Tastemakers Arch Melbourne:
Styling your home for sale PAGE 04
How interior designer Brahman Perera
transformed a Fitzroy apartment PAGE 18
04.
Tastemakers with Arch Melbourne: Styling your home for sale
12.
Loom Rugs on traditional techniques in modern spaces
18.
How interior designer Brahman Perera transformed a Fitzroy apartment
24.
The rise of wellness spaces at home
30.
After the siren: The Melbourne Vixens on design, home & life
Contents
In our winter edition of InFocus, learn from the professionals
at Arch Melbourne as they share their top tips for styling
your property for sale in our Tastemakers series. We go
behind the design of an interior designer's unconventional
apartment transformation in the heart of Fitzroy. As wellness
spaces emerge across the city's premium homes, we speak
with two Melbourne-based architects on how the residential
brief is evolving. Whether you’re seeking your dream home
or fresh inspiration, Jellis Craig is your connection to
something greater.
Styling your home
Cat Brown, founder and Creative Director of ARCH Melbourne, designs spaces
that command attention and drive commercial outcomes. Her signature aesthetic
- defined by bold artwork, considered colour, and sculptural form - creates the
emotional resonance that makes a property unforgettable. It is no coincidence
that these are the exact elements that make a home irresistible to potential buyers.
Here, Cat shares her approach to styling a home for sale in the next instalment of
our Tastemaker series.
for sale
Watch the Tastemaker
series with Cat Brown
TASTEMAKERS
InFocus Winter | 5
TASTEMAKERS
First impressions matter
The entry sets the immediate emotional baseline for your
home. Anchor the space with a substantial console or bench.
Layer with intention - we love Designstuff for beautiful art
books, considered baskets, and sculptural bowls that double
as a key drop. These are pieces that look intentional and
deliberate. Buyers register the quality immediately, even if
they cannot articulate why.
Statement artwork
Elevate your entry hallway with significant artwork. Scale
matters - choose pieces substantial enough to hold the space
without overwhelming the architecture. Abstract or tonal
works add sophistication and broad appeal without polarising
buyers.
Accentuate your high ceilings
When working with high ceilings, use tall lamps or sculptural
pieces to draw the eye upward. They help buyers immediately
appreciate the vertical volume you are offering.
first impression
Making a great
6 | InFocus Winter
The modern look
A modern bedroom requires restraint. We build the bed from
the foundation up using CULTIVER - linen fitted and flat sheets,
linen pillowcases, and a linen valance that gives the base a
clean, considered finish. From there, a heavyweight CULTIVER
bedspread pulled effortlessly over the pillows, finished with a
single structural bolster, creates a look that is effortless yet
highly considered.
The layered approach
For a more layered aesthetic, introduce a CULTIVER throw and
additional linen pillowcases in a tonal mix. A deep tuck on the
bedspread adds dimension without weight. Both approaches
create an editorial look - the choice depends entirely on the
architecture of the room and the buyer you are targeting.
Bedside lamps and bedheads
The right lamp and bedhead elevate the bedroom from
comfortable to covetable. For lighting, we look to Jardan, McMullin
& Co, and MCM House - each brings a distinct quality that reads
immediately in photography. For bedheads, GlobeWest, Zenn
Design, and Create Estate offer the structural presence and
material quality that anchor the room.
The secret to
a modern bed
InFocus Winter | 7
TASTEMAKERS
Start with the art
When we start a project, we always begin with the art. It is the
hero piece of any room, and we tie our furniture selections
back to it. Abstract art is a confident way to incorporate large
statement pieces into your living space. We love working with
local artists to create bespoke pieces for each home we style.
Say no to the chop
Skip the structured 'karate chop' on cushions. We style for
an effortless, organic drape that feels lived-in and luxurious.
CULTIVER linen throw cushions are our go-to throughout - the
quality of the linen provides a tactile weight that photographs
beautifully and helps buyers imagine themselves relaxing in the
space.
A curated lounge
8 | InFocus Winter
Coffee table styling
Create visual interest through layering. We source books from Avenue Bookstore and Coventry Bookstore - both offer beautifully curated
titles that feel personal rather than staged. For objects and vases, we draw from Designstuff, Co Theory, and locally sourced ceramics
that bring warmth and authenticity to the space. The goal is height variation and visual intrigue without clutter. For an extra-large coffee
table, a four-by-four grid provides structure while allowing each piece to breathe.
and coffee table
TASTEMAKERS
InFocus Winter | 9
The heart of
the home
TASTEMAKERS
10 | InFocus Winter
With over a decade of experience styling homes for sale, Cat understands how strategic design choices transform a property's presentation and deliver exceptional
commercial results for sellers. To discuss your property styling needs, visit www.arch.melbourne.
Clear benchtops are essential
Visual silence is critical in a kitchen. Clear the benchtops
entirely. Buyers need to see the quality of the stone and the
architecture of the tapware, not daily life. Appliances and
everyday items should be stored away. It is a small change that
fundamentally shifts how a property presents.
