This was published 1 year ago
How this one-bedroom Melbourne home creates a sense of space
A great canvas is filled with collected classics for extra charm at interior designer Chelsea Rodrigues’ two-storey property.
By Heather Nette King
“I found this old photograph of my mum, dad and sister and was drawn to the composition – it looks like they’re being beamed up into heaven,” says Rodrigues. “It has been such a comforting centrepiece.”Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A two-storey, one-bedroom home in Melbourne’s inner north, with a cathedral ceiling in the living space and two Juliet balconies.
Who lives here
Chelsea Rodrigues, an interior and industrial designer who’s worked at Cult Design’s Melbourne showroom.
What I did
“The apartment is a great canvas, which isn’t easy to find in a one-bedroom home,” says Rodrigues. “I’ve simply filled it with collected pieces that are very special to me.”
My favourite room
“I was drawn to the details of the living space. The Juliet balconies and vaulted ceilings charmed me immediately – it’s both cosy and lofty.”
My favourite piece
The “Flag Halyard” chair by Hans Wegner. “Due to a terminal cancer diagnosis I’m no longer able to work, but Cult Design has made a dream come true by allowing me to enjoy my favourite design icon at home.”
The ’hood
“It has such a great village feel. It’s so lovely to know your neighbours, and the bluestone-paved Stock Route passing through the area is an enchanting reminder of the suburb’s past as a cattle yard.”
Best advice
“Fast furniture is as problematic as fast fashion. My best advice is to make the most of what you currently have, and save for your forever things that will hold value.”
“With an appreciation for design comes my love of fashion. I bought these Prada platform shoes for my birthday party – the perfect all-night party shoe.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“The ‘Flag Halyard’ chair is a very special loan from Richard Munao at Cult Design. I worked there for over seven years and admired this chair every day.” Credit: Armelle Habib
“The table lamp was designed in 1945 by Greta M. Grossman in her signature whimsical style. My incredible record collection was inherited from my dad.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“My bedroom gets the most glorious natural light. It has another Danish classic – the Arne Jacobsen ‘Swan’ chair – paired with the rice paper lampshade by Hay.”Credit: Armelle Habib
A high vaulted ceiling and Chelsea’s choice of a monochromatic colour palette create a striking open-plan living, kitchen and dining space.Credit: Armelle Habib
“These chrome Stoff Nagel Bmf candle holders were my first design purchase. The 1960’s Scandinavian design is stackable, allowing for different compositions – it’s a different sculpture for every day,” says Chelsea. Credit: Armelle Habib
“This area is a celebration of my dear friends; the Donatella prints were made for a fabulous Versace-themed surprise party held for me, the artwork is by Nadia Madzzar, and the lamp is from designer Charlie White,” says Chelsea.Credit: Armelle Habib
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