Co-owner of Poodle, a go-to for good times and better food in Melbourne’s inner north, Zoë Rubino knows a thing or two about making a lasting impression. In conversation with kit:, we get to the bottom of it…
Poodle has arguably one of Melbourne’s most iconic bathrooms – talk to us about the creative vision in the design brief.
“Like all parts of Poodle, we wanted the bathrooms to be fun, considered and with an unexpected touch. It was important to have bathrooms that welcomed all, and I love the idea of a meeting place within a venue that isn’t the bar or dining room. Given the tight space, we wanted it to pack a punch and the bright orange/red freestanding sinks by Thomas Coward fit the brief perfectly in contrast with the green marble walls.”
How does living in Melbourne influence your design choices?
“We have such a rich design culture here in Melbourne, and, by virtue of our rich history intersecting with our European history, old design meeting new. There are so many talented designers and artists we have fostered relationships with as part of designing Poodle with Bergman and Co.
What’s your favourite way to reset throughout the day? Any specific elements you seek out to create a calming atmosphere?
“I find it hard to reset and am often all-systems-go between my businesses and my daughter Gloria. I do however love scents and the different ways they can make you feel. I like the ritual of lighting a candle and I also like to fill my diffuser at home with different oils. I have a blend I made with Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Clary Sage.”
What’s something you’ll always make time for?
“Time together, for ourselves. Living, working and parenting together can be a lot and can all become intertwined so it’s important to make time just for us. A quiet dinner out, a few cocktails at a busy bar, a simple stroll through the city. Time to let go and not think about work.”
Something that will instantly change your mood?
“If I want to channel my dad’s energy to get things done with class and poise, I keep a bottle of his fragrance in my bathroom dresser — it will forever make me feel nostalgic. He was so cool, confident, and charming — an old-school Sicilian.”
