Better Homes Magazine

IDEAS | Better Homes Magazine
The community concept
was one of the main reasons
I chose to move here
and floors were stripped back, The Design
Agency discovered historical gems that
they wanted to incorporate into the
design. For example, the front entry
vestibule had a stunning black and white
mosaic pattern that was honoured and
incorporated into the design proposal,
original banisters were kept in the
communal corridor and ceiling rosettes,
found in the suites, were highlighted as a
historical reference.
The team sought to inject character,
colour, modern touches and functional
components that would make shared
living a breeze. They also wanted to
include artisan touches. “Creating a
distinct style for the brand was essential
to the success of the project,” Anil
says. To this end, a swing chair, from
boutique designer Michelle Varian’s store,
furnishes a nook in the hallway; open
shelving keeps the kitchen organised and
is also great for storage; freestanding
islands allow for conversation but also
can be utilised as another kitchen surface
and extra storage. Inspired by the artists
who influence the neighbourhood and
their lifestyle, the design team created
a playful and youthful space. “We were
focused on creating thoughtful touches
throughout the property, always aiming
to make it feel like a home, and the
challenge was bringing the whole concept
together for a unified and cohesive
aesthetic,” Anil says, adding: “We
collaborated with the architects, interior
designers, partners, contractors,
and sub-contractors – bringing in all
of their ideas and incorporating them
successfully was the biggest and most
rewarding challenge.”
Their approach was to have key
elements run throughout the property,
while retaining a differentiated and
curated aesthetic for every room and
bedroom. The Design Agency and William
Jude incorporated artistic touches with
accessories and art, along with furnishing
each apartment with a colourful yet
classic style and design.
To add personality, each apartment has
a different colour SMEG fridge and Froy
retro sofa, and unique, local pieces were
bought from artists and vintage stores.
High-quality pieces were included,
from mattresses by Casper to NEST
temperature controls, a Butterfly
wireless intercom and SONOS speakers.
Convenience was of paramount
importance along with a communal focus,
so open kitchens have custom-made
islands, there are plenty of bookshelves,
made from reclaimed wood, and the
living spaces are layered to give them a
bright and airy quality. Bathrooms are
softer with heritage-inspired styling and
bedrooms are homely, with comfortable
beds and headboards, wardrobes, bedside
44 | bhomes.com