Cucina Porto by Tom Mark Henry
Step into Cucina Porto designed by Tom Mark Henry where the focus is on timeless elegance and subtle Italian references.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Damian Bennett
The dining area sees a mix of patterns and textures utilised to bring an element of eclecticism to the interior. Photo: Damian Bennett
“The colour palette is rich and vibrant but executed with a timeless elegance that feels resonant of the Italian inspiration,” says Jade Nottage from Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Designed by Cushla McFadden and Jade Nottage, the duo behind Tom Mark Henry, Cucina Porto at The Star Sydney offers an Italian dining experience set within a richly layered interior.
The space exudes the warmth and familiarity of dropping into a friend’s place for dinner. The brief was to create a premium relaxed offering, featuring old-world detailing mixed with modern aesthetics and sensibilities.
Reminiscent of an Italian apartment building, framed glazing as well as solid rendered sections of the façade come together with brass accents, inset tile detailing and a stepped-in Palladiana stone floor, perfectly setting the tone.
“Venetian plaster render, marble and terrazzo were employed to speak to the concept, but were paired alongside contemporary detailing to ensure the space feels current,” says Jade.
The dining area sees a mix of patterns and textures utilised to bring an element of eclecticism to the interior. Warm timber flooring and the strategic use of curtains separate different dining zones whilst further enhancing the residential feel.
“Cucina Porto was always intended to be a premium-casual offering; a comfortable, warm space with elevated details,” shares Jade. The duo worked tirelessly on the generous spatial planning to ensure they created intimate pockets and zoning, each offering a different experience.
The interior’s aesthetic reflects the culinary offering of the restaurant, with a selection of Italian-inspired dishes such as burrata with pistachio pesto and ’nduja crumbs, and gnocchetti with seasonal mushrooms and parmesan, accompanied by a selection of classic cocktails and Italian wine.
The dining area sees a mix of patterns and textures utilised to bring an element of eclecticism to the interior. Photo: Damian Bennett
A variety of seating options have been applied including banquette seating, bar seating, loose seating and large communal tables. Photo: Damian Bennett
Details at Cucina Porto. Photo: Damian Bennett
Brass accents, inset tile detailing and a stepped-in Palladiana stone floor, perfectly set the tone. Photo: Damian Bennett
“We weren’t aiming for an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and theme, but rather subtle cues — and feel this balance was successfully created.”
Open shelving houseseclectic decorative objects and art provides the casual elegance of a friend’s home. Photo: Damian Bennett
A stone bar projects from one side of the kitchen, adding an element of food theatre. Photo: Damian Bennett