Amaro Rosso By Alyssa Owens Design
Named after the Italian red bitter, Amaro Rosso is an Edwardian home in Preston, where Alyssa Owens Design draws on its owners’ Italian heritage layered with Murano glass, mulberry and fire-engine red.
Words HANDE RENSHAW Photos DYLAN JAMES Styling ETHAN WAIRAU
The Edwardian facade of Amaro Rosso holds onto its original character.
Gubi Semi Pendants in fennel seed from In Good Company, dining chairs from MCM House and dining table from Trit House.
Large Red Vase by Gaetano Pesce from Artemest, Art by Ro Noonan, Gubi Semi Pendants in fennel seed from In Good Company, dining table from Trit House and dining chairs from MCM House.
“The palette is layered and atmospheric, with just enough acidity to keep the warmth from feeling heavy.”
The Italian-Australian thread runs through both the sourcing and the sensibility of the interior.
Pierre stool by Ellison Studios, Telephone wire bowl from Pan After and Dancer Editions pendant from Coco Flip.
Meadow Rug by Armadillo, Malli Flush stainless steel coffee table, Roly Poly Chair by Faye Toogood from Driade and Psychedelic Wall Sconce by Caia Leifsdotter.
Vintage console from Ma House Supply Store.
Artwork by Nunzio Miano, Lines Stripe Tabouret from WORN Store and Monde Studio Sofa 3B in bespoke Mokum velvet.
Monde Studio Sofa 3B in bespoke Mokum velvet.
Mariza Galani Esoteric sconce by Emporean, Alyona 4 photograph by Marc Gabor from Tappan Collective, Burl bedsides by Ferm Living and Lull bed by Ellison Studios.
Lull bed by Ellison Studios and Mariza Galani Esoteric sconce by Emporean.
In the master bedroom, the palette takes on a more dramatic and richer tone. Dresser by Rachel Donath.
Chairs by Malli and desk by Ferm Living.
Artwork by Natasha France and ceramic by James Lemon. Vintage Akari UF4-L8 from Ma House Supply Store. Desk by Ferm Living, Artemide Shogun Lamp, Marea Rug in Clay by Armadillo and Tulip Chair from The Artz Collection.
Alium Vase by Hattie Molloy and Beau towels from In the Sac.
In the nursery, marble side table by Fleur Studios, Narcissus lamp by Xenica Objects, Icelandic Sheepskin Chair by CCSS and Agra Rug by Armadillo.
Amaro Rosso by Alyssa Owens Design is an Edwardian home in Preston, in Melbourne’s inner north, defined by saturated colour, sculptural furniture, Murano glass and a strong connection to its owners’ Italian background.
Melbourne-based designer Alyssa Owens, founder of Alyssa Owens Design, worked with a young Italian couple to bring greater warmth and character to their Edwardian home. High ceilings, original mouldings and period details were already in place, but the predominantly white interior felt flat and unresolved.
Named after the Italian red bitter, Amaro Rosso takes its cue from the palette that moves throughout the interior. ‘The name earns its reference: rusts, mulberries, terracottas, warm beiges, pinks and fire-engine accents run through the home, sharpened by moments of citrus, fennel and pistachio green,’ Alyssa shares.
Texture and material add further depth to the scheme, with timber pieces, tactile upholstery, patterned rugs and sculptural lighting sitting alongside glass and ceramic objects. The mix gives the rooms a relaxed, lived-in quality while keeping the stronger colours in balance.
In the living room, a portrait by Sicilian-Australian artist Nunzio Miano anchors the space, while a Gaetano Pesce vase in fire-engine red and hot pink introduces a playful note. Armadillo rugs, timber furniture and contemporary Australian pieces are mixed with Italian design, creating a collection that feels personal to the owners and reflective of the home they wanted to create.
The master bedroom is one of the more colour saturated spaces, with earthy red walls paired with a forest-green bed and mauve fringed coverlet. Overhead, a vintage Murano chandelier adds another Italian reference, its glass form bringing lightness against the deeper tones below.
In the study, a curved walnut desk sits beneath a soft pink ceiling, joined by a mulberry chair and rust-toned rug. An Italian Shogun lamp brings a graphic note, while a blue abstract artwork cuts through the warmer scheme.
Vintage Italian pieces continue throughout the house alongside contemporary Australian furniture and art, while the original Edwardian details remain clearly present. The contrast between period architecture and more expressive furnishings gives the interior a sense of character without losing the qualities that first drew the owners to the home.
Vintage Italian pieces and contemporary Australian design sit comfortably within the original Edwardian setting, giving the home a strong sense of character without overwhelming its period details.
Location: Preston, VIC/Wurundjeri Country
Interior Design: Alyssa Owens Design
Photography: Dylan James