Considered ceramics
Once the benchtops are clear, a small number of well-chosen
ceramics do the work. We use pieces from Robert Gordon and
Country Road - both offer the kind of tactile, considered quality
that reads as lifestyle rather than decoration. A beautiful bowl,
a simple canister, a single well-placed mug on a tray. Less is
always more.
Foliage for height
A tall bunch of greenery in a sculptural vase draws the eye
upward, making the room feel dynamic and considered. You
do not need elaborate floral arrangements; a single, striking
bunch in a beautiful vessel often carries more impact.
Editorial dining
For the dining table, we opt for an editorial, sculptural
approach. We do not set the table for a dinner party; instead,
we suggest a lifestyle. Vases and objects from Designstuff or
Co Theory, paired with locally sourced ceramics, create visual
interest while keeping the space feeling open and uncluttered,
allowing buyers to project their own lives into the room.
TASTEMAKERS
InFocus Winter | 11
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
How Loom Rugs brings
traditional techniques to
modern spaces
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
Since opening Loom on High Street, Prahran in 2006, Turkish-born founder
Doan Bilgis has been bringing some of the world’s most considered handwoven
rugs to Melbourne’s design community. Drawing on a childhood in Turkey with
a nomadic family background, and years spent trading in contemporary and
antique rugs, Doan built Loom on a simple principle; that a beautiful rug is the
heart of a beautiful room.
Two decades on, the Prahran showroom stocks an extraordinary breadth of handcrafted pieces, from classic rugs from all around the
world to contemporary and bespoke custom designs. This year marks Loom’s 20th anniversary. We sat down with Doan to talk about
growing up surrounded by the craft, what it means to keep a traditional art form alive, and how the right rug is the heart of a room.
Looking back over 20 years, what has shifted most in the
industry, and what clients are looking for?
Styles, textures, colours - they all come and go, things that are
popular now, weren't popular 20 years ago. As a multicultural
country, the versatility of Australia architecture and design is
exceptional and is something we always keep an eye on.
One thing that has shifted is the speed at which things change.
Custom rugs typically take a year to produce from concept to
delivery, but we know the quality and result is like nothing else.
As a kid, I was fascinated by everything about it, the weaving, the smells, the
sounds, all of it. Around the time I was 10 or 12, and first understood the meaning
of art, I realised that what we were making is an art form in itself.
You grew up in Turkey surrounded by rugs as everyday objects.
When did you first understand them as something more?
I grew up surrounded by people weaving rugs. My mum, uncle,
aunties and pretty much my whole family were involved in the
process. As a kid, I was fascinated by everything about it, the
weaving, the smells, the sounds, all of it. Around the time I was
10 or 12, and first understood the meaning of art, I realised that
what we were making is an art form in itself.
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
“
14 | InFocus Winter
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
What does the process of making a handwoven rug look like
from start to finish, and what's lost when that process is
shortened or mechanised?
From shearing the wool to the finished rug, everything is done
by hand. Carding, spinning, dyeing and preparing the loom. That
process has stayed largely unchanged over time. It is still original,
intricate and laborious. At Loom, we want to preserve the same
level of craftsmanship.
Loom is a member of both Care & Fair and GoodWeave,
what does that commitment look like in practice, and why
was it important to you to formalise the ethics behind your
sourcing?
The Care & Fair Foundation is an important initiative to be a part
of, from sourcing the wool until it is transformed into a rug on
your floor, we want to ensure that the whole process is ethical
and sustainable.
GoodWeave's mission is to stop child and forced labour within
global supply chains. This shines light on places that have
exploited labour in the past. As a result, this has helped promote
and create better working conditions and practices for weavers.
This is something we're beyond proud to support.
What's a brief you've received from a client or designer that
pushed you to think differently about what a rug could do in
a space?
We’re always being challenged by our clients which is something
we enjoy. It pushes us to think differently and come up with
creative, thoughtful solutions. We love working closely with
people, helping guide them toward a rug that not only fits their
space but really feels right for them.
At the same time, we’re always open to projects that push
the boundaries a bit. Whether that’s experimenting with new
textures, unexpected colour combinations, or custom designs,
we’re all for it. Those kinds of projects keep things exciting and
allow us to explore what’s possible while still staying true to the
craftsmanship behind what we do.
There are always new and exciting things on the horizon. Collaborations
with local and international artists and designers are coming soon as a
part of our 20th year anniversary.
What does the next chapter look like for Loom?
“
InFocus Winter | 15
Loom rugs
575/577 High St, Prahran East VIC 318
loomrugs.com
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
16 | InFocus Winter
BUSINESS OF DESIGN
We think of our showroom less as a store, and more as a
gallery. Every piece we carry has been carefully chosen, not
because we think it will sell, but because something about it
drew us in. Whether it's the story behind it, the way it's made,
or simply how it makes us feel, our collection is a reflection of
us. A curated extension of our taste, our values, and the things
we love. - Doan Bilgis, Loom Rugs Founder
“
InFocus Winter | 17
Melbourne-based interior designer Brahman Perera has become one of the most
sought-after names in Australian interiors, earning his place on the industry's
most respected lists and building a body of work that spans residential homes
to boutique commercial interiors with equal command. We talked to Brahman to
learn how he made this off-the-plan Fitzroy apartment his own.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
How interior designer
Brahman Perera
transformed a
Fitzroy apartment
18 | InFocus Winter
BEHIND THE DESIGN
If the Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy were a brief, how would you
describe it? And how does this apartment respond to that
brief?
