When I first heard about the redesign of Stephen Mendel’s Melbourne home, co-founder of GlobeWest, I was immediately intrigued. It’s one thing to see an interior designer transform a blank canvas, but what happens when the client is already deeply immersed in the world of design? Personally, I think this is where the real magic lies—in the collaboration between a seasoned designer and a client who brings their own informed perspective. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Simone Haag navigated this delicate balance, creating a space that feels both refined and deeply personal.
The Art of Refinement, Not Revolution
One thing that immediately stands out is how Haag approached this project not as a transformation but as a refinement. The home, originally a 1960s single-storey dwelling, had already been renovated into a split-level layout. From my perspective, this is where many designers might feel constrained, but Haag saw it as an opportunity. She didn’t erase the home’s identity; instead, she enhanced it. What many people don’t realize is that true design mastery often lies in knowing what to keep, not just what to change. This raises a deeper question: How do we honor a space’s history while pushing it forward? Haag’s answer lies in careful editing and recalibration, a process that feels both thoughtful and intentional.
The Whisky Room: A Study in Contrast
A detail that I find especially interesting is the whisky room. It’s not just a room; it’s a mood. Haag layered patterned wallpaper, softer textiles, and an intimate palette to create a retreat within the home. What this really suggests is that even in open, modern spaces, there’s a need for pockets of intimacy. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a universal truth—we all crave spaces that allow us to slow down and connect. The whisky room isn’t just a design choice; it’s a psychological one, offering a contrast to the home’s openness that feels both deliberate and necessary.
The Living Room: Where Modernism Meets Personal History
The living room, in my opinion, is the heart of this project. Statement wallpaper on the ceiling, plush carpet, and a curated art wall—these elements draw on the home’s modernist roots while infusing it with personality. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Haag balanced the Mendels’ existing art collection with new interventions. The African artifacts, contemporary works, and antique ceramics aren’t just decorations; they’re anchors. They inform the layering throughout the space, creating a sense of depth and history. This isn’t just design; it’s storytelling.
The Collaboration: A Nuanced Dance
Working with clients who are already design-savvy is no small feat. Personally, I think the success of this project lies in Haag’s ability to lean into the Mendels’ knowledge while introducing moments of disruption. It’s a nuanced dance—knowing when to challenge their ideas and when to let their expertise shine. What this really suggests is that collaboration, at its best, is about mutual respect. The result? A home that reflects not just the Mendels’ work in the industry but their personal history and way of living.
The Broader Implications: Design as a Reflection of Self
If you take a step back and think about it, this project is about more than just a beautifully redesigned home. It’s a reflection of how design can—and should—be deeply personal. In a world where trends come and go, what remains is the story a space tells. From my perspective, this is the future of interior design: not just creating beautiful rooms, but crafting spaces that resonate on a deeper level. What many people don’t realize is that this level of personalization requires a designer who is willing to listen, to collaborate, and to push boundaries gently.
Final Thoughts: A Quietly Resolved Home
As I reflect on this project, one thing is clear: the home feels quietly resolved. It’s not flashy or overdesigned; it’s layered, personal, and warm. Haag’s use of earthy neutrals, softened greens, and tactile textiles grounds each space, while the Mendels’ art collection keeps the focus on what matters most—their story. Personally, I think this is the ultimate goal of design: to create a space that feels like home, not just a showcase. And in that, Haag and the Mendels have succeeded brilliantly.
