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16 Watts Parade, Mount Eliza

P repare to sell in 2024

Now is the prime opportunity to prepare your home for a successful 2024 sale.

Begin by discovering your home’s true worth with an updated appraisal, revealing its current market value and providing valuable insights to maximise your sale’s potential.

Arrange a specialist appraisal with the Marshall White team today.

Lobster Florentine from Clementine

Elevated Elegance

A unique opportunity to secure this extraordinary property situated in the Golden Mile of Mount Eliza on 4,345 sqm (approx.) with breathtaking 180-degree views of the bay and city skyline from almost every room. Surrounded by glorious gardens, a tennis court, and a resort-style pool, it ensures exceptional privacy and tranquillity.

Rob Ferguson, Marshall White Partner

16 Watts Parade, Mount Eliza

Commanding 180-degree views of the bay, city skyline, and stunning sunsets, this extraordinary property on Mount Eliza’s prestigious Golden Mile epitomises exclusivity and refinement.

Set on 1.07 acres (approx.) of elegantly curated gardens, this sprawling 6-bedroom residence has been a cherished family home for 28 years. It features a recently resurfaced tennis court and a resort-style tiled pool, offering unparalleled privacy and tranquillity.

The sun-drenched interior features exquisite parquetry floors, formal living and dining rooms, and multiple living zones across two levels. These include a billiard/rumpus room, library, study,

and an upstairs family room with dual balconies overlooking the pool and tennis court.

The landscaped grounds, inspired by renowned designer Edna Walling, present a vibrant, ever-changing palette. A travertinepaved poolside terrace, sheltered alfresco spa, and Biofuel firepit area offer ideal settings to enjoy the scenery.

For enquiries contact Rob Ferguson 0412 789 696 Amy Gowan 0449 588 487 VIEW LISTING

LivingInteriors

We sat down with Steven Berengo, Director of Living Interiors, to discuss this family-owned luxury Italian furniture business. Steven shared his insights on maintaining a legacy brand, curating their product range, and collaborating with design professionals. He also outlines his vision for elevating "Made in Italy" furniture recognition in Australia.

Can you share your personal journey within the family business, from your early experiences to becoming the Director of Living Interiors?

My earliest memories are from the late 1990s, when I was in the showroom and warehouse with my family, including grandparents, uncles Mark and Paul, and Dad.

As I grew older, Dad would often bring me to the office to help with basic tasks, which became weekend work in my teens.

In 2011, both my dad and grandfather passed away six months apart. I then worked in the property industry briefly before travelling the world in 2014.

On my return, I became Sales Manager while completing my university degree. In 2019, I shifted to Business Development, focusing on clients, new brands, and marketing. In late 2020, amid pandemic uncertainty, I grew into the role of Director, working closely alongside my uncles, who provide crucial insight and knowledge, which is invaluable within our niche industry.

Since then, we’ve focused on re-establishing Living Interiors as one of the market leaders of luxury Italian furniture and joinery, adding new brands, and renovating our Melbourne showroom, which we have occupied since 1995.

As the third-generation leader of a family business, how do you maintain Living Interiors’ legacy?

Maintaining Living Interiors’ legacy means staying true to who we are and what we do, which is showcasing luxury Italian furniture, joinery, and lighting.

The furniture industry is more competitive and global than ever before. That said, the ‘Made in Italy’ trademark is becoming more prevalent, as Italy is by far the global leader in craftsmanship and quality. We are fortunate to be a part of an industry where Italian design and craftsmanship continue to gain recognition and exposure.

Can you elaborate on the process of selecting new brands to introduce to the Australian market?

We carefully curate our range to provide options for any interior design project, from one-off pieces to complete fit-outs. Living

Interiors now caters to both high-end and medium-to-highend markets, focusing on brands that are sold in significant quantities in the local Italian market, which is highly driven by quality and price.

We attend Italian furniture fairs to select brands and products that best fit the Australian market and our unique client mix. We continually monitor trends to ensure we bring the best luxury furniture to Australia.

In what ways does Living Interiors collaborate with architectural design firms and interior designers across Australia?

Living Interiors collaborates with various architectural and interior design firms on projects across various sectors. Between 2018-2023, Living Interiors collaborated with designers on primarily residential projects nationwide. From 2023, we expanded to low-to-mid-density residential, hotels, offices, and commercial spaces.

Projects range from full fit-outs to singular lighting installations, like a custom order from the master Venetian crystal brand Barovier&Toso for The Ritz Carlton's Presidential Suite in Melbourne. Exclusively representing such bespoke products allows unique collaborations, which we will continue to focus on. We look forward to ongoing partnerships with architectural and design firms.

What are your long-term visions for Living Interiors?

Many know luxury Italian car and fashion brands, but fewer recognise equivalent ‘Made in Italy’ furniture brands. My longterm vision for Living Interiors is to increase awareness of these brands in Australia, offering products at various price points. We will explore new brand opportunities to expand our collection, cementing ourselves as Australia's premier luxury Italian furniture destination. ■

LEARN

Lobster Florentine

Genre-bending South Melbourne eatery Clementine shares the recipe for their decadent dish, Lobster Florentine.

