This inner-city apartment is a beacon of style thanks to clever design choices and the use of local artists.
Inside an apartment building that towers high above its Melbourne city surrounds is a calming oasis of luxury and style. This is a place where light and texture tango to create a beacon of relaxation — and they do it in style. Welcome to Bowen Crescent, and an apartment designed by Amelia Barry from Amelia Barry Interiors and her team.
After the building’s initial construction, this apartment was home to striking 180-degree views of the city and impressive stone features. When Amelia was engaged to transform the interior, the clients didn’t want to alter these impressive highlights, so the brief was relatively simple: “It was important to the clients that the spaces felt cosy and warm while also being sophisticated and luxurious,” says Amelia. “They wanted to make the space special and accommodating for friends and family.”
In essence, the homeowners wanted the apartment to feel luxurious yet also calming. The family of four own a second rural property. Ideally, this apartment would function as a link between the two locations, capturing the lush tranquillity of the Australian countryside while capitalising on the modern beauty of Melbourne.
The owners engaged Amelia and her team to transform their city home in its entirety. “We worked on renovating the whole apartment, including three bedrooms and all living areas as well as the master ensuite and walk-in robe,” recounts Amelia. To accomplish the homeowners’ goal, every detail of the redesign was meticulously planned and well thought out. “We wanted the spaces to feel warm and relaxing but also have that wow factor. We did this by adding layers of texture through velvets and rugs to soften the cool palette of the existing stone and flooring,” shares Amelia. “We also added mirrors, brass details and stunning lighting.”
One highlight of the redesign is without doubt the striking central seating area. Step into the lounge and sink your toes into one of the most inviting-looking rugs we’ve ever seen, then relax on the sofa and enjoy the view of the city beyond. “The custom round sofas by Zuster, upholstered in this rich green velvet, with the colour-matched, silky circular rug really make this space stand out,” says Amelia. “Then to top it off, the custom multi-drop pendant by Articolo sets the space apart.”
These weren’t the only custom-made features the dwelling enjoys. In fact, almost every piece in the apartment was custom designed, the homeowners working closely with Amelia’s team to create a space that is truly special. “We used mostly all Melbourne-based makers and artisans,” says Amelia. “Everything from the lighting to the coffee tables and beds were all made locally.”
The lighting itself plays a larger role than it traditionally does. In this apartment, it’s used to help delineate key areas in the open-plan space. “We wanted to distinguish zones without encroaching on the view and we had to do this in a space without any straight walls,” explains Amelia. “We separated the areas with the use of colour and shape and carefully designed lighting to help distinguish each zone.”
Mirrors were also used to enhance the sense of space within the home, capitalise on the natural light and distinguish between different zones.
The existing highlights were not forgotten, with the stone and timber floors treated for a new lease on life. They serve as an anchor throughout the apartment and provide a natural connection point between the inner-city abode and the country home the family also enjoys. Beautiful brass inlay chevron flooring was also added to the bedrooms. “We used wallpaper in the master bedroom and venetian plaster to the other two bedrooms to add texture and warmth,” says Amelia.
Custom-made bedheads again supported Australian makers and ensured the beds would be perfectly suited to the spaces they were situated in. Gas-lift bed frames offer extra storage in the bedrooms, making this design not just a winner in fashion, but also a study in form. This was complemented by new window treatments that feature throughout the apartment, offering a sense of romance that softens all spaces.
To learn more about this project check out: ameliabarryinteriors.com
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Armelle Habib
