Interior designer Tali Roth showcases her distinctively laid-back and exuberant style within her own home in Melbourne’s Toorak.
Tali Roth’s eccentricity can be partly credited to her time spent living in New York City, where she founded her namesake interior design studio in 2015, and partly to her upbringing in suburban Melbourne, surrounded by the mid-century architecture of the ’60s and ’70s. In the same neighbourhood where she grew up, Melbourne’s Toorak, Tali has designed her own interiors within a 50-year-old three-storey brick house. “I grew up in this neighbourhood, and I will most likely die in this neighbourhood,” she remarks. “I didn’t miss it when we lived in NYC, but it feels good to be back.”
Tali Roth in her vibrant and expertly curated living space, which features a B&B Italia Le Bambole ’07 sofa, Cassina 524 Tabouret Berger stool, De La Espada Laurel side table, Artifort Mushroom stool, Umberto Bellardi Ricci Mano floor lamp, Armadillo Sahara rug, vintage travertine coffee tables and Jardan cushions. Artwork by Oscar Perry.
Tali was drawn to the house for its similarities to her childhood home; designed by architect Robert Rosh in 1960, it reflects the dominant mid-century aesthetic of the era, with a “European flair” that sets it apart from traditional post-war architecture. She shares the home with her husband, Marcus, and three children, Phoenix, Romeo and Ruby. “Our home is a reflection of this stage of our lives, although some people may claim it’s not very child-friendly,” she laughs.
For most people, finally reaching the stage of creating your ‘dream home’ ensues years of mental preparation – whether that be actively planning or simply collecting and distilling inspiration. Tali falls into this category. “I have been thinking about this moment for many years, during which I cemented my personal style and developed a good sense of how I wanted to live,” she says.
The kitchen is characterised by warm timber cabinetry, Carrara marble benchtops and a stainless-steel rangehood. The space features an Ilve Nostalgie cooktop, Perrin & Rowe pot filler, La Marzocco coffee machine, Bruno Rey bar stools, and an assortment of ceramic and glass vessels.
Tali’s style evokes the description “effortlessly cool”, with each piece an indicator of her eccentric nature and inimitable creativity. Every level of the home elicits a new experience, with the material palette transitioning from cool to warm as you travel from the basement level up. “I want people to register the feeling of each space and carry that sensation with them,” Tali says. “I love an interior that makes me feel something and sparks my creativity. I wanted to create that for other people.”
The unmistakable sign of a home that truly embodies your unique style is when singling out a favourite piece or feature becomes almost impossible. “I love everything. It sounds ridiculous, but each piece of furniture, lighting, material and appliance I really put a lot of thought into,” Tali says. She speaks animatedly of the bespoke brass doors in the basement, the warm mustard-yellow walls in the entryway, and the charming original staircase with the planter boxes. “The whole home just makes me so happy.”
The rumpus room on the basement level features a Martinelli Luce Pipistrello table lamp, Cassina Constantin side table and USM Haller storage system.
A bespoke brass door that leads into a playroom features Knoll Tulip chairs. “I designed the doors with the idea that one day the playroom would be turned into a home gym or wet bar,” Tali says.
“I love the mustard-yellow walls of the entryway; it’s such an amazing first impression of the home,” Tali says. A vintage Cassina Carimate armchair, Sisan Lee side table, and Artemide Shogun wall lamp are pictured in the space. The powder room beyond is lined in Gucci Lillies wallpaper.