Clementine

67-69 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne

Ingredients

Lobster salad

1 piece lobster tail around 500g

1 lemon

1 tbsp chopped tarragon

1/2 tbsp chopped dill

1 tbsp chopped cornichon

1 tbsp chopped capers

1 tbsp chopped red onion

1 tbsp whole grain mustard

1 tbsp horseradish

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Lobster bisque hollandaise

3 egg yolks

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

3 tbsp lobster bisque or dashi stock

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter

To serve

4 slices toasted cornbread

8 poached eggs

80g baby spinach leaf

Serves 4

Method

For the Lobster salad

Bring approximately 8 cups of water to a boil. Place thawed lobster tails in the boiling water and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes.

Remove the lobster tails and allow them to cool for a few minutes.

Dice the lobster tails into cubes, then mix with salt, pepper, and other ingredients for the lobster salad.

For the Lobster bisque hollandaise

Melt the butter in a microwave (covered to prevent splattering) for about 1 minute until hot. Alternatively, you can heat it on the stove.

Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and lobster bisque in a high-powered blender and blend for five seconds until combined.

With the blender running on medium-high, slowly pour the hot butter into the mixture until it's emulsified.

Transfer the hollandaise sauce into a small bowl and serve warm.

Dopamine Decor

The concept of dopamine décor has captured the imagination of interior design enthusiasts and mental health advocates alike. This trend, based on the principles of neuroaesthetics, aims to create living spaces that boost happiness and well-being through thoughtful design choices. Dopamine décor, sometimes referred to as ‘joyful design’, encourages the use of vibrant colours, playful patterns, and sensoryrich environments to stimulate the brain’s reward centres, particularly where dopamine plays a significant role. This approach is especially well-suited for the winter months, when shorter days and colder temperatures can lead to feelings of sluggishness and low mood. By introducing dopamine decor into your home during this time, you can create a warm, inviting, and uplifting atmosphere.

Understanding Dopamine Décor

The essence of dopamine décor lies in its ability to evoke positive emotions and a sense of joy through visual and sensory stimulation. Small, uplifting changes to your environment can significantly enhance your daily sense of well-being. Research supports this idea, showing that environments rich in sensory stimuli are more restorative and can improve brain functions such as reducing anxiety and enhancing connectivity.

Key Elements of Dopamine Décor

Bold Use of Colour: One of the most striking aspects of dopamine décor is its bold use of colour. Vibrant hues like bright pinks, oranges, yellows, and cobalt blues are commonly used to create dynamic and stimulating spaces. Colours have been shown to affect our moods significantly; warm colours can evoke excitement and stimulation, while cool colours can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Playful Patterns and Textures: Incorporating playful patterns and textures is another hallmark of dopamine décor. From polka dots to stripes, and from soft textiles to tactile surfaces, these elements add a layer of sensory richness that can enhance the pleasure of everyday interactions with your environment.

Personal Touches: Decorating with items that hold personal significance or evoke happy memories can amplify the joyful

impact of a space. This might include cherished photographs, travel souvenirs, or unique vintage finds. The goal is to create an environment that feels uniquely yours and full of personality.

Maximalism Over Minimalism: Contrary to the minimalist trend, dopamine décor embraces maximalism, or ‘abundance’. This approach allows for a more generous and less restrained way of decorating, encouraging the use of a variety of items that bring joy, rather than adhering to strict minimalist principles.

Benefits of Dopamine Décor

The benefits of dopamine décor extend beyond aesthetics. Creating a joy-inducing environment can have tangible effects on mental health. Research has found that looking at art and beautiful spaces activates the brain’s reward centre, similar to the feelings of being in love. Additionally, sensory-rich environments have been shown to be restorative and help to alleviate stress.

Implementing Dopamine Décor

To start incorporating dopamine décor into your home, begin by decorating with items you truly love. Think about the places that make you feel good and try to replicate their elements in your space. Use bold colours that energise you, mix and match styles to create a unique aesthetic, and don’t shy away from whimsy and novelty.

For example, adding a colourful rug can be a great starting point, as it allows you to introduce multiple colours and patterns without overwhelming the space. Ensuring good lighting, with multiple light sources, can also enhance the overall mood of a room.

The key to transforming your living spaces into havens of happiness and comfort lies in the thoughtful incorporation of elements that stimulate the senses and resonate on a personal level. By embracing the vibrant, the playful, and the personal, you can create a home that not only exudes joy but also serves as a true reflection of your unique personality and style. ■

Ascui & Co

Hawthorn House

Wattle Road, Hawthorn

Developed by Designed by Built by Gardens by

Open Rental

Peninsula Retreat

Nestled in an exclusive court adjacent to Arthurs Seat National Park, this residence embodies the quintessential Mornington Peninsula lifestyle. The three-bedroom home, featuring a main suite with ensuite and walk-in robe, harmoniously merges with its stunning natural surroundings. A newly updated family bathroom and versatile floor plan cater to modern family needs, while yearround comfort is ensured through thoughtful climate control. The expansive rear deck offers captivating ocean views and seamless integration with the tranquil back garden. This property provides convenient access to Victoria's finest amenities, including premier golf courses, hot springs, nature trails, and the region's renowned food and wine culture. For enquiries contact Kate Morgan 0473 001 022