Uniting Art and Design – Toorak House Melbourne by Rosanna Ceravolo

Envisioned as a marriage of old and new, the Toorak House takes inspiration from its owners to propose a generous and robust, yet stylish renovation of a heritage-era home.

Toorak House saw passionate clients team-up with architect Rosanna Ceravolo (of Rosanna Ceravolo Design) and lighting designer Oliver Wilcox (of Lost Profile Studio). Seeking to create generous and elegant spaces within the shell of the existing home, the brief was for warm, luxurious and vibrant interiors, and a celebration of the home’s existing design language.

Taking inspiration from their expansive collection of art, objects and fittings gathered over the years, the owners wanted to incorporate the home’s monochromatic 1990s palette into the new design. Rosanna explains, “the existing house had a strong, linear and monochromatic interior which the owners and I were generally keen to maintain.”

Located in Melbourne’s leafy inner-eastern suburb of Toorak, the home responds to its context of well-manicured streetscapes, including many heritage period homes. Much like its neighbours, the building had a long history, which the owners wanted to retain. Rosanna explains, “Aside from some landscaping and upgrade works largely in keeping with the existing style of the house and undertaken by the owners, the exterior was not modified.” She adds, “the existing house was a solid concrete structure, so this was certainly a consideration in the approach to the works.”

The Toorak House takes inspiration from its owners to propose a generous and robust.

Built by iSolar Builders, a close relationship between the clients and the contributing designers was key to its success. Rosanna says, “the project ran smoothly and a collaborative effort between the owners, the builder, me and Lost Profile Studio meant that any arising issues were resolved efficiently.” As well as a collaboration between owners and designers, the project was an aesthetic collaboration between the new design and the owners’ existing collection. “The owners brought their own personality to the project, through the inclusion of an eclectic array of artwork, furniture and objects as well as the commissioning of bold and luxe statement lighting pieces by Lost Profile Studio,” Rosanna recalls.

With the clients seeking to celebrate emerging local talent, the design incorporates pieces from Melbourne artists, including Volker Haug Studio, Franco Crea, and a number of other Australian artists. Rosanna explains, “The design approach aims to celebrate, rather than completely transform, the bold and dynamic spaces of the existing interior. The new work is designed to complement the scale and form of the original house.”

The internal spaces have generous proportions, allowing for an abundance of natural light. “As this was an internal renovation, the intent was to tread as lightly as possibly on the original design, while maximising the existing opportunities for sunlight and connectivity with the external aspect,” Rosanna says. As well as allowing the movement of light, the designers wanted to open and connect living areas. “The internal configuration and design of new joinery takes full advantage of the existing frameless windows which already allowed an abundance of light and drama into the interiors,” she explains. In describing her approach, Rosanna adds, “We opted for a minimal and restrained finishes palette to provide consistency with the original design language, whilst using timber and stone to add a layer of warmth and tactility the owners craved.”

Toorak House is a true celebration of local talent, uniting Rosanna Ceravolo Design and Lost Profile Studio with the work of numerous local and Australian artists.

Toorak House is a true celebration of local talent, uniting Rosanna Ceravolo Design and Lost Profile Studio with the work of numerous local and Australian artists. Starting the with client’s own impressive collection of art and objects, the existing home is reinvigorated, while maintaining the dramatic monochromatic palette. Luxuriously showcasing local art and design, the project represents the perfect marriage of vibrant personality and elegant design.

Built by iSolar Builders, a close relationship between the clients and the contributing designers was key to its success.