‘Home’ to interior designer Brahman Perera is a place that says something about the people who live there, and encapsulates all the senses.
This is evident in his West Melbourne home, where Brahman lives with his partner, restaurateur Jason M Jones (owner of Entrecôte and several other Melbourne venues), and poodles Billie and Ella.
Brahman was first introduced to this home by clients, who engaged the designer to overhaul the property. At the time, the property was actually two separate 1860s terraces, each with their own front doors.
‘It was time to introduce a sense of order and clarity to the many rooms; and introduce light and clear circulation to the two terraces in order to shape the house, this time, to the clients — in a delicate and respectful way of course!’ says Brahman of the project. His vision was to fuse a ‘lyricism of historical romance and complexities’ with a more ‘avant-garde contemporary vernacular’ inspired by the clients’ love and patronage of the arts.
The clients intended to live in the home upon completion, but the pandemic inspired a move to the country instead. Fortunately, Brahman was more than happy to take their place! ‘Having fallen in love with the project and house, it was a smooth transition moving into this beautiful place,’ he says.
Renovations have vastly improved the layout of this property, allowing a diverse collection of furniture and objects to sit together harmoniously in the space — perfect for people who regularly collect and purchase random chairs and tables! ‘A geometric crispness, clarity of plan and a rightness of proportion lifted the period labyrinth out of disorder, and opened it up into a charming and homely residence,’ says Brahman.
Throughout the home, a considered use of rich colour and texture also anchors the couple’s eclectic collection of furniture and artwork. ‘I am particular drawn to balancing textures and different mediums to create a rich landscape, and also a story’ Brahman muses. In the main bedroom, deep olive green walls present the perfect backdrop for Sheridan’s luxe cotton sateen Estrel Quilt Cover in Cumin, and velvet olive cushions.
The official renovation is complete, but the interiors are ever changing. The couple continue to dress and redress the spaces with new art, furniture and styling elements, as they evolve and enjoy the home. ‘It’s never ever “done”, as we are never ever done. That’s the beauty of creating a base palette, so our own personality can grow with the interior,’ Brahman says. ‘Personality, truth and sincerity will surely always result in beauty.’
Shop Sheridan’s latest collection, Harmony of Contrasts, at Sheridan Boutiques, sheridan.com.au, David Jones and Myer.
