The European Hotel, and all the respective environments within it -from Rafaels, Crudino, Privato to The Melbourne Lounge, was an exercise in creating spaces that spoke to the Italian heritage of both owner Mario Di Nardo and to design director Alex Zabotto-Bentley.
Reimagining this iconic site was exciting for Alex as he wanted to imbue an aesthetic and personality and introduce key elements that were stand out. In every space there are iconic Italian elements which are treated differently with respect paid to each environment. Elegant Italian with a lyrical and intelligent twist.
Rafaels is a casual fun environment and Alex wanted it to feel like a cool Italian apartment… filled with exciting art and amazing plants in beautiful vessels. It is an elegant greenhouse.
Crudino was detailed to feel like a luxe Italian kitchen with a private dining room presided over by exquisite Roman bronze busts from Graham Geddes, multiple Moroccan pots clustered together and beautiful Italian ceramics.The Melbourne Lounge is a theatrical environment with multiple black drapes as back drop with feature large modern art pieces, fantastic combinations of furniture and a wall of custom wallpaper from the iconic Italian brand Fornasetti leading into the private dining rooms. This elegant interior design is the perfect environment for patrons to hideaway in smaller groups away from the bustling bar.
“It has been a joy to finely select every minute detail to enrich the Italian soul of this wonderful location, The European.’