GREEN SCREEN
[ St Kilda ]
This page The island bench and splashback are both swathed in vibrant ‘Nisava’ marble from Signorino. Oluce ‘Atollo 239’ lamp from Euroluce sits beneath the kitchen cabinetry finished in Dulux ‘Vintage Green’. ‘CH88P’ dining chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner make an elegant accompaniment to the stone used throughout the space. Opposite page The living room is oriented to the living wall of lush plantings which prefaces leafy views outdoors. ‘Dumas’ sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, ‘Mad’ swivel armchair by Marcel Wanders for Poliform and Cassina ‘523 Tabouret Meribel’ stool from Space. Minotti ‘Calder’ coffee table from De De Ce. Artemide ‘Tolomeo ‘Mega’ floor lamp from ECC Lighting+Furniture. Curtain in de Le Cuona ‘Shepherd’s Cloth’ from Boyac.
DEEP-GREEN LINEN CURTAINS SHROUD THE PERIMETER WITH LUSH TEXTURE, GIVING VISUAL CONTINUITY ...
SWATHES OF GREEN convey verdant energy and a harmonious mood within this home from home, thoughtfully refreshed by designer Fiona Lynch. What was the brief? Our clients live in a country home in the Macedon Ranges. The busy working lives of this dynamic couple, Nik, in advertising TV production, and Kaz, a landscape designer, often draw them to Melbourne. They asked us to transform their St Kilda apartment into an inner-city sanctuary that would feel private, detailed and relaxed. What were the challenges and how did you resolve them? The compact scale compelled us to explore inventive design solutions to create a sense of generosity. A single floor finish of grey-oiled French oak blurs the boundaries between spaces, while rooms are opened up to create layered vistas. Deep-green linen curtains shroud the perimeter with lush texture, giving visual continuity between living and bedroom spaces. Pieces were selected to negotiate the tight access, such as the ‘Dumas’ sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, which was ordered in two pieces and assembled in situ. The existing entrance had no access to natural light. In collaboration with local maker Michael Gittings, we designed a metal light sculpture which gives subtle illumination and a tactile, crumpled finish. How would you describe the interior? It serves a dual purpose. It allows Nik and Kaz to entertain in a vibrant space, while maintaining a sense of repose for rest and relaxation. Ice green-figured marble from Signorino gives presence to the kitchen island, holding the room like an abstract artwork. Balanced with the luxurious restraint of finishes, including polished plaster and walnut, the interior is an understated composition of subtle, tactile surfaces. What are some of your favourite elements? I love that the kitchen, dining and living spaces spill out to the green balcony, masterfully landscaped by Kaz. The tonal palette, derived from the silvered green hues of the landscape, works in harmony with the planting to give a coherent, calming ambience. The walnut bar, finished with figured marble and embedded lighting, is one of my favourite pieces. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? We help clients build a collection of quality pieces they can enjoy for years to come. The ‘Mad’ swivel armchair from Poliform is a relaxed, timeless piece. USM provides a great solution for storage and shows Nik and Kaz’s interest in classic design. Their labradoodle, Bruno, is the perfect golden shade – his coat inspired the bamboo silk rug that he adores sleeping on. Were the clients happy with the execution? Very much so. They are avid entertainers and capitalise on the elevated living and dining areas. The bedroom, robe and ensuite are calming and luxurious and with Kaz’s beautiful plantings this makes for a tranquil retreat. fionalynch.com.au