After almost 20 years in the interior design industry, celebrated eastern suburbs interior designer Marco Meneguzzi has become synonymous with classic, timeless and inviting interiors that are equally livable and luxurious.
Marco, a former hairdresser, grew up in Melbourne where he says people take a lot of pride in their homes, interiors and gardens. It’s probably one of the reasons he favours a classic and comfortable aesthetic and lists Ralph Lauren and Victoria Hagan as his design inspirations.
“My aim is to simply create truly luxurious spaces that are both timeless and unquestionably livable,” Marco tells me at his chic, two-level Darlinghurst apartment which he renovated himself.
“I did my own interiors with wonderful advice from Michael Love. Like any other project, I relished the design process and created somewhere where I feel truly at home. It’s the perfect inner-city pied-à-terre and I feel very happy here.”
While his two-bedroom apartment resides in an old Telstra building, the builders kept some of the original charm while adding the modern tower above.
“Once inside, the space feels very soothing, an escape from the hustle of inner-city living,” he adds.
As the founder of his eponymous Sydney-based interior design firm, Marco Meneguzzi Design, Marco is responsible for some of the Australia’s most admired luxury residences in some of the city’s most prestigious postcodes — from Palm Beach to Bellevue Hill — which have resulted in a reputation as one of the country’s most coveted residential interior design companies.
With a lifelong love of interior design — which began as a young child redesigning his family home — and almost two decades of experience, Marco is passionate about all facets of design.
With a philosophy that a home should be as habitable as it is beautiful, it’s unsurprising that Meneguzzi is ready to step into his third decade of creating dream homes and timeless spaces for his clients. “I love creating spaces that my clients never want to leave,” he adds.
What was the design brief for your home? I wanted my apartment to be bright, light and as spacious as possible.
My approach to interior design is personal, intuitive and considered, and my aim is always to simply create truly luxurious spaces that are both timeless and unquestionably livable.
What inspires you when it comes to home interiors?
I get inspired by interiors that really show people actually living in the space, that have character and authenticity to them.
I love a fresh white background to set off antique furniture, contemporary artwork and lots of soft furnishings.
What is your favorite room in your home? My study/media room, as it is wallpapered in chocolate raffia wallpaper and dark shutters contrasting pale soft furnishings with a view that looks over Paddington.
What did you find most challenging when designing your home? The most challenging part of my renovation is opening up the boxy staircase and position a laundry that would be out of sight! I got there in the end and couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
What is the most unique feature of your home? I added a dome ceiling in the living area to give the apartment a grand feeling.
Which feature makes you most proud? I’m most proud of the open two-storey panelled staircase with the iron balustrade as it is the biggest transformation in the apartment.
Where is the best place to stand or sit to best enjoy your home? Definitely the living room as you look over Darlinghurst and get a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge.
Where are some of your favourite interiors and key pieces of furniture from? Key pieces are mostly antiques from Graham Geddes, Lydie du Bray, Ed Clarke, Howell & Howell, The Vault and Country Trader.
Where do you like to shop for interior pieces? All of the above and all soft furnishings are custom designed by myself.
Describe your use of art in your home: Tim Olsen Galleries is a favourite of mine, most of my art and drawings are by John Olsen, Cami Lyons, Guy Maestri and George Raftopoulos.
What would you change about your home, if anything? I plan to re-do my bathrooms to make them lighter and brighter.
What is the best gift you’ve received recently? An 18th century Flemish stool with turned legs.
How do you listen to music at home? I listen to classical music through my Sonos as I find it very calming.
What books are on your bedside table? All my books are interior books.
If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be? California as I love the climate, the laid-back lifestyle and American interior design appeals to me.
What’s the best party you’ve had in your house? I threw a fabulous party for my sister who lives in LA and I did not move a single piece of furniture. Everyone just enjoyed the intimate setting and the beautiful space. It was a lot of fun.
What is something you treasure in your home? My antique horse and an ottoman that I bought back from a dealer in The Hamptons.
What has been taking up your time at the moment? This year I celebrate my 20th anniversary of Marco Meneguzzi Design and work has been keeping me very busy.
I can’t wait to see all of my projects completed as I see them in my mind. To balance it out I also like to exercise regularly, meditate every day and on weekends I head down to the country.