If Greg Natale’s approach towards design could be described in a word, it is illustrious. The riotous excess of opulence far outweighs the neutral colour palette lacquered across his interiors. A continuum of idiosyncratic features is found in the exalted Bellevue Hill House, conceived by Greg Natale, on which he first put his signature touch twelve years ago.
Now, returning to the project he once completed, the renowned designer has been invited back to reawaken the Hollywood Regency aesthetic within its enveloping walls – ushering in a dramatic paradigm shift from its former self. Where bold geometry and glamour once reigned, a contemporary language has emerged: one of soft curves, natural textures and organic forms that nod to Cycladic architecture while espousing modern subtleties.
The remodel began at the threshold. Upon entry, a twisting staircase materialises from a floor of Patagonia Verde quartz, unfurling like a sculptural ribbon towards the second storey. Beneath this sweeping ascent, a generous archway leads to the formal lounge, hinting at the undulating forms that follow throughout the house. A continuous wall flows, uninterrupted, from the lounge to the dining area, where wave-like ceilings carry the eye, reinforcing a sense of movement. Here, the walls and ceilings are dressed in a soft clay wash, imparting an ethereal, sunlit quality to the space while blonde timber floors anchor it in warmth. Elsewhere, an ensuite exclusively enveloped in Arcadia Marble and a series of bullnose-edge skylights punctuate the ceiling, adding depth to the space.
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The kitchen is arguably the most opulent of all, with walls, countertops and a bespoke island encased in Breccia Capraia marble – sourced directly from Italy. Each bathroom, too, has been given its own identity, with stones handpicked to redefine their character.
A more-is-more approach to materials contrasts with the restrained, minimalist furniture choices, resulting in what Natale terms “European Minimalism.” The interplay of organic curves, lavish stone and contemporary furnishings speaks to Natale’s personal evolution. To revisit and reinvent a previous design from the ground up, Natale reflects, has been a ritualistic act: one that symbolises growth, change and a bold redefinition of his aesthetic voice.
