Atop one of Melbourne’s CBD apartment blocks sits a meticulously designed penthouse, almost entirely customised by its new residents. It is home to Joan and Wes, who purchased the entire top floor of Hawksburn Place Residences before the building even hit the market. Starting from an empty shell, they worked closely with the building’s developer to customise the floor plan to their specific desires.
“Joan and Wes’s situation was really unique in that they were able to purchase this penthouse as a shell and work not just with us as the developer, but the project’s interior designer to create a completely bespoke home,” said developer Tim Gurner. “Every room, every material, every piece of marble chosen reflects their specific tastes – it’s very rare that a penthouse can be customised like this.”
The expansive home spans 345sqm of internal area and another 461sqm of external terrace. It includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a library and a marble-clad kitchen. The wraparound terrace boasts phenomenal 360-degree views of the CBD and a 12.5m plunge pool.
Working with esteemed designer David Hicks, they created a unique interior, with custom cabinetry and raised ceilings showcasing priceless antiques and art the couple have collected from around the world. These antiques include the penthouse’s feature chandeliers, which the couple sourced from Paris.
“The antiques speak for themselves so we provided a dramatic backdrop for them to sit seamlessly. Introducing specific places for each piece with strategic lighting was also key.” said David.
The bold departure from the white-on-white design trend results in a sumptuous mix of chocolate parquetry, smoky walls, and rattan armchairs. The darker, more moody interior palette absorbs and offsets the abundance of natural light afforded by the surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows.
The penthouse is fitted with plentiful luxury hotel style details, such as private access lifts, access to the on site seven-day-a-week concierge, and a six-car garage.
The project team was led by luxury developer GURNER, alongside David Hicks, Cox Architecture and landscape architect Paul Bangay.
As this opulent, David Hicks-designed penthouse is launching to the local and international market in South Melbourne, we couldn’t resist sharing a little glimpse into how the other half lives! Featuring 360-degree views of the city, Albert Park Lake, and Port Phillip Bay, this breathtaking apartment is located in the exclusive 74 Eastern Road building by luxury developer, GURNER.
The 545sqm penthouse spans three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room, a kitchen, multiple living zones, an office, and a separate retreat, along with a wrap-around balcony and private rooftop pool with stunning city views.
Completed in 2018, the space was designed by the well known interior designer David Hicks, whose work graces the interiors of some of Melbourne’s most expensive luxury private homes and apartments.
GURNER founder and director Tim Gurner says that this residence holds a special place in his heart. “74 Eastern Road, and the penthouse in particular, is one of my favourite collaborations with David Hicks. I remember many late nights working with David to fully customise every single element, down to every piece of furniture within the home,” Tim says.
“The building is unique in that it is surrounded by incredible Victorian terrace homes and tree-lined streets, with the most amazing city skyline views that will never be built out,” he continues.
“For me it is all about that incredible window line where you can stand at one end of the penthouse and see all the way down the 50m length to the other end of the penthouse; something that truly cannot be replicated.”
The penthouse is unquestionably the pinnacle of luxury, boasting a range of high-end features, such as a custom designed butler’s pantry, automated blinds and entertainment system, and electric and gas log fires.
The apartment also contains $100,000 of custom Italian marble used throughout; across every wet area, piece of joinery, and custom feature. The chevron-cut American Oak floorboards further emphasise this air of grandeur.In addition, an in-built hidden wine bar and wine fridge – behind feature glass mirrors – facilitates many a perfect evening spend unwinding with a drink, looking out over those unbelievable CBD views.
Of course, the no-expense-spared mindset means that this penthouse doesn’t exactly come cheap; it is being sold via expressions of interest with a $5.5m-to-$6m price guide, through GURNER and Michael Paproth from The Agency.
“This is a truly one of a kind penthouse – garden-side, lakeside, cityside and waterside; there is nothing left wanting from either the location or the immaculately designed interiors,” Michael says. “David Hicks has left an indelible mark on this penthouse – it’s a masterpiece of considered design.”
The penthouse is part of GURNER’s 74 Eastern Road development in South Melbourne, which was designed by a star-studded architectural line up of Elenberg Fraser, Jack Merlo, and David Hicks.
