Marble Maestro Adele Cotruzzola’s Home Is an Ode to Gorgeous Stone

May 29, 2020 by Genevieve Rosen

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we’re celebrating innovators, artisans and crafters of all types, taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we head to the luxurious Melbourne home of marble maven Adele Cotruzzola of Just Adele.

Adele Cotruzzola has quickly made a name for herself in the interior design space. Her eponymous furniture line is known for its simple stone tables—structural, squared off, unadorned and crafted from high-quality natural materials, carrying with it the air of a bespoke commission. Striking and utterly unique, they’re perfect as the centrepiece of a sprawling living space or as a discreet addition to your bedroom.

Adele’s home in Melbourne has a similar feel to her work. Though modern in scope, with its soaring ceilings and neutral colour palette, the space is also timeless and classic. You can chalk that down to all that gorgeous stone: Adele has used it as a splashback in the kitchen, as a dining island, all throughout the bathroom. There are also Just Adele plinths in the bedroom and side tables in the lounge room.

Adele moved into the house six years ago. With the exception of the heritage facade, the entire space was remodelled by her parents, with interior decoration by Mim Design. It was a huge task, but one that Adele is continually refining. “It is quite organic,” she says. “I am always finding new objects, ceramics, books and decorative pieces to bring into the interiors, whatever I gravitate towards at the moment.” Her number one design tip is to be conscious in your styling. “I dislike wastage, so I try to invest in pieces [that I’ll] keep forever,” she explains.

This is the motto at the heart of Just Adele, too. The designer uses only recycled stone in her pieces, breathing new life into offcuts or discarded pieces. The idea is to revive and regenerate, rather than consume for the sake of consuming: a Just Adele piece is intended to be treasured forever. “I am a believer that all great designs, no matter the size, can have a profound impact in the home,” she says.

Hi Adele! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?

Hi, thanks for the opportunity guys! I am a maker of natural stone and marble furniture.

How does the act of “making” relate to your personality and who you are?

I am Italian and like many Italians, I don’t like sitting still. Making to me resonates on so many levels both personally and professionally. I am very much a senses kind of person so I like to visualise and create rather than express through words.

Tell us about your career journey to date. Did you always know you wanted to pursue this line of work?

After finishing school I pursued graphic design and communications but kept finding myself getting more involved in the home and interior design. I think I have always been intrigued by the art of living so ending up in furniture making was quite organic.

Talk to us through your creative process. Where do you start?

In terms of a starting point, I think my process begins with the intention of a piece. As I use natural stone it’s important to get proportions just right—I like to keep my designs simple.

What’s been the single most crucial tool or strategy you’ve used to grow your creative business?

I would definitely say networking. Sourcing can be tough at times and requires a little hustle. Networking has helped me source new suppliers, collaborators and also help me bridge the gap between getting it right or getting taken for a ride.

What’s been the most challenging lesson learnt since you started your business?

Never get complacent. The world is so fast-paced now that if you blink an eye and haven't evolved you’ll be disappointed in your output. I get restless which helps because I just love seeing new shapes and pieces come to life.

What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started your business?

Meeting super talented people. I got to spend some time with Dina Broadhurst in her studio in Sydney, which is just an insane space to see and Dina is amazing and so talented!

Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self/someone looking to start their own business?

There is no well-trodden path and there is no such thing as right or wrong. Get started, get into it and amaze yourself!!

Now, the home stuff. Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?

The only old part of the house left is the front facade which is heritage, the rest has been renovated internally and externally.

What are your favourite pieces in the home?

Favourite pieces throughout the house would be the two artworks by Christopher Vine and a LRNCE Ceramic Vase. Oh, and a painting that a relative in Italy painted for our family.

Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add?

So many! Especially during isolation. I am currently obsessing over Lex Pott candles & Jonny Niesche artwork, lots of vibrant colours.

Which is your favourite room in the house?

The powder room and kitchen space. The kitchen is a central meeting place for our family, while cooking and entertaining is a daily ritual for us.

Shop Adele's look with the Charcoal Bedding Set and Fog Sheet Set.

What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?

Lots of layers! Investing in good key pieces throughout your home, natural materials, greenery and light.

Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?

We are currently working on branding and an updated website. Incorporating other materials into our pieces. It is nice to see the contrast between other elements and stone. We are introducing a new collection very very shortly.