A minialist home is the backbone for singer/songwriter Anthony Callea

THIS vibrant singer loves living in black, grey and white

Anthony Callea. Pictures: Chris Groenhout

• Who: Australian singer/songwriter Anthony Callea

• Where: Inner city Melbourne apartment he shares with husband Tim Campbell

• Favourite thing: Oscar is an RSPCA special. He was found at five weeks wrapped in barbed wire and full of worms. We spoil him and he’s living the life of luxury now

• Inspiration: I like a minimalist space, I don’t like clutter at all. People come over and ask, “OK where’s the colour?” Basically, we have great white, chrome, stainless steel and black pieces on our home

• Home is: My space that I can just relax in and feel safe. It’s also a great place to entertain in

HOME truly is where the heart is for singer Anthony Callea, whose work schedule means he doesn’t get to spend as much time as he would like at his Melbourne apartment with actor husband Tim Campbell.

The duo, who were married in New Zealand, recently renovated their inner-city pad to complement their modern, minimalist design tastes, with Anthony’s builder father and brother pitching in to realise their vision.

“We didn’t actually intend on buying this place,” says Anthony, whose latest album Backbone topped the ARIA charts.

“We were back in Melbourne after being based in LA and Tim went along to the open inspection. He called me and said, ‘Just go and have a look, I think you might like it’. I had a really good feeling about it, and we’ve now been here for over six months.”

The apartment is clutter-free, with a large sofa and a coffee table in the living room.

AT HOME WITH SALLY SPRATT

“I like neutral tones and clean lines,” says Anthony. “I’m a little bit pedantic and I never like to leave a mess behind, even though no one is coming over.

“Tim’s always like, ‘why are you cleaning just before the cleaner comes?’ I blame my mum, you could eat off the floor at her place.”

Despite his fastidious nature, Anthony likes to throw open the apartment for parties and is known among friends for making a mean espresso martini.

“It’s all about the shake and not making too many martinis in one shaker. Also, don’t measure the alcohol, just pour. I’m very responsible though. I’ve had friends who have driven over, so then I have to book an Uber on my account.”

More anthonycallea.com

Coffee machine: I drink six or seven cups of coffee a day, and always the strongest possible black coffee. That’s the Italian in me. I basically have coffee on tap.

Wedding ring Tim always jokes that I got the most diamonds on my ring and he just got the left over diamonds. He’s not much of a jewellery person, so for him to wear a ring at all is pretty cool.

Martini glass: The espresso martini is my drink of choice and people know me for making them.
When friends come over they know they’ll be getting one.

Tom Ford Noir: I love the simplicity of this bottle and this is a cologne that lasts all day. Every time I wear it I get a compliment.

Versace tumbler: If you’re going to drink Scotch you might as well have it in a nice, heavy glass. My dad being Italian speaks with his hands and one went flying and broke. Mum replaced it but she thought they came in a set of six for the price they cost

ARIA award: When Backbone recently debuted at number one on the charts, 12 years down
the track from Australian Idol, they gave me this plaque. It’s pretty cool, and I love that I get to do this job, which I don’t actually see as a job.

Guiseppe Zanotti high-top sneakers: Tim went to a sound check at the Crown, popped into Harrolds and bought these for me. He took them home and then went back to the gig. When I got home and saw the bag, I was like, “Oh my God, are these for me?”