My Space | Stephen Crafti

MY SPACE | STEPHEN CRAFTI

ARCHITECTURE Robert Simeoni Architects | PHOTOGRAPHY © Derek Swalwell | WORDS Yvette Caprioglio

The Belgian-inspired space in Melbourne’s South Yarra where renowned design and architecture writer-author Stephen Craftilives with his wife and Harvey, the leonine ginger cat has been home for 10 years.

Inspired by the materiality of Maison de Verrein Paris, Stephen saw the transformation of the 1930s duplex as an opportunity to work on what he calls a ‘fun project’ with architect Robert Simeoni, who he’d long admired.

While retaining a lot of the house’s original structure and features, including many structural details, the result is distinctively European, immersive in its atmosphere and reflective of Stephen’s love of dark, moody spaces.

Artwork, An invitation for Romeo Gigli’s Spring collection 1991

The European DNA of the house was also noted when Robert presented the home’s design at the World Architecture Awards where the observation and commentary was that the house was ‘so European.’

Artwork by Anne Karin Furnes

It’s obvious that Stephen’s home is personally curated by him and his partner as it immediately evokes a sense of provenance and memory with its objects and artwork from their extensive travels over the past 30 years. As a long-time design and architecture writer, Stephen has travelled frequently, leading architecture and design tours to Belgium, Japan and Finland as well as interviewing designers and attending notable design fairs.

Stephen Crafti with architect Robert Simeoni

“I’m attracted to unusual things, like the hand-etched glass bottle from Poland I bought in London,” says Stephen.

Aside from an impressive 40 books he has to his own name, Stephen has also amassed a great number of books, that are visible testament to his love of design and history.

A cabinet filled with Belgian crystal and photographs in the kitchen by Robyn Beeche who Stephen wrote a book on, are all personal reminders of countless trips and memorable interviews.

“My space is my own,” says Stephen.

A unique pair of hand-made tapestry chairs by designer Suzie Stanford who creates one off designs, are a reminder of a friendship and personal connection.

Screen created by artist Simeon Leah

When people come into my space they say ‘this house is so you’.

– Stephen Crafti