TRUE TONE

[ Melbourne ]

DESIGN-SAVVY homeowners entrepreneur Joel Bartfeld and his partner, visual merchandiser Ross Sabatini, steered their own renovation of a beautiful Victorian terrace to create flexible interiors with layers of contemporary comforts and design classics within the heritage shell. When did you buy the house and what appealed? Joel: We bought it in 2012 with plans to restore it down the track. It was essentially a blank canvas which allowed us to create a home that suited our lifestyle and reflected our style. Low maintenance was really important for us because prior to the pandemic we both travelled a lot. We also loved the city fringe location and Victorian elements. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? Being a singlefronted terrace, it’s hemmed in on three sides, so allowing for light was a big challenge and a key consideration. Also, as a heritage property, we had to adhere to strict council requirements. We added skylights and big windows to the new rear addition. Because there is limited on-street parking, the rear outdoor area had to function both as a carpark and an outdoor entertaining space. We built retaining walls and installed paving for the carpark, but also added low-maintenance succulents and a wall of ivy to make it aesthetically appealing. How would you describe the interior? We coined the term ‘mascu-luxe’ – unembellished and simple with good quality finishes. There’s a sense of materiality and we try to keep everything in the home authentic. In our bathroom we used a single, large-scale stone tile on the walls and floor which has given it an almost monastic quality. It’s very relaxing. What are some of your favourite elements? Were there any devices employed to maximise the sense of space? We spent a great deal of time considering proportions and how we intended to live in the space. It isn’t minimalist, but it certainly leans closer to sparse than stuffed. Given that Ross is a designer, he was able to create endless options

”WE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME CONSIDERING PROPORTIONS AND HOW WE INTENDED TO LIVE IN THE SPACE.”

for everything from joinery to window mullion placement. Whenever we have friends over, they all gravitate to the kitchen island bench which is clad in dark timber and marble. It’s become our main entertaining spot. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? We’re both extremely passionate about design and the provenance of things. We buy bigger furniture pieces with classicism in mind, and are always interested in the design story. Ross has painted several beautiful abstract artworks that are hung around the house and we’ve been lucky to collect other artworks from friends and family, including Melbourne artist Nunzio Miano. Are you happy with the execution? How do you use the space? It’s very flexible and the spaces feel quite generous, even though it’s a small house. We have a great area for entertaining and a large, sunlit studio (which came in handy as an office space during lockdown). We’ve done everything quite slowly – we keep adding things we love. We like the idea of making our place over time. The whole house has a beautiful feeling and is very welcoming by design. We’re always happy to come home.

Photography SHANI HODSON Production CARLI PHILIPS

These pages, from left Homeowners Joel Bartfeld (left) and Ross Sabatini in the hallway where a small framed etching by artist Issy Coddie faces an original artwork by Ross. The Gubi ‘Moon’ dining table is arranged with Carl Hansen & Søn ‘CH88P’ dining chairs, all from Cult. The Moller ‘#63’ bench is from Great Dane. Above the cocktail cabinet from Coco Republic is a Flos ‘265’ wall lamp and another artwork by Ross. On the fireplace mantel is an artwork by Nunzio Miano. On the corner plinth is a sculpture by Theodosius Ng with one of Ross’s artworks. Large photograph by Joel’s father, Fred Bartfeld.

This page Ross and Joel extended the house to make way for the light-filled casual living area. Floor-to-ceiling windows open directly into a paved courtyard that doubles as an entertaining area and carpark. A West Elm side table sits alongside a Nonn ‘Liaison’ sofa by Cameron Foggo from District. The room is anchored by a moody rug from Cadrys and B&B Italia ‘Fat-Fat’ coffee tables. In the corner is one of Ross’s artworks. Opposite page, clockwise from left The kitchen is an exercise in restraint. The compact island is topped in Grey Aether marble from G-Lux and lit from above with a Gubi ‘Semi’ pendant light. Stools from Organic Modernism and cabinetry by Joel Elliot Furniture. Artwork by Ross. A thrift store sculpture and artwork by Jo Lane rests on a vintage timber cabinet.

This page, clockwise from top The facade has been reinstated and painted and a new bluestone verandah installed. The couple love the North Melbourne location and its close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD. Joel and Ross have coined the term ‘mascu-luxe’ when it comes to their interior style. The pared-back bedroom has a rich palette with a side table from Zuster, artwork by Ross and Örsjö ‘Lean’ wall light. The throw is from Bemboka. A grouping of white ceramics and Farnsworth House rendered in Lego adorn a vintage side table from Leonard Joel. Opposite page There is space for both Joel and Ross to work in the upstairs studio. An Ikea shelving unit lines the wall and is filled with art and design books. Around the Saarinen ‘Tulip’ table are a mix of chairs by Ross Didier for James Richardson Furniture and Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Artwork by Ross.