The Quiet Luxury of Simplicity: Why Restraint Defines Modern Australian Design
Port Melbourne Project by MR. MITCHELL Interiors. Photography Peter Clarke.
Over the years, I’ve learned that true luxury is rarely loud.
It’s not about excess or embellishment.
It’s about knowing when to stop. In modern Australian interiors, restraint has become the new form of sophistication.
As an interior designer in Melbourne, I’ve found that the most memorable spaces are often defined not by what’s added, but by what’s left out. Simplicity allows the eye to rest. It invites calm, proportion, and a sense of purpose. Through careful balance, every texture, line, and negative space contributes to an atmosphere of quiet confidence. It’s this sense of harmony that lies at the heart of high end interior design, where clarity and craftsmanship work together to create timeless elegance.
In our studio, we often discuss proportion as the foundation of every successful design. Whether we’re working with generous volumes or compact city apartments, proportion dictates how the space feels and flows. Negative space (what’s left unfilled) is equally powerful. It allows light and materials to breathe, giving form to the unseen. Our work frequently draws inspiration from the Australian landscape, such as expansive skies, soft coastal hues, and an appreciation for natural rhythm.
I believe this connection to the environment shapes our collective design language. We design interiors that are tactile and timeless, spaces that don’t shout for attention but quietly demand it through their balance and integrity.
One project that captures this philosophy perfectly is our Port Melbourne Residence, created in collaboration with the architects at Seidler Group.
We completely reimagined the interior of this eighth-floor apartment, which enjoys sweeping city views to the north and tranquil water views to the south. Flooded with natural light, it was the ideal canvas for restraint and refinement.
The clients were downsizing from a rural property and wanted a feeling of timeless elegance while maximising the sense of space. We introduced curved and battened cabinetry that flowed effortlessly from one area to another, concealing storage while maintaining visual simplicity. Lighting, furniture, and artwork were all specified to complement the architecture, not compete with it. This is the essence of high end interior design in Melbourne, where every detail serving a purpose, every gesture intentional.
Toorak Project by MR. MITCHELL Interiors. Photography Nicole England.
Another project close to my heart is the Toorak House, a 1930s Tudor-Revival home originally designed by architect Robert Hamilton as his private residence.
From the outset, we knew this project would be about balance, preserving the home’s historic soul while introducing a sense of modern ease. Generous ceilings, a graceful central staircase, and abundant natural light gave us a strong foundation.
As entertainers, the clients wanted the house to open up while retaining its elegance. We reinstated period detailing where possible and layered it with classic materials to achieve subtle luxury: Taj Mahal quartzite, brass, and aged bronze. Shades of blue and russet anchored the palette, creating warmth and continuity. For us, this project reflects how interior design continues to evolve: authentic, restrained, and deeply personal.
When we strip a space back to its essentials, what remains must work in harmony and be truly authentic. Each material, finish, and texture must earn its place.
True beauty lies in craftsmanship, proportion, and the quiet interplay of light and shadow. As both a designer and a curator of experiences, I find that restraint brings freedom. It allows a home to feel lived in, but never cluttered. Our work at MR. MITCHELL continues to celebrate this quiet luxury. Whether it’s a beachside apartment or a heritage home, the goal remains the same: to create interiors that feel easy to live in, and ultimately crafted for connection.
