The best sort of projects are the ones steeped in stories, and Knox Street, with a blossoming romance at the centre of its renovation, is a story for the ages. Our client approached our studio wanting to freshen and furnish his Sydney apartment; everything from artwork to dinnerware was required, and importantly, enough feminine touches to allow new love to grow.
A refined, New York-inspired loft aesthetic seemed fitting for both the apartment’s inner-city location and our client’s love of eclectic and glamorous spaces. We sourced pieces both locally and internationally, blending styles and eras fearlessly to tell a story as compelling as the inhabitants’ own.
Artworks were imported from Israel, cutlery from Portugal, custom sheets from Italy and a full Hermes dinnerware set from France. Every detail was carefully considered, epitomised, perhaps, in the Carrara marble dog bowl. When the right piece couldn’t be sourced, we commissioned local artists to fit the very specific bill, including the commissioned Antonia Mrljak artwork that hangs atop the Phillip Jeffries ‘Abaca Mist’ wallpaper in the dramatic entryway.
Throughout the process, we revelled in the enthusiasm of our client, who granted us space to really flex our treasure-hunting eyes; we enjoy an ongoing joke with him that we’ll still be sourcing the perfect objet d’art 10 years from now!
In order to craft a home layered with elegance and style, we focussed on material beauty and combining contrasting textures. Our client’s love of rich colour drove the palette; Calacatta gold marble and chocolate timber veneer line the kitchen, while custom bronze joinery bounces the sunlight in the living space. The apartment is a trove of decadence; brass and crystal meet delicious velvets, leathers, silks and linens for an opulent and nurturing space that practically sings luxury in every corner.
Much of our design philosophy was inspired by imagining intimate moments in the home; we remodelled the kitchen with lively drinks parties in mind and included a bespoke bar unit – complete with smoky mirror and marble – and added a fireplace purely for romance. Outside, the balcony space accommodates both cosy, al fresco moments and soirees under the stars.
Curvaceous furniture in the living space, such as the Minotti lounge and Poliform one-armed chairs are complemented by the round, custom Robyn Cosgrove rug, weaving a refined circular theme that counteracts the harsher lines of the built elements.
The finished space is eclectic yet fresh, styled with a covetable curation of art and furniture that not only complete the contemporary aesthetic, but tell a story in their own right.
Photographer: Brigid Arnott
All images © Alexandra Kidd Design