Eclectic! Fitzroy is layered, and slightly contradictory - there’s
a strong historic grain, but it’s constantly being reinterpreted.
It has a looseness to it, but also a sense of density and culture
that’s quite specific.
The apartment responds by not trying to compete with that.
Instead, it takes a more restrained position internally, focusing
on proportion, material depth, and clarity - so that the life of the
neighbourhood can remain the more expressive layer. It’s less
about mirroring Fitzroy, and more about framing it.
You have described the terrace as offering a way to engage
with Fitzroy's rhythm without being fully exposed. How has
living here influenced your practice of designing urban
spaces?
Yes, particularly in how thresholds are handled. Urban living is
often about negotiating proximity - to people, to movement, to
noise.
The terrace works because it filters rather than blocks. That
idea has definitely influenced my broader thinking - creating
spaces that allow engagement without requiring full exposure.
It’s a more nuanced approach to privacy. The terrace is cleverly
designed above the pavement, and with a deep lush planter box
and lighting; it gives the feeling of being elevated and private,
despite the fact we are actually close to the ground floor.
20 | InFocus Winter
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Which local designers or brands do you find yourself reaching
for?
There’s a strong community of makers in Melbourne, and I tend
to gravitate towards those who have a clear material sensibility.
Studios like Zenn Design who made our beautiful bed, alongside
others working in timber, metal, and textiles, offer a level of
nuance that’s difficult to replicate at scale. We often collaborate
with Volker Haug for lighting, Ma House for styling, Mondopiero
for home accessories, and ceramicist Alex Cerny.
Every home has those furniture pieces you would move
heaven and earth to keep. What are yours here?
The piano is non-negotiable - it moves with us and defines how
we occupy a space. It’s less about its form and more about what
it enables - music as a background to our lives, a sense of calm
and respite from the tech-filled world we live in.
The Albero bookcase is another. It has a strong presence, almost
architectural, and the fact that it rotates gives it a level of
interaction that most furniture doesn’t have. Those pieces tend
to stay because they continue to offer something over time.
Richly layered artworks and textured furniture
characterise the designer's opulent, colourful
and eclectic interior style.
InFocus Winter | 21
BEHIND THE DESIGN
I don’t tend to collect with a fixed outcome in mind. The pieces accumulate, and
the relationships between them develop over time. That’s what gives a home a
sense of authorship rather than decoration.
What's one design rule you swear by, and one you love to
break?
I tend to rely on proportion as a guiding principle - if the
proportions are resolved, most other decisions become clearer.
As for rules to break - the idea that spaces need to be complete
or fully resolved. I think a certain level of incompleteness allows
a home to evolve and remain connected to the person living in it.
Art feels like the real anchor of this home. How do you
approach collecting? Is it instinctive, or is there a method to
it?
It’s largely instinctive, but over time patterns emerge. I’m drawn
to works that hold a certain tension, whether that’s through
material, composition, or subject.
I don’t tend to collect with a fixed outcome in mind. The pieces
accumulate, and the relationships between them develop over
time. That’s what gives a home a sense of authorship rather than
decoration.
Tell us about the light pendants you have designed.
They’re relatively simple in form but considered in proportion and
material so they feel integrated rather than applied. My pendants
are in constant evolution. Currently I'm working on an upturned
floor lamp, playing with transparency and drama, alongside a
short fat table lamp that has great presence. All on show at Oigall
Gallery a short walk away from the apartment.
The green timber core that wraps the bedroom and bathroom
is a distinctive feature. How did that idea come about?
It came from a desire to give the apartment a centre of gravity.
New-build apartments can often feel dispersed or overly
neutral, so introducing a defined core creates both contrast and
orientation.
The material choice - a deep green timber veneer - was about
adding weight without heaviness. It allows the core to read as
something intentional and architectural, rather than purely
functional, and it ties back directly to the gorgeous kitchen
joinery, and colour saturation of the bathroom.
“
22 | InFocus Winter
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Architecture by Woods Bagot - Interior Design by Hecker Guthrie & Brahman Perera - Landscape Design by Acre – Build by Piccolo House.
g05/385 Gore Street, Fitzroy is currently on the market with Jellis Craig Inner North. Contact Charles Atkins 0405 287 112.
Best coffee: Napier Quarter
Favourite dinner / nightcap: Zareh / Marion
Favourite furniture/homewares boutique: Ma House
Weekend activity: Walking between Fitzroy and Carlton, usually without
a fixed destination - puppies and an iced long black!
Neighbourhood
favourites
InFocus Winter | 23