Today we take you inside Meller House. This architectural masterpiece was first built in the 1950s by highly acclaimed architect, Harry Seidler. It’s a home that blends the original mid-century spirit with a new era of considered, contemporary living.
This is another stellar project from our faves at The Stylesmiths. Lead designer, Rose Sorkheh, shows us around.
Related article: Inside the playful, architectural masterpiece: Chatterbox House
Related article: A sophisticated home with an array of colour and textures
Meller House is an architectural masterpiece, sensitively reimagined.
“This home is located in Castlecrag, Sydney. A suburb renowned for its architectural legacy and lush natural surroundings,” Rose explains.
“The homeowner, a true design enthusiast with impeccable taste, played a key role in sourcing and curating an interior that seamlessly aligns with the home’s mid-century modernist heritage.
“The home was originally designed and built by celebrated architect Harry Seidler in 1950. Since then, the home has been sensitively reimagined. The result is a residence that honors its mid-century spirit while embracing a new era of considered, contemporary living.”
The transformation of Meller House melded its mid-century spirit with the modern day.
“Set across multiple levels, Meller House is a family home. It is designed to be a serene retreat as well as for effortless entertaining. The layout includes 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an open plan living and dining zone. It has a concealed kitchen niche and an upstairs master suite with dressing area and terrace,” Rose says.
“Prior to the renovation, the home retained much of its 1950s charm, but required careful updating to align with contemporary living. It featured original travertine floors and expansive glazing, but some elements had aged and there was an opportunity to enhance cohesion between old and new.
The redesign introduced a refined materiality that elevates and modernises the home without erasing its architectural intent.
This home is bursting with glorious mid-century features, balanced with modern luxury.
“The client envisioned a home that would feel serene, purposeful, and deeply connected to nature. They wanted it to honor its mid-century roots, while embracing modern minimalism,” Rose explains.
“Their key requests included, a refined material palette that feels timeless and warm. A seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. A functional, yet luxurious kitchen. And considered lighting and furnishings that enhance, rather than overpower, the architecture.
The result is a harmonious fusion of mid-century modern and contemporary minimalism. It celebrates the clean lines and natural materials of its architectural origins while embracing a softer, more tactile approach to modern living.
The statement piece throughout the home is obviously the Calacatta Oro marble.
“When using a heavily veined marble, the secret lies in restraint and thoughtful placement,” says Rose.
“The use of Calacatta Oro marble is very intentional. It flows across key surfaces, such as the kitchen island, range hood, and vanity, without competing with other elements.
“Pared with sandy-toned timber veneer and travertine floors, the result is a layered, cohesive aesthetic that feels luxurious yet understated.”
In a fairly neutral home, Meller House achieves its level of style through textures and layers.
“Meller House is abundant in rich textures, tonal layers and sculptural elements. We brought in a refined mix of materials. Things such as travertine, timber veneer, leather and marble. Each of these brings its own depth and warmth.
“There are subtle contrasts throughout the home, such as black and metallic details that punctuate the softer colour palette. Statement lighting and furniture act as focal points, and natural light and greenery ensures the home always feels alive and dynamic,” smiles Rose.
Photography — Fiona Susanto
What a home! Meller House is a testament to thoughtful preservation and modern refinement, seamlessly blending history with contemporary elegance. The collaboration between the homeowner and designer Rose Sorkheh has resulted in a home that is both deeply personal and effortlessly sophisticated.
We never get sick of featuring homes from the talented team at The Stylesmiths! Big thank you to Rose for taking the time to show us around. For more projects from The Stylesmiths, take a look at their website, or get endless inspo from their Instagram feed.
More stunners from The Stylesmiths
