WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT YOUR HOME? We (my partner Ben Whittaker and I) knew we wanted an apartment in the city and within Melbourne’s Collingwood or Fitzroy area. We had been looking for a small space to call home when we came across a development and thought we would try our luck in asking the developer if we could purchase one of the apartments – on the condition we could alter the floor plan and design the interiors. Purchasing off-the-plan was a little risky, but we were fortunate to be given the green light to make our mark and this gave us the flexibility of achieving an outcome that reflected our vision – and a few material bonuses along the way, such as the concrete floor.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INTERIOR? Minimalist. For the apartment, we wanted the interior to take on a subtle connection to the exterior palette, while also reflecting a gallery-like space for our art. Collingwood itself is filtered with galleries and creative spaces and we wanted to embody that overall aesthetic.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT LIVING HERE? We love that our home is compact in scale, yet doesn’t feel restrictive in its size. At first, there was concern about being south facing but with the roof terrace glazed hatch, the space never feels dark. Its proximity to work means I’m able to lunch at home, and the city views are a constant reminder of this little slice of tranquillity.
DO YOU HAVE A WORK-FROM-HOME SET-UP? When we first moved in, we set up one of the three bedrooms as a home office, but in 2020 we moved offices to a place which is only 600 metres away, so we decided that it was not necessary. Most of our work can be remotely accessed if necessary, and the dining area is an easy space to pull out the laptop or to sketch designs. But, most likely, you will find me at the office, an easy five-minute stroll away.
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Belle Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Belle Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The wow factory
The sisters steering Zuster furniture brand put a creative spin on their own industrial zone.
OPEN INVITE
This handsome home in the NSW Southern Highlands welcomes within its walls both generous rural views and a steady flow of guests.
DUAL ACCENTS
American heritage style meets Spanish mission design in this harbourside Sydney home.
Grand vision
It can be easy being green or it is for this house -that cleverly combines lavish spaces and timeless style, while also being kind to the planet.
POWER AND GLORY
An angular concrete structure packs a punch in a new build on an elevated site in Sydney while its interior design offers a softly layered and textured counterpoint.
COLOUR BURST
A joyful exuberance permeates this heritage home reinvented by interior designer Andrew Parr with zesty hues, lively contemporary art and iconic furniture.
LA VIE EN ROSE
Poised above Pittwater in Sydney's north, this weekender is alluringly relaxed - and offers holiday fun for family and friends.
COOL, CALM COLLECTIVE
An ever-changing array of covetable antiques, objets d'art and unique pieces ensure the interiors of this beautiful store has a collected feel and sense of permanence.
BOLD CHOICE
Architect and trailblazer Piero Gesualdi's Melbourne emporium, Mondopiero, is a celebration of timeless design and craftmanship, with a sprinkling of decorative flair.
HIGHER CALLING
In a world that is typically more about me, me, me, quietly luxurious day spa Venustus keeps thriving three decades on with a true commitment to inspired client service.