctly minimalist, celebrating symmetry and structure that distilled design down to its essentials. While this sense of restraint is still at the core of my approach, over time I’ve come to embrace layered textures and carefully chosen decorative elements that make my projects feel refined and welcoming.
The heart of the apartment is the open-plan living space that seamlessly brings together the kitchen, dining and lounge areas. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the whole room is flooded with light, creating a real sense of escape from Melbourne’s busy streets.
It is perfect for entertaining, whether that’s hosting friends for dinner at my large, black-stained oak table or having a relaxed evening on the sofa with my two dogs, Jett and Dash. The Dale Frank painting that hangs on the living room wall is another favourite of mine – it is something that feels completely irreplaceable in the space.
However, if I had to choose, my favourite room would be the apartment’s primary ensuite. It’s covered in marble and has a hand-carved marble bathtub. It is very simply yet beautifully detailed; it’s a serene, streamlined space that I feel at peace in.
While I find myself spending more time in Sydney and also overseas – away from the haven of my home – this apartment is always the greatest pleasure to come back to. It is a distilled reflection of my evolution with design, representing an aesthetic that has been curated over years of lived experience and maturation of my design philosophy.
