The warm, earthy tones of Tan Rustic brick tiles by Robertson's Building Products Pty Ltd were selected for a new wine cellar at the Melbourne home of Royale Construction owner, Peter Johnstone.

Located in the upscale suburb of Toorak, Johnstone’s home exudes detailed perfection in design and craftsmanship. Having built luxury, bespoke houses in Melbourne for over 30 years, Johnstone continues the high design standard in his own home with highlights including a grand foyer encased in beautiful wall panelling, complete with chandeliers and exquisite wall lights, and a wine cellar designed to impress.

Having designed multiple wine cellars for his clients with the help of Tanya Johnston, interior designer Royale Construction and also his daughter, Johnstone decided to take the design ‘up a notch’ when it came to his own cellar. All the cellars they have designed for their clients in conjunction with joinery maker Salvation Wine Racks, come complete with temperature control, double glazing glass, cedar joinery and high end finishes.

Johnstone’s wine cellar features a rustic, authentic and aged look with Tan Rustic brick tiles on the vaulted ceiling, and the same brick tiles laid in a striking herringbone pattern on the floor, along with cedar joinery, an imported French chandelier and table, and an inviting rug.

“We really wanted to push the boundaries a little bit in terms of what everyone was doing,” Tanya explains. After research and ideation, they decided on an overall finished look, so each finish complemented the other; they also wanted a new product for the floor and the vaulted ceiling.

Once they saw the Tan Rustic brick tiles at the Robertson’s Building Products showroom, they looked no further.

“We just thought ‘this is it’. There were a few colour options but it came down to the tonal look. We chose them for their classical look and their warm, earthy feel. They really took it up another notch, because everything else in the design was similar,” Tanya remarks.

The herringbone pattern on the floor was inspired by the flooring style in old traditional cellars and gave the new cellar a point of difference and authenticity, says Tanya.

Peter Johnstone’s wine cellar has become a beautiful showpiece that’s now the benchmark for all future wine cellars designed by Royale Construction.

Photography: Urban Angles