Inside the glam Sydney apartment of retailers Ben Palmer and Josh Penn.

Thanks to a Hamptons-inspired renovation, this Art Deco apartment in Sydney is perfectly poised for a fabulous future.

Ben Palmer and his partner Josh Penn bought their apartment, a three-bedroom Art Deco abode, in 2016. At 200m2, it was larger than their previous place and had sublime harbour views. The original period features, including 3.2m-high ceilings, also appealed. “It was flooded with light and felt wonderfully serene, but the interiors were extremely tired,” says Ben. At the time, the couple were expecting a child – son Brooklyn, now two – so renovating was a priority.

Their plan was to bring the 1930s apartment into the 21st century without losing any of its Art Deco character. “The overall layout wasn’t too bad, but a few spaces needed reconfiguring – the two bathrooms, in particular, were awkwardly designed. We were desperate for a new kitchen too,” says Ben. “I love Hamptons/coastal style and am a huge admirer of Ralph Lauren, so that influenced the overall look and feel of the apartment.”

The couple called on interior designer Deanne Rooz of Rooz+Rooz Design to help with tweaks to the floor plan, including straightening some misaligned walls and reinforcing the floor in the living room to accommodate a marble fire surround. Ben, who co-0wns local furniture and homewares retailer Palmer & Penn, was in a position to deck out the apartment himself, including plenty of his favourite pieces by Ralph Lauren.

Sophistication begins at the front door. The entry foyer features new timber flooring, laid in a chevron pattern, and an array of beautiful antiques – an heirloom inlay cabinet and sparkling chandelier to name just two. “We planned to have the chevron flooring throughout, but the cost

was prohibitive so we kept the parquetry to the entrance to create a grand first impression,” says Ben.

To the left of the foyer are separate living and dining rooms, the latter with direct access to the balcony. To the right of the foyer is the kitchen and a hall leading to the three bedrooms (two with ensuites) and a family bathroom. Each room is beautifully decorated, with elegant tailoring and a classic blue-and-white palette delivering on sophistication and the desired timeless feel.

“It’s exactly as we envisioned,” says Ben. “It looks clean and fresh, but the original details still have presence. It’s designed to last.”

Rooz+Rooz Design, Dover Heights, NSW; (02) 9371 1122 or www.rooz.com.au.

“WE LOVE GOING FOR FAMILY WALKS AROUND THE BAY WITH OUR DOG .”

14

LIVING Toy Maltese Benji makes himself comfortable on a Duchess salon chair from Ralph Lauren. Calacatta marble was imported from Italy and carved into a fire surround by a local artisan; it was so heavy that the floor needed to be reinforced. Jamaica salon sofa, Chatsworth ottoman and Daniela lamp, all Ralph Lauren. Rug, Cadrys. Throw, Bemboka. The artwork above the mantel is a poster for the Louis Vuitton Sailing Cup. Artwork above sofa by Tom Everhart.

BALCONY Proud dads Ben (left) and Josh with their son Brooklyn. Bougainvillea frames the view. FOYER Antique chandelier. The inlay cabinet is a family piece. Eichholtz table, James Said. Flowers by Mr Cook (throughout). SHELVES This bookcase, in the living room, houses special pieces the couple have collected on their travels.

17

DINING Ralph Lauren tableware and extension dining table, Palmer & Penn. KITCHEN The original kitchen was replaced with a bespoke design, including an ornate rangehood cover that references the period of the building. BALCONY The home’s priceless views. BROOKLYN’S ROOM Hot-air balloon decorations, Adrienne & The Misses Bonney. Merced glider chair and Blythe convertible cot, both Pottery Barn Kids. Giraffe, Melissa & Doug. MAIN BEDROOM Armchair and ottoman, both Coco Republic. Ralph Lauren bedside table, bed and sconces. Bedlinen, Sheridan. For Where to Buy, see page 190.