When it comes to interior design, the collaboration between client and designer can be a delicate dance, especially when the client has a deep understanding of design themselves. This was the intriguing challenge faced by Simone Haag, an interior designer, when working with Stephen Mendel, co-founder of GlobeWest, and his wife, Tanya.
The project, a home in southeast Melbourne, presented a unique opportunity to refine and enhance a space that already had a strong identity. Originally a modest 1960s dwelling, the house had been transformed into a split-level, four-bedroom home with a rich history and a meaningful collection of furniture and art.
The Designer's Approach
Haag's brief was to bring a fresh perspective while respecting the existing character of the home. She describes it as "an opportunity to reimagine a home rich with knowledge, pieces, and history." This meant a careful editing process, recalibrating and customizing to create a cohesive yet personal space.
One of the key transformations was the whisky room. Haag created a distinct atmosphere by layering patterned wallpaper, soft textiles, and an intimate color palette. This space, once underutilized, became a favorite retreat, offering a contrast to the open layout of the rest of the home.
Similarly, Haag breathed new life into other areas, such as the bar and pantry, and reimagined a children's rumpus room as a gym. But it's the living room that truly stands out. Haag's use of statement wallpaper on the ceiling, plush carpet, and a curated art wall creates a space that draws on the home's modernist roots while adding a unique personal touch.
The Power of Customization
Throughout the home, GlobeWest furniture is a prominent feature, but Haag took it a step further by customizing and reupholstering pieces with artisanal fabrics. This level of customization, combined with the Mendels' existing art collection, creates a sense of depth and warmth. Haag explains, "These works anchor each space and inform the layering throughout."
The result is a home that feels layered, personal, and resolved. It strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and surprise, with existing pieces reimagined and new interventions seamlessly integrated.
A Nuanced Collaboration
Working with clients who are deeply versed in furnishings, like the Mendels, presents a unique challenge. Haag reflects, "We happily leaned into their knowledge, while introducing moments of disruption through materiality and customisation. It was about knowing what already worked and when to gently challenge their ideas."
And the effort paid off. Stephen and Tanya expressed a renewed connection to their home, feeling that the outcome truly reflected their personal history and way of living, not just their work in the industry.
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to create a space that is both familiar and surprising, a true reflection of its inhabitants.
