A Melbourne apartment offers a unique aesthetic
For many, Melbourne’s notorious ‘four seasons in one day’ weather is something they just can’t commit to. But then there’s the lure of top restaurants, promenades of designer shops and, of course, perfect cups of coffee. So what’s the solution? A holiday home that offers a getaway when you want it. For a retired couple, it was high time to revamp their Southbank apartment that had been lying virtually untouched for three years.
The property owners called on Aaron Wong from Alexander Pollock Interiors and presented a brief that revolved around creating a bright and vibrant space which was nothing like the couple’s Ralph Lauren-decorated =QUOTE= Brisbane abode.
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“My first contact was with the husband,” says Aaron. “When I met with him, he said that he wanted a modern and colourful apartment. Its purpose was to be a holiday retreat and a place where he could have his Melbourne-based grandchildren visit.
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But then his wife came into the picture and wanted to incorporate Art Deco elements into the design, so I had to strike a balance between both tastes.”
With a unique look to be rolled out across three bedrooms, the breakfast room, living and dining room, veranda and kitchen, many pieces had to be specifically designed and produced to ensure a cohesive vision. They say it’s all in the detail, and this apartment is full of considered touches that take the space to another level. “The ceiling was wallpapered in cream and gold metallic finish and almost every piece of furniture was custom-made to go with the oddly shaped living room,” says Aaron. “The dining chairs were custom designed and made locally in Melbourne and the round living room rug was by Catherine Martin for Designer Rugs.”
In contrast to the bedrooms, the living, kitchen and dining areas are buzzing with energy. A curved red sofa was custom-made to fit the space and sits on a round rug, evoking a ’60s-esque vibe. Created by Scott Petrie, the artwork was based around the colour palette of the space. “I gave him the fabric swatches of the red sofa and two yellow armchairs to incorporate into his painting,” says Aaron. On either side of the living room’s partition sit the dining and kitchen areas, separated to indicate a change in purpose, but still open enough to ensure design fluidity. And thanks to the 180-degree views of Melbourne’s CBD and art precinct, the homeowners can observe the seasons in all their glory while enjoying the space with family.
The master bedroom offers a cool palette of blue, grey and white and is a private space completely separate from the rest of the bright apartment. Two white doors can close or open up the room, with wooden floorboards introducing warmth and a rustic touch to the calming interior. The silk Fromental wallpaper is of note, with the pale blue floral and fauna schemed piece hand-painted to ensure perfection. Storage is seamlessly integrated here, with floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and a marble-topped chest of drawers sitting below a low-hung pendant light.
Inspired by European boutique hotels mixed with Art Deco pieces, this apartment is a true escape from the everyday norm, providing pops of colour and the essential glamour Southbank is renowned for.
For more information
alexanderpollock.com
Written by Annabelle Cloros
Photography Nicole England
Originally from Home Design Volume 18 Issue 6