Marshall White Open - Metro E36

O pen

In conversation with

Emporean

Metropolitan Edition

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.

Recipe Burrata with Turmeric Oil and Macadamia Crumb from Lollo

24 Fairbairn Road, Toorak

Victorian Revival

Charlotte House seamlessly couples classic Victorian charm with one of the area's most striking modern renovations. Travertine and Venetian plaster finishes create an ambience of prestige throughout the practical, light-filled spaces in both the living areas and accommodations. This is a genuinely unique parkside opportunity and the perfect example of why agents love real estate.

Fraser Cahill, Marshall White Partner

Charlotte House c.1885 is a stunning Victorian residence that effortlessly merges timeless grace with contemporary sophistication. This designer's own three-bedroom, twobathroom home features an innovative split-level design, flowing from the traditional single-fronted entrance to the lofty living area, which opens onto an inviting entertainers' terrace and culminates in a serene treetop escape.

The kitchen details a full suite of Gaggenau appliances, while the bespoke bathrooms exude luxury with brushed-bronze tapware throughout. The interplay between old and new is masterfully executed, with double-glazed steel French doors and windows, velvety Venetian plaster, and the sleekest natural stones creating an impeccably curated interior.

Practical elements include privacy-enhancing plantation shutters, smart storage solutions, and a climate-controlled

environment. The property features beautifully irrigated grounds, a manicured formal front garden, and an entertainer's paradise backyard including a 'secret' gate to Brookville Gardens.

Situated in an enviable location, Charlotte House is within equal reach of the vibrant Toorak, Beatty Avenue, and Hawksburn Villages. This sophisticated home offers the perfect base to enjoy the best of café society, renowned restaurants, premium boutiques, and esteemed schools. Experience the epitome of modern Victorian elegance in this designer masterpiece. ■

For enquiries contact

Fraser Cahill 0400 592 572

Abby Innes 0423 210 790 VIEW LISTING

41 Chrystobel Crescent, Hawthorn

Esteemed Elegance

An elegant family home offering a stunning ground floor main bedroom suite, formal and informal living and entertaining areas and a lovely northern rear garden within the prestigious Grace Park Estate just moments from Glenferrie Road shops, cafes, cinemas, restaurants, public transport, and elite schools.

Associate Director

Désirée Wakim, Marshall White

In a prestigious tree-lined Grace Park location, this gloriously renovated solid brick c1920s residence effortlessly marries period elegance with captivating designer style. The home’s expansive and versatile dimensions provide an outstanding environment for every stage of modern family life, all nestled within picturesque north-facing garden surrounds.

An expansive verandah welcomes you into the central reception hall, which leads to a gracious sitting room and formal dining room, both featuring ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Timber floors flow seamlessly through the exceptionally generous open plan family and dining area, culminating in a sublime gourmet kitchen. The kitchen is appointed with top-of-the-line V-Zug appliances, including Combi Steam and Combair ovens, softclose cabinetry, and elegant marble benches. Bi-fold doors extend the living area out to a private landscaped garden oasis, complete with a serene water feature, stone-paved terrace, and a double garage accessed from the rear lane.

Intelligently zoned family accommodation comprises a serene downstairs main bedroom with a fireplace, bespoke robes, and

a designer ensuite with a double shower. Upstairs, a children's zone features three additional robed bedrooms, a retreat, an impeccably fitted home office, and a stylish bathroom with a separate powder room.

This exquisite home is conveniently located within walking distance of Glenferrie Road’s array of lifestyle amenities and esteemed schools. Additional features include an alarm system, ducted heating, RC/air-conditioning, ducted vacuum, designer laundry, heated bathroom floors, and irrigation.

The property sits atop an impressive land size of approximately 762 square metres.

Experience the perfect fusion of period elegance and modern sophistication in this exceptional family residence. ■

In conversation with

Emporean

Photo Credit Jorge Rivera

In this week’s feature, we talked with Emporean founder Jessica Violani about the company’s inception after identifying a gap in the Australian market for highquality European homewares. Inspired by their renovation project and travels, Jessica and her husband created Emporean, offering customers sustainable, timeless products with a story.

What was the inspiration behind establishing Emporean, and is there a story behind the name?

Emporean was born from our Potts Point home renovation experience, where we discovered a limited availability of high-quality European homewares in Australia. Our passion for these items, which create lasting impressions and provide the “finishing touches” to a home, led us to establish Emporean, offering exquisite table linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware, lighting, and outdoor furniture. The name Emporean comes from a mash-up of ‘European’ and ‘Emporium’ –we are an emporium of the finest European homewares.

Could you please explain the process for sourcing your homewares and unique artisan products?

As Europhiles, with my Italian husband Maurizio, we've frequently travelled to Europe and experienced many of these brands firsthand. We discover brands through travel, research, and referrals. Many of our initial brands were ones we stumbled upon during our travels, often contacting them after seeing something beautiful at a restaurant or hotel. This means video calls in the middle of the night in multiple languages with the founding family, getting to know their philosophy, approach to their craft, and its importance to their community. Importantly, each product must be European-designed and made – it has to be the real deal.

