By Greg Natale
Greg Natale has brought his signature style to a much-loved hotel in the NSW Hunter Valley. The Sebel Kirkton Park was in need of a revamp worthy of its spectacular surroundings, and thanks to Greg Natale Design, its guests can now enjoy one-of-a-kind hospitality in one of Australia’s finest wine regions.
First impressions are all-important, and Greg Natale Design has ensured that arriving at the Sebel Kirkton is an experience to be savoured. A grand, open entry hall, a guest-friendly reception with double seated check-in desks, and a light-filled atrium with a custom-built circular bench all bring a sense of luxury and occasion, while smaller seating areas lend intimate touches.
It is not only the hotel’s design that reveals Natale’s vision, but much of its décor as well. Greg Natale’s Hudson furniture features throughout, as do several of his wallpapers from Porter’s Paints. The entry hall, reception and atrium are all magnificently hued in Atlantic Pearl, a sophisticated blue that pops through the entire hotel and is complemented by a monochrome palette as well as gilt and brass finishes.
Monochromes feature in the stunning new split-level bar and lounge, where Natale’s patterned carpets enhance the luxurious atmosphere. Here, a sunken lounge radiates from the working fireplace and leads up to a black and brass-detailed bar designed to be accessible in the round.
Inspired by the Sebel’s collection of blue and white china, the elegant bistro, centred round a four-sided, high-backed banquette, offsets blue wallpaper and leather dining chairs with a sultry dark timber floor and the chic white of timber shutters.
The overall mood, one of polished comfort, extends to the guest rooms. Here, elements such as Natale’s wallpaper in gold and white, continued accents of blue and the considered use of monochromes all contribute to what is an undeniably sumptuous stay.
Greg Natale, founder and director of Greg Natale, is a multi-award-winning Australian designer known for his innovative approach to creating highly detailed and uniquely curated spaces. His designs have featured in numerous local and international publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Vanity Fair, Vogue Living and Belle. Among the many awards to his name are Belle Interior Designer of the Year for both 2011 and 2014, and the 2021 Australian House & Garden Room of the Year. He has been named one of The World's Most Influential Designers by AD Mexico and a Design Visionary by Harper's Bazaar Interiors Middle East.
At the core of Greg Natale's intricately layered approach is tailoring to his client's individual tastes and needs. His passion for materiality, colour, pattern, and geometry motivates the designer to consistently explore new avenues and design genres through his work, weaving various references from classic to contemporary into his designs.
Greg has released three books on interior design showcasing his unique style: The Tailored Interior (published by Hardie Grant Books Australia in 2014), The Patterned Interior (published by Rizzoli NY in 2018) and The Layered Interior (published by Rizzoli NY in 2022). He continues to expand his business and currently has his own line of products available online and at the Greg Natale flagship store in Sydney, as well as leading homewares stockists in Australia, North America, Europe and Asia.