Master designer David Hicks produces extraordinarily layered projects that are glamorous, functional and full of beautiful decorative elements. inside co-editor Jan Henderson visits Hicks At Home to take a grand tour of his bespoke apartment in Melbourne that impresses from the first step inside the front door.

inside: How long have you lived here and what drew you to the property?

David Hicks: I purchased the apartment as a shell eight years ago when they were developing the building. As I am an interior designer I obviously wanted to put my own stamp on the interior. What drew me to this building was the large scale of the apartments and that the building was intimate with only 16 residences.

When did you produce this design?

The design was completed eight years ago.

What was the thinking behind the design?

I concentrated heavily on the space planning at first as I had a large area of 280 square metres to fill. I wanted some big scale open areas and some more intimate areas. Like most of my projects, the bones of the design were based on modernist principles with a layering of the decorative over the top. This created a very resolved, streamlined design that is true to the way I like to live. Materials were selected for maximum impact and used in large scale – such as the Calacatta marble slabs in the kitchen and bathroom and the silver travertine flooring that runs throughout the apartment and also the terraces.

The luxurious bathroom.

Are you a good client?

I like to think so. I am pretty decisive. I work through the planning fast and the workability of the spaces, but when it comes to the materials it becomes more difficult as there is so much choice.

Which is your favourite room and what makes it special?

My favourite room would have to be the living area. This is a space where I have lots of my objects that I have found on my travels, along with artwork and favourite pieces of furniture. It is a sumptuous space and a great area of the house in which to entertain.

Lots of layers and details come together at David Hicks’ own home.

Tell us a bit about working with your art collection?

Art for me is separate to decorating. I don’t tend to match it to what I am doing. I also did not really have a scheme or theme for my place – I let it come together organically.

Which is your favourite piece of furniture and why?

This is a difficult one as I love furniture and keep changing it. I love looking for new and unique pieces. I would have to say at the moment it is the gold floor lamp that has four fan shapes on it. It is called Gingobilo and was designed by Carlo Giorgi in the 70s. It is very glamorous.

Calcatta marble makes a statement.

Does being in the design industry, where you’re constantly looking at new design, make it difficult to choose products for your own home?

In a way it makes it easier as I know what works and what doesn’t. We have tried a lot of things and have seen them in situ, so I can easily visualise a lot of materials. For me, it is about constantly refining my art and honing my skills to produce the best design I can.

Are there any loose elements that you change frequently and, if so, what are they?

I change a lot of things regularly. From cushions to upholstery fabrics and furniture to artwork. My house is like a melting pot of ideas and I often have new finds displayed.

David Hicks at home in Melbourne.

davidhicks.com

Photography by Dianna Snape.

This article originally appeared in inside 97 – available here or digitally through Zinio.

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Visit the home of architect Albert Mo, founder and director at Architects Eat.