In what way does an Emporean product represent a piece of design history for buyers?

Many of our products are the originals or part of the innovative design movement that developed the aesthetic. For instance, Bitossi plates were the first to use whimsical messages, and our Richard Ginori range features designs by greats like Gio Ponti and Luke Edward Hall – their work is innovative, beautiful, and timeless. Similarly, Venini glassware, one of the most prestigious Venetian Murano producers, creates functional objects that are design classics, admired and imitated. These are tomorrow’s heirlooms, maintaining their value, with vintage Venini often costing more than new items.

How does your commitment to selecting high-quality, eco-friendly products reflect your vision for a more beautiful and sustainable future?

Our view is that sustainability starts with buying fewer, higher quality items that stand the test of time and transcend momentary fads. We source heirlooms of tomorrow, like copper pots or dinner services, that can last many lifetimes and be handed down through generations. These items, made by family companies in villages where the firm and community are interwoven, avoid built-in obsolescence and are timeless, built to last. At Emporean, we support these artisans for their dedication to craft, family, and community – the original sustainable enterprise.

Please expand on your philosophy, “What you buy is who you are.”

Our customers share an appreciation for beautiful design, originality, quality, and the story behind the object. They celebrate the luxuries in everyday things, understanding that a life well-lived is about savouring the details in simple moments, like enjoying the feel of a glass or the texture of a tablecloth. These responsibly made and sourced objects, heirlooms of tomorrow with stories from particular communities, not only make life more enjoyable but will last a lifetime.

Can you share your vision for Emporean's progression into the future?

We aim to grow our customer base by expanding our offering of high-quality, curated European brands and products, venturing into categories like candles, perfumes, books, giftware, and vintage. Launching a wedding registry and trade offer for interior designers and DIY enthusiasts is also on the horizon. As one of Australia’s leading purveyors of European homewares, we plan to open showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne, building our presence over time. ■

Photo Credit Jorge Rivera

Burrata with Turmeric Oil and Macadamia Crumb

Lollo at Melbourne's W Hotel, helmed by culinary director Adam D'Sylva, unveils Chef de Cuisine

Xavier Tocco’s curated recipe for Burrata with Turmeric Oil and Macadamia Crumb.

Ingredients Method

125 g burrata

Dukkha

20 g raw macadamia nuts

3 g cumin seeds

3 g coriander seeds

1 g fennel seeds

Turmeric Oil

5 g turmeric

50 ml extra virgin olive oil

1 coffee filter

Garnish

Edible flowers

Basil leaves

Sea salt flakes

Fresh ground pepper

Serves 2

Turmeric Oil

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and turmeric for a couple of minutes; the oil should not exceed 85 degrees Celsius. Set aside for about 30 minutes to infuse before straining through a coffee filter. Store in the refrigerator until needed.

Macadamia Dukkha

Preheat the oven to 140 degrees Celsius. Spread all the spices on a flat baking tray and bake for about 5-10 minutes. Using a spice grinder or a mortar, coarsely grind the spices. Chop the macadamia nuts with a knife on a clean chopping board. In a bowl, combine the chopped macadamia nuts, ground spices, and salt; mix well with a spoon.

To Serve

Place the burrata in the centre of a small bowl or plate, drizzle with turmeric oil, and sprinkle generously with the macadamia dukkha. Garnish with edible flower petals and fresh basil leaves.

This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, accompanied by a loaf of fresh bread from your local bakery.

Lollo

W Melbourne Hotel 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Change Makers

Bunch Beautiful

More than a flower delivery service, The Beautiful Bunch is a social enterprise aimed at empowering refugee women. We explored this inspiring venture with Studio Director Riana Jayaraj.

Can you tell us about the origin of The Beautiful Bunch and the inspiration behind providing employment opportunities for women from refugee backgrounds?

The Beautiful Bunch was born during Melbourne’s lengthy lockdown in October 2020. Our CEO, Jane Marx, together with three amazing young women from refugee backgrounds, saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. The idea was to offer paid training opportunities to young women who often find themselves sidelined in the mainstream workforce. We believe in the power of employment as a tool for empowerment. It’s crucial for these young women to gain meaningful employment early on. They face considerable challenges entering the workforce, and we are dedicated to helping them secure jobs, gain financial independence, and chase their dreams.

Could you discuss the challenges these women face in the workforce and how The Beautiful Bunch’s supportive environment helps overcome them?

Many of the women we work with face a long and difficult journey securing employment in Australia. They’re dealing with a new language, unfamiliar culture, and often doing it without the support of family or friends. We provide a safe and nurturing space where they can grow and flourish. The Beautiful Bunch is all about creating a sense of community amongst these women, offering a supportive environment that caters to their unique needs and helps them overcome these challenges.

What significance does being the only Victorian not-forprofit focused on young women from refugee backgrounds hold for The Beautiful Bunch, and how does this influence your approach and initiatives?

