By Studio Del Castillo
Reflective of the immersive and layered complexities of Melbourne as a city and of a rich connection to family, FJ House pulls together strong heritage bonds with a sense of place. Generous yet tightly bound through purposeful insertions, the home reflects an elevated luxury, celebrating warmth, tactility and local craftspeople.
Uniquely private, and disconnected from the streetscape, FJ House feels openly flowing within with the interior crafted as a place of refuge and one that connects. As a collaborative effort, a close working relationship between the impassioned client and the interior design team from the beginning ensured a more intuitive understanding of personalities and the resulting outcomes. Through this engaged process, the resolution of detailing of architectural elements then flows throughout.
Penny Del Castillo is the creative mind behind Studio Del Castillo, a multi-disciplinary, award-winning interior design studio with offices in Melbourne and Noosa.
Penny draws inspiration from eclectic cultures throughout the world, while meticulously maintaining the balance between style and function. This allows Penny and her team to create environments tailored to the multifaceted needs of each client.
For the past twenty years, Penny del Castillo—backed by her team of daring creatives and innovative thinkers—has systematically created unconventional solutions to achieve one-of-a-kind results. Together, they have established a whole host of uniquely unforgettable luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, wellness retreats, and spas.
“We are passionate about creating functional spaces that reflect and enhance the lives of those fortunate enough to live, work, and grow within them,” says del Castillo.
“Every opportunity and every challenge allow us, as designers, to fulfil the brief for clients—to make that dream come true. A lot of the time, it’s [just] problem-solving.”
“I hear [the phrase] ‘it can’t be done,’ a lot. But I’ve spent over two decades standing up for clients to make sure they get exactly what they want.”
Despite setbacks, contrary opinions, and seemingly insurmountable odds, del Castillo and her team have consistently produced world-class results.
“When we ask the unexpected questions,” she explains, “infinite possibilities reveal themselves.”