Challenges

Rising to the of a smaller footprint, these 11 designers hatched clever schemes that have made for ultra-chic city abodes with an eye to the

Simone Aiello called on her long-time collaborator, architect Maria Danos, to help devise her own new home. @simoneaiellodesign; mariadanos.com.au What was the brief? Simone Aiello: My husband Sergio and I built this home in Melbourne for our family. During our 20-year friendship, I have collaborated with Maria on various projects. She has such a great eye for conceiving engaging spaces, I wanted to her to be involved with creating our next home. The brief was to produce a spacious, robust home for a family with a passion for design and travel. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? Maria Danos: With large, undefined volumes, arches were introduced strategically throughout the floor plan as an ‘ordering’ device to contain elegant spatial volumes and create vistas and flow within the home. The arches express mass with the use of deep wall reveals, linking spaces and framing rooms with large glazed doors for privacy. Describe the completed interior? MD: The interior took its cues from archetypal Roman forms. The art and furnishings add zest, warmth and richness. Raw chevron oak floors complement the archways to create a quiet and controlled backdrop for the ‘theatre of life’ and a considered approach for the interior furnishings. Handcrafted Murano chandeliers resonate comfortably with contemporary furnishings and coveted art and accessories collected over time from Simone’s many travels abroad. What informed the selection of art, furniture and fittings? MD: “Buy once, buy well” is the mantra for both of us. Art and furnishings are periodically rearranged, creating a dynamic home environment so family members can re-engage with experiences via items purchased in of ten obscure destinations. SA: My selections are motivated by my love for a particular design, fabric, colour or shape. Each item is carefully chosen because it brings its own unique presence with it. Were Simone and Sergio happy with the execution? MD: They were delighted that the soft curves of the arches created a sense of calm and palatial tranquillity. Also, the bespoke glass and steel doors enable them to watch over their children from any part of the home.

“EACH ITEM IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN BECAUSE IT BRINGS ITS OWN UNIQUE PRESENCE WITH IT.”