Portuguese Charm, Melbourne Soul: Inside Marmelo Restaurant
Project - Marmelo
Product Used - HW6214 Auburn Plank
Designer - Mitchell & Eades
Contractor - Chroma Group
Photographer - Anson Smart Photography
Step inside Marmelo, where Portuguese heritage meets contemporary Melbourne design. Discover how Mitchell & Eades crafted a richly layered dining experience through tactile materials, artisanal details, and the grounding warmth of Havwoods Auburn timber flooring from our V Collection. Read more for a story of culture, craftsmanship, and considered design.
Marmelo, a newly opened Portuguese-inspired restaurant in Melbourne, presents an immersive dining experience where tradition meets modern sophistication. Designed by Mitchell & Eades and brought to life by Chroma Group, the interior celebrates the raw beauty of natural materials, embracing imperfections as part of its unique charm.
At the heart of Marmelo’s design is a deliberate and sensitive use of materials. From clay to cobblestone, each element was selected for its earthy, organic appeal—evoking a sense of place and tradition. The interior palette draws directly from the textures and tones of Portugal, offering a tactile journey grounded in cultural heritage.
A standout design element is the Auburn Plank timber flooring from Havwoods’ V Collection. With its rich tones and natural timber textures, this flooring anchors the space in warmth and cohesion. It pairs seamlessly with traditional hand-painted azulejos tiles, clay walls, and original artworks by Lucy Roleff and Ben Mazey, reinforcing the intimate and grounded atmosphere envisioned by the designers.
Central to the Marmelo experience is the open kitchen, featuring a bespoke charcoal grill and wood-fired oven. This element invites diners into the process of preparation and performance, enhancing the connection between guest and chef while deepening the emotional resonance of the space.
Marmelo is much more than a restaurant, it’s a celebration of place, materiality, and design. By fusing Portuguese traditions with Melbourne’s design-forward sensibility, the space achieves a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic. Through layered textures, artisanal craftsmanship, and the warmth of Havwoods Auburn timber flooring, Marmelo delivers an experience that is both soulful and sophisticated.
Bring Your Vision to Life: Explore the V Collection
Havwoods V Collection offers timeless timber solutions for projects that celebrate texture, tone, and authenticity, just like Marmelo. Order up to 5 complimentary samples online, or visit a Havwoods showroom to explore the full collection in person and discover how our timber solutions for interiors can help bring your vision to life.