Thomas Hamel & Associates Project
Toorak
Vive La France
Inside a French-inspired Melbourne home, Thomas Hamel & Associates reworked a once formal interior into a more relaxed family residence with the breezy refinement of St Tropez.
The home already held a strong European sensibility, with generous rooms, high ceilings and banks of French doors. Rather than removing that character, the transformation focused on refining it, drawing the home closer to light, garden views and everyday family life while preserving its sense of elegance.
A Brighter Rhythm
The original layout felt disconnected, with the kitchen positioned away from the garden and living spaces that did not fully support the rhythm of a busy family home.
Thomas Hamel and his team reimagined the flow, relocating the kitchen to overlook the family room and garden, opening up living and dining areas and creating a dedicated rumpus room for the children. Brown timber tones were restrained, French doors were painted white, marble and brushed brass were introduced, and the overall palette was lifted without losing the home’s formal European character. The result is a residence that feels brighter and more effortless, balancing a sense of occasion with spaces designed for daily use.
Material Warmth
Across the interiors, whites and sandy neutrals are grounded by marble, brass, bronze, sisal and flat-weave rugs, giving the restrained palette warmth, texture and depth.
In the main bedroom sitting area, two Meadow Cocktail Tables introduce a sculptural brass note while reinforcing the room’s soft, curved forms. Nested together, they add depth and presence without interrupting the calm, layered feel of the space, echoing the broader use of brass and bronze carried throughout the home.
Refined Contrast
n the kitchen, Palecek’s Conrad Stools bring balance to a palette of marble, darker accents and timber flooring. Their brass frames connect with the warmer details carried throughout the home, while the woven backs introduce tactility within the refined kitchen scheme.
This balance of polish, warmth and ease runs through the wider transformation. Sculptural lighting, contemporary Australian artwork and carefully selected furniture bring energy and personality, while the restrained palette and material layering keep the home feeling calm, elegant and liveable.
About the Studio
Thomas Hamel & Associates is recognised for creating refined residential interiors that balance timeless elegance with the needs of contemporary living. Guided by a modern classic design philosophy, the Sydney-based studio delivers highly personalised homes that combine international influences, architectural sensitivity and enduring sophistication. Working closely with clients and leading creative collaborators, each project is shaped by a thoughtful approach to materials, proportion and liveability.