We have designed our program around ensuring that the obstacles that exist to entering the mainstream workforce. Our approach prioritises accessibility: no prior work experience or high English proficiency is required, and childcare or limited availability are not seen as barriers. Our focus is on meeting their needs while running a busy floristry business.

In your six-month training program, what key skills do you focus on teaching, and how do you believe these skills prepare your trainees for future success?

Over six months, we focus on teaching them everything from botanical knowledge and the basics of floristry to digital skills and financial literacy. We also place a strong emphasis on developing soft skills, like effective communication and building confidence. We aim to prepare them not just for professional opportunities in floristry but also for personal growth and success in various aspects of their lives.

How does your daily process of selecting and creating one style of bouquet distinguish The Beautiful Bunch?

We start as early as 2:30 am, heading to the Melbourne Flower Market to pick the freshest seasonal flowers and foliage for our “Bunch of the Day”. This commitment to using locally grown Australian blooms is part of our effort to minimise our carbon footprint. It’s not just about making beautiful bouquets; it’s about sustainable practices and reflecting our core values.

Can you elaborate on how purchasing flowers from The Beautiful Bunch contributes to the trainees’ professional growth and confidence?

For most of the young women we work with, this is their first job. We provide paid training, which is essential for their full participation and growth. We are a social enterprise, so most of our work is funded through our flower sales. The support from our customers is crucial. We intend to provide our program participants with a diverse range of transferable skills that will set them up for long-term success. This work is made possible thanks to our loyal, flower-loving customers. ■

Life after stone engineered

As of July 1, the Australian government will ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs containing over 1% silica due to the health risks of respirable crystalline silica dust causing silicosis when inhaled by workers cutting and installing the material.

Engineered stone, composed of crushed quartz bound with polymer resin, offers durability and aesthetics but poses serious risks from its high silica content. In contrast, natural stone, such as granite or marble, is quarried from the earth and poses no known health risks when used as a benchtop material. The ban will affect engineered stone's availability in construction and renovations and steer kitchen design towards safer, more sustainable choices.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, homeowners are exploring substitute kitchen benchtop materials that offer both style and functionality. One material gaining traction in Europe and the US is porcelain. Non-porous, heat and scratch-resistant, porcelain offers durability and minimal maintenance. Available in a range of colours and patterns that mimic natural stone, concrete, and even wood, porcelain provides a versatile and compelling solution.

Solid surface materials, such as Corian or Staron, are another attractive option. These engineered products, composed of acrylic or polyester resins, provide a seamless, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and maintain. They can be thermoformed into various shapes and even incorporate integrated sinks for a contemporary aesthetic.

For a more traditional or rustic aesthetic, timber benchtops remain a timeless alternative. Hardwoods like oak, walnut, and maple bring warmth and character to a kitchen, while sustainable choices like bamboo offer a unique, eco-friendly alternative. High-pressure laminates have also evolved, now providing a wide range of finishes at an affordable price point.

Stainless steel benchtops, a staple in professional kitchens, offer a sleek, hygienic, and heat-resistant surface for homeowners seeking an industrial feel. Concrete benchtops, either poured in place or precast, provide a contemporary and customisable solution that can be tinted, textured, and finished to create a unique and durable surface.

As Australia adapts to the engineered stone ban, homeowners have a diverse array of replacement kitchen benchtop materials to explore. By staying informed about the new regulations and working closely with suppliers and fabricators, they can make choices that prioritise both style and safety in their kitchen renovations.

By setting a precedent in regulating materials based on health considerations, Australia may potentially reshape global trends in interior design and construction, encouraging a shift towards more responsible selections in the heart of the home. As other countries take note of Australia's proactive stance on worker and consumer safety, the ripple effect could lead to widespread changes in the global market for kitchen benchtop materials. ■

Developed by Architecture by Gardens by

Managed by

In collaboration with

Feature Rental Property

Light and Style

32 Park Road, Middle Park A 4 B 3 $2,900pw

This period home, just 350 metres from the beach, has been transformed into a stunning contemporary haven with a flexible floorplan. High ceilings, timber floors, and a traditional L-shaped hallway lead to the primary bedroom suite, a second bedroom, a sitting room/ library, and a study. The rear of the house opens to an impressive kitchen/lounge/dining domain with Neff appliances and a butler's pantry, flowing out to a low-maintenance yard. Upstairs, an expansive, versatile space, an additional bedroom, a bathroom, and a rooftop terrace complete this remarkable family home.

For enquiries contact Neil Harris 0419 337 899

Developed by

Architecture by Gardens by Managed by

Our Locations

Contact your local team to experience the Marshall White difference. Boroondara

Brighton

225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999

Sandringham

22 Bay Road, Sandringham VIC 3191 (03) 9822 9999

Balwyn

Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999

Hawthorn

801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999

Doncaster

908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9822 9999

Flinders

10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 8564 2464

Mt Eliza

98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650

Sorrento

60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000

Albert Park

110 Bridport Street, Albert Park (03) 9822 9999

Armadale

1111 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999