Picture Perfect Collectors have

D I N I N G / Art is a transformative element in this reconfigured layout. Jug, Maison et Jardin. Flowers, Poho Flowers. S U N R O O M / A vintage chair makes a comfy reading spot in the reclaimed balcony space. Cushion, Busatti. F O R A R T

D E TA I L S A N D W H E R E T O B U Y, S E E PAG E 1 8 6 .

P i c t u re P E R F E C T

High style, custom finishes and a dynamic art collection give this refurbished Sydney apartment opulent appeal.

S T O R Y R O S E - M A R I E H I L L I E R / S T Y L I N G A S H L E Y P R AT T / P H O T O G R A P H Y J O H N PA U L U R I Z A R

This is the life

For professionals who sometimes work from home, this apartment facilitates a good work/life balance. They nominate the sunroom, with its glorious vistas, as their favourite area. “It’s an extension of our study, and this larger space means we can work together without interruption,” says one of the owners. The layout is also conducive to socialising. “We have a large extended family and love to entertain friends and family here.”

‘ The apartment has the bonus of f loor-to-ceiling windows, which have a leafy outlook and harbour views.’

Alex Brown, interior designer

K I T C H E N / Interior designer Alex Brown in the streamlined cooking space. Joinery by ARC Cabinetmaking. Corian benchtop. Gessi mixer, Candana Bathroomware. Tiles, Skheme. Cooktop and rangehood, Miele. Timber bowl bought in Bali. Tea towel, Busatti. L I V I N G / A combination of track and spot lighting fixtures from Special Lights shows off an impressive art collection. Sofa, Jardan. Ottoman by Justin Puddick Upholstery. Cushions and rug, Nomadic Rug Traders. Designer buy: Christopher Farr Cloth Ravenna linen fabric in Ruby (on ottoman and armchair), $360/m, Ascraft. F O R A R T D E TA I L S

A N D W H E R E T O B U Y, S E E PAG E 1 8 6 . The best interior designers steer clear of the safe and predictable. Instead, they create beguiling spaces with the power to surprise and delight. Alex Brown has done just that with the renovation of this first-f loor 1960s apartment, located in a harbourside village in Sydney’s east.

The owners and their teenage daughter were living in a nearby terrace and wanted to downsize. But they were reluctant to give up the local communit y they loved and the easy access to the CBD. So when a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment came up for sale a couple of kilometres down the road, the couple took the opportunity to secure the property as their future home.

“It has the same village vibe but the apartment has the bonus of f loor-to-ceiling windows, which have a leaf y outlook and city and harbour views,” says Alex. Along with architect Michael Vail and builder Nicholas Steinberg of Scene Construction, she was called in to effect a comprehensive transformation before the new owners moved in.

Alex was no stranger to the owners’ style, having consulted on a previous house for them. Plus, they had a clear vision for their new abode. “Because the clients were decisive, it made the job even more pleasurable,” she says.

The overhaul involved removing internal walls to configure an open layout for t he liv ing /dining area a nd new k itchen, modif y ing t he bathroom layout and subdividing the main bedroom to include an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Surprisingly, the balcony space was enclosed. That did mean losing the indoor-outdoor connection but the reward is a bright sunroom that can be used in all weather. “It faces north-west and attracts lots of natural light,” says Alex. >

‘ Over the years we have built an interesting art collection and this apartment is the perfect place to show it off.’ Owner

< This sense of lightness and openness is what makes the apartment so easy to live, work and rela x in. But the drama is in the way that artworks and precious objects have been given space to shine. The owners have an impressive collection that can be broadly characterised as modern eclectic, much like the apartment’s decorative style.

The scheme is essentially black and white, with subtle touches of red and gold. There’s dramatic tension in the positioning of bespoke furniture and decorative pieces, matched by the bold choice of upholstery fabric. All walls are painted a warm white and f loors are black-stained oak parquetry. “In some lights it has a stunning purple hue,” says Alex.

It’s a beautiful backdrop for antiques and exotic decorative pieces. Together with custom furnishings and, of course, art at every turn, it’s a design triumph. The overall ambience would not be out of place in a Fifth Avenue apartment or a Chelsea townhouse. “It’s a very stylish apartment that is totally suited to the owners’ lifestyle,” says Alex. “I am absolutely thrilled with the results.” And what say t he owners? “Delighted w it h it! And work ing w it h A lex, Michael and Nicholas was a pleasure.” #

Architecture: Michael Vail Design, Coledale, NSW; 0438 121 321 or michaelvail.com.au. Interior design: Alexandra Brown Interiors, Sydney, NSW; 0404 899 592 or alexandrabrown.com.au. Builder: Scene Construction, Paddington, NSW; 0410 474 331 or www.sceneconstruction.com.au.

O F F I C E / Black-stained American-oak cabinetry ticks storage and display boxes. Joinery by ARC Cabinetmaking (throughout). Jute basket, Busatti. Rug, Nomadic Rug Traders. B AT H R O O M / Thassos marble tiles from Euromarble line the walls and f loor. Basins, Marblo. Gessi taps and showerhead, Candana Bathroomware. Stool, The Design Hunter. M A I N B E D R O O M / A padded bedhead in velvet sets an opulent tone. For similar cushions, try Rapee. Wall lights, Artemide. Smart buy: Pembroke queen-size quilt cover set, $300, Linen House. F O R A R T D E TA I L S

A N D W H E R E T O B U Y, S E E PAG E 1 8 6 .

Dulux Natural White

interior, throughout

Try these accents

Taubmans Red Gumball

Murobond Paint Espresso

Sunroom

Study

Wardrobe

Bed

Bath Bath Dining

Living Kitchen

Entrance

Bed Laundry N

Stylish details

While the walls are all high drama, the materials and colour palette of this apartment set up a relaxing ambience for work and relaxation. “The owners love that it’s low-maintenance and a showcase for their art,” says interior designer Alex Brown. Fittings and furnishing accommodate both of these features. “Motorised translucent blinds pull down to give privacy but basically they are there to protect the artwork,” says Alex.