Brisbane’s iconic Naldham House becomes a multi-level hospitality haven with the opening of its crown jewel, The Fifty Six
Meet Anna Spiro, the interior designer with a cult following behind the historic house’s new look. Plus, her top design tips when renovating your own home.
Blending old-world comfort with modern charm is the name of the game at Brisbane’s latest dining precinct Naldham House. The recently restored heritage building has been transformed into a buzzy three-level hospitality haven with the opening of its final piece, The Fifty Six, a contemporary Cantonese restaurant that calls back to the eating houses of Hong Kong and Singapore’s bygone, on Thursday.
The woman responsible for setting the pace at the new Naldham House is Anna Spiro.
She’s no stranger to her 109,000-strong Instagram following, and her eponymous design firm has garnered international respect for its boundary-pushing designs. Spaces become canvases for kaleidoscopic colour, pattern, and texture.
Having previously collaborated with leading Brisbane-based hospitality group Dap & Co on their popular CBD venue Walter’s Steakhouse, the opportunity to reignite their partnership for Naldham House was one she could not refuse.
The group, which counts prohibition-themed bar The Gresham and Italian restaurant Popolo among its growing portfolio, has become a staple in Brisbane. Coming on 14 years, Dap & Co has been led by hospitality stalwart Andrew Baturo (Libertine, Tillerman) alongside ex-Powderfinger manager and Splendour in the Grass founder Paul Piticco, and prominent event manager Denis Sheahan.
The heritage restoration element of Naldham House was a drawcard for Spiro to work with Dap & Co on its interior design.
“Naldham House had a soul that needed to be honoured, and I was thrilled to merge that with my signature approach to design,” says Spiro, “[Dap & Co] love old buildings and respecting history but they also don’t want to tear the fabulousness out of those buildings by making them minimalistic spaces.”
The historic property had been sitting idly for over 10 years before Baturo was approached to take over the lease.
“The old polo club [which the building used to house] had long since shut down. Initially, Paul, Denis and I weren’t sure but, over time, we just fell in love with the idea of what it could be. An oasis of sorts in the heart of the city,” Spiro says.
Baturo says the project’s working title was ‘Raffles without the rooms’, a nod to Singapore’s famed hotel which is known for its colonial revival architecture. While Dap & Co prides itself on an ethos of old-school hospitality, the team didn’t want Naldham House to feel stuck in the past.
With the guidance of heritage specialists, Spiro was tasked with taking bold risks to modernise the interior.
“The challenge was not only respecting the heritage but injecting modern elements in a way that felt fresh and exciting. It was important to create spaces that felt both timeless and new, with layers of personality that speak to the building’s story but also give it a new narrative,” she says.
She describes each space as purposefully having its own identity while still complementing Naldham House’s historic character. The first-floor brasserie takes direction from institutions like London’s Chiltern Firehouse and New York’s Balthazar with maroon leather booths and a restored marble fireplace, found in storage. Guests who choose to make their way up to lounge-style Club Felix on the second floor will be greeted with a sea of chic blues, contemporary art adorning the walls, and a grand piano which will be used for jazz in the near future.
The Naldham House experience culminates in its crown jewel, The Fifty Six, led by head chef Gerald Ong (Chairman & Yip). While the precinct pays homage to the occupants that came before it, the Cantonese dining spot takes its name from the exact number of Chinese migrants who first settled in Brisbane over 100 years ago – honouring their significant impact on Brisbane’s cultural landscape.
“The Fifty Six is really going to be the standout – the great beauty of the top floor is the fabulous arched timber windows, which overlook lush greenery. It’s entirely reflective of what our initial vision for the space was,” says Spiro, who is proud but relieved it is tools down on the project.
While this marriage of old and new has been a successful feat of collaborative creativity for Spiro’s team and Dap & Co, heritage restoration is not without its challenges.
“Given the building’s heritage restrictions, which prevented us from painting walls or using wallpaper, we instead dedicated ourselves to curating a unique art collection that became key to the design,” says Spiro.
To circumvent the difficulties of working within historic buildings, commercial and residential projects alike, Spiro recommends embracing an environment that feels “lived-in and loved, where modernity and history coexist in a beautifully balanced way”.
For Spiro, this need for balance worked perfectly with her own maximalist design ethos: “Mixing contrasting elements adds depth and energy to a space. For Naldham House, it was essential to create an atmosphere that was dynamic and full of life.”
Baturo adds: “The space is visually striking but we never want it to feel pretentious. The building doesn’t deserve that – it deserves something unique to bring it to life. It’s hard to trust but we put a lot of faith in Anna.”
Mixing and matching interiors has become a natural skill for Spiro, who is coming up to 30 years working in design.
“It is very much an innate thing – I have this ability to bring together a number of different patterns, colours and elements in a cohesive way,” says Spiro.
“I think practice makes perfect and now I’ve gotten really good at making it all match – but I love that it all matches imperfectly. It’s what made me the right girl for this project.”
The Fifty Six is now open at Naldham House, 33 Felix St, Brisbane. naldhamhouse.com.au
Anna Spiro’s top design tips for decorating your own home
The Australian: Amateur or first-time home decorators may feel nervous about following your eclectic design approach. Where should they begin?
Anna Spiro: Start with a base of what feels right to you and build on it, rather than following trends or trying to recreate a specific look you’ve seen elsewhere. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to mix things up!
TA: It’s commonplace in Australia to renovate heritage homes. There’s a focus on introducing modern interiors while retaining the bones of the home’s history. What should home renovators consider when embarking on this journey?
AS: When renovating a heritage home, the key is balance. You want to preserve the original features that give the home its character, but at the same time, you need to ensure the space works for modern living. Think about how the space is used today, but don’t lose sight of the beauty of the past. I always recommend creating a dialogue between old and new – where they enhance each other, rather than compete.
TA: What’s the biggest design mistake you see being made when people attempt to decorate their own homes?
AS: One common mistake I see is people trying to make everything match perfectly, which can lead to a lack of personality in the space. It’s important to embrace individuality and mix elements that reflect your personal style instead of aiming for a flawless, curated look.
TA: Over the span of your career you’ve led projects that differ vastly in size and style. How do design considerations change between commercial and residential endeavours?
AS: Residential projects are deeply personal. They require a more intimate understanding of the client’s lifestyle and needs, while commercial spaces are about creating an experience for a wider audience. With residential design, comfort, functionality, and personality are key, whereas for commercial spaces, I’m thinking about creating a broader, more engaging atmosphere. Both require creativity, but the approach shifts depending on the context.
TA: When couples or families are renovating their homes design choices can often be a source of conflict. Do you think it’s an important part of the process regardless?
AS: I always think [conflict is] extremely rewarding. Exploring everyone’s different ideas for the space leads you to great conversations about what it could be.
TA: What is one piece of design advice you will always stand by?
AS: I have always been an advocate for investing in pieces that are made to last. I don’t tend to get caught up in trends, but I do enjoy elements that reflect a deeper, more timeless quality.
