FOR THIS EXCEPTIONAL penthouse Alexandra Brown of Alexandra Brown Interiors designed ultra-luxe interiors with a cosmopolitan flavour comprising two discrete retreats, one for the owners and the other for their two adult children, and an inviting shared living space that exudes comfort and style. What was the brief? The clients approached me to create a modern family home reminiscent of a New Yorkstyle penthouse apartment for a new build on a landmark site in Surry Hills, NSW. The brief was to create a sophisticated and luxurious space for themselves and their children in their 20s. It needed to be a functional sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. The flow of the apartment was of utmost importance, with a parents’ retreat required with grand proportions and the children’s retreat on the other side with a lush media room and guest accommodation. The concept is that everyone can meet in the middle in the expansive jade-green marble kitchen at centrestage. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? The main challenge was carefully delineating the kitchen, two living areas, and a bar and dining area within a very large open-plan area. Key pieces of lighting and furniture helped to achieve this. Another practical challenge occurred during the build as the penthouse was on the seventh floor of a building site. The bathrooms were to be fully clad in marble and the kitchen island bench was five metres long. We required
cranes to lift the marble slabs onto the site months before they were required due to various restrictions and timing issues. We were not willing to compromise on the marble slabs so there was an enormous amount of trust placed on my stonemason during the fabrication process. How would you describe the completed interior? This incredible space has a very international, luxurious feel. It spans 650 square metres in its entirety, has 360-degree views and the light is amazing. Every room has a different view. The pale European oak parquetry floors and white walls created a backdrop for a carefully curated contemporary collection of luxe furniture and custom pieces. We celebrated the curve where possible, connecting the interior to the architecture of the building. Every finish and fixture throughout was meticulously chosen to achieve this. What are your favourite elements? The apartment is full of so many beautiful elements, however my favourite would have to be the bold combination of Calacatta Viola marble, pink stucco walls and brass fittings and fixtures in the powder room. It is such a whimsical space. It is the smallest room in the apartment yet it packs the boldest punch! What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? I selected pieces that were imbued with a relaxed, timeless elegance. Comfort was key during the selection process to encourage lengthy gatherings with family and friends. We focused on a combination of natural materials throughout with some artisan finishes on the walls. Luxe window treatments were used to soften the spaces. Feature lighting was integral. Artworks are slowly being curated and are a work in progress! Were the owners happy with the execution? My clients were a dream to work with. For them the home is a place both to entertain friends and family and as a retreat from their very active lives. They were very much involved in the design process and loved seeing it all come to life. It exceeded all their expectations, they say.
alexandrabrown.com.au
Photography PABLO VEIGA Styling OLGA LEWIS
These pages, from left Taking centrestage in the kitchen that was requested to be “like no other” the five-metre-long island bench is clad in polished Smeraldo marble from Artedomus and fabricated by Granite & Marble Works. Smoked oak veneer and cambia ash joinery with aged brass detailing by Made to Matter. Metalwork by JN Custom Metal. European oak classic parquetry floor by Precision Flooring is seen throughout the living areas. Suspended above the kitchen island is a bronze pendant light from Est Lighting. Cappellini ‘Hi Pad’ stools in pale-green leather from Cult. Susan Baird artwork from Arthouse Gallery. Guaxs vase from Conley & Co. When Objects Work bowl by John Pawson from Hub. The Knoll ‘Platner’ dining table from De De Ce is surrounded by ‘Avana’ chairs from Fanuli in the separate dining space adjacent to the bar. Lost Profile ‘Surveillance’ light from Est Lighting hangs in the corner. Untitled 18 – Where the Sidewalk Ends artwork by Juli Balla from Becker Minty adds a noirish ambience to the space. Vintage vase from Conley & Co.
This page, from top Exuding opulence and a timeless elegance, the bar is the focal point of the entertaining area. Tobacco-coloured stucco walls by White Acme. Emperador marble bar top by Granite & Marble Works with joinery by Made to Matter and JN Custom Metal. White vintage vase and Bellini tray, both from Becker Minty. Vessel on shelf from The DEA Store. Artifort ‘Mood Relax’ dining chairs from Ke-Zu surround the Bonaldo ‘Big Table’ from Fanuli. Christopher Boots ‘Oracle Triplet’ pendant light from Est Lighting hangs above. Sheer curtains by Simple Studio. Poltrona Frau leather bowl from Cult. Opposite page In the living area Flexform ‘Groundpiece’ modular sofa and ‘Sky’ coffee tables, all from Fanuli. Curtains by Simple Studio. Minotti Dibbets ‘Diagonal’ rug from De De Ce. Ceramic vase from Ondene. Velvet cushion and ceramic by Natalie Rosin, both from Jardan. Other cushions from Tigger Hall Design.
This page, clockwise from top left Molteni&C armchair by Gio Ponti from Hub sits in the corner of the living room guarded by a quirky vintage ceramic bird from Rudi Rocket. ‘Studio’ floor lamp from Fred International. ‘Eclipse’ cushion by India Mahdavi from Studio ALM. Green vase from Planet. ‘Sky’ coffee table from Fanuli. Green ceramic jug from The DEA Store. Marble rope dish by Greg Natale. Powder room vanity by Granite & Marble Works in Calacatta Viola marble from Artedomus. Walls and ceiling in pale blush pink stucco by White Acme. Articolo ‘Fizi’ sconces from Est Lighting. Axor brushed gold tapware from Candana. Custom mirror by JN Custom Metal. Alabaster statue of Aphrodite from Mercer & Lewis. Ooumm ‘Lyra’ candleholder by Michaël Verheyden from Ondene.
This page, clockwise from top A beautiful leather-panelled wall and the double-layer velvet and sheer curtains, both by Simple Studio, lend an extra layer of luxury to the master bedroom. Society Limonta bed linen from Ondene. Moroso bedside table from Hub. Gabriel Scott Welles sconces from Est Lighting add a glamorous touch. Molteni&C armchair by Gio Ponti from Hub. Custom carpet by Whitecliffe Imports. ‘Ruta’ coffee table from Ke-Zu and Paola Lenti sofa and armchairs from De De Ce make the perfect combination in the winter garden. Moroso ’Net’ side table and Zanat ‘Nera’ bowl, both from Hub. Vintage ceramic from Rudi Rocket. Terrazzo floor from Surface Gallery. Arabescato marble from Granite & Marble Works clads the walls in the master ensuite. Basin, towel rails and Brodware tapware, all from Candana. Articolo ‘Fizi’ wall light from Est Lighting. Bec Stevens artwork from Planet. Guaxs vase from Conley & Co. Hand towel from Ondene.