The Milton, heavenly restoration in Melbourne, Australia

Up-and-coming Melbourne-based design studio, Biasol crafted the interior of The Milton, a food and wine bar in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood, a favourite destination for beachgoers who don't want to venture too far outside the city.
“Then wilt thou not be loath/To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess/A Paradise within thee, happier far.” When John Milton wrote these verses of “Paradise Lost” back in 1667, Australia had only just been discovered by the Dutch, and there was certainly no trace of the Melbourne bayside suburb of Elwood, a favourite destination for beachgoers


Now, this thriving suburb teeming with large period houses has a new venue, The Milton, a food and wine bar designed by Biasol design studio, which offered a complete consulting service, crafting the building works, interior design and even the branding. 

The Edwardian facade has been retained and opens into a vibrant space with a contemporary feel, incorporating the existing brickwork into the design. Patrons here are accompanied on their journey from the wine bar into the back room with open fireplace, where the walls are lined with wooden slats that flow seamlessly from one span to another, in a kind of kaleidoscope effect. The locally sourced Victorian Ash used for the cladding helps create this atmosphere of shadows and natural light. 



Old and new elements stand side by side here, some designed by Jean-Pierre Biasol; Carrara marble tabletops are set against the exposed brick walls. 

The Milton by Biasol is a creative, innovative mix, so it's not just a tribute to the genius of John Milton and to the area's old world charm, it truly embraces the idea of socialising where patrons can get together in a cosy, friendly venue and experience truly happy moments. Dare we say a real heaven on earth, perhaps even a prelude to one of those nights the English poet was referring to when he wrote: “What hath night to do with sleep?”

Christiane Bürklein

Project: Jean-Pierre Biasol – Biasol Design Studio http://www.biasol.com.au/
Location: Elwood Melbourne, Australia
Year: 2015
Photography: © Ari Hazis http://arihatzis.photoshelter.com/