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nstallation view of Inner-Terior, 2018 Danielle Brustman design studio Australia est. 2012 On display in the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019
Photo: Shannon McGrath
Taking place every year at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Rigg Design Prize recognises the importance of contemporary design in Australia and this year sees interior design take centre stage. The first major presentation of interior design in the gallery’s history, the Rigg Design Prize 2018 sees ten leading Australian interior designers and decorators each create a purpose-built room in the gallery.
Installation view of We’ve boundless plains to share, 2018 Flack Studio design studio Australia est. 2014. On display in the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019. Photo: Shannon McGrath
Exploring the theme of ‘Domestic Living,’ this year’s shortlisted designers are Amber Road, Arent & Pyke, Danielle Brustman, Flack Studio, David Hicks, Hecker Guthrie, Martyn Thompson Studio, Richards Stanisich, Scott Weston Architecture Design and The Society Inc by Sibella Court. All of the shortlist are eligible for the $30,000 triennial prize.
Installation view of Imaginarium, 2018 The Society Inc by Sibella Court Australia est. 2009 @sibellacourt On display in the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019 Photo: Sharyn Cairns @sharyncairns
“The Rigg Design Prize 2018 recognises the central role that interior design plays in our lives and reflects the NGV’s commitment to elevating the cultural value of contemporary design in Australia. The participants’ concepts are thoughtful reflections of interior spaces and their ability to shift perceptions and tell personal stories of place and identity,” says NGV director Tony Ellwood AM.
Installation view of Inner-Terior, 2018 Danielle Brustman design studio Australia est. 2012. On display in the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019 Photo: Shannon McGrath
We caught up with some of the shortlisted designers who gave us their top interior design tips and future predictions.
Scott Weston
“Go to a designer that is going to listen to you and give you back solutions over and above your expectations. Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and go on a journey of discovery and learn to trust the professional. Let an interior designer tailor a space specifically for you and your family rather than a cookie cutter solution to appease the real estate market,” says Scott.
“I tend to present concept options from ‘modest, medium to no budget’ as a starting point to open discussion with a client and from there we develop a well resolved solution that’s a mixture of all three,” says Scott.
Designer Scott Weston in front of Wunderkammer, 2018 inside the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019 Photo: Eugene Hyland
As for trend predictions, Scott sees sustainability as a major one. “I teach clients to be more aware of sustainability and buying quality (rather than lower cost items) that will bring joy for the rest of their lives,” says Scott who recommends sustainable forest timbers like hemlock and cedar for interior wall linings as an alternative to plasterboard that provide warmth and texture too.
“I see a move away from recessed downlights to more architectural atmospheric wall up-lighting and flexible lighting systems,” says Scott who is a big fan of terrazzo also. “Terrazzo slabs and tiles that hark back to the 1950’s add personality and warmth to domestic living spaces,” says Scott.
“Lastly, the application of printed digital technology to soft furnishings has opened a cornucopia of endless possibilities enabling cost-effective customisation while producing one-off interior design solutions that offer affordable, bespoke luxury,” says Scott.
David Hicks
“My top tips for interiors is always ‘less is more’ and I predict a return to custom and hand-crafted materials,” says interior designer David Hicks whose installation for the prize features his signature eclectic look created with antiques, vintage and custom-designed pieces.
Designer David Hicks in front of Panic room, 2018 inside the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019. Photo: Eugene Hyland
Amber Road
Amber Road’s Yasmine Ghoniem (interior designer) and Katy Svalbe (landscape architect) created an installation for the prize called ‘Take it Outside’ that explores the idea of the outdoor room as an extension of the indoors. “Exterior and/or interior finishes don’t have to stop at the thresholds between the inside and outside of the home. Pushing and pulling interior finishes out and vice versa creates visual continuity, and in the case of small rooms that open up onto balconies or other outdoor spaces, assists in making them feel more generous,” says Katy.
Designers Katy Svalbe and Yasmine Ghoniem in front of Take it outside, 2018 inside the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019 Photo: Eugene Hyland
As for future trends, Yasmine predicts a rise in more individual, bespoke interiors – a reflexive shift from the homogenous ‘one size fits all’ approach. “We see a welcome move away from consumerist, same-y design towards more emotionally driven interiors, which can be minimalist, yet dreamlike, even ‘romantic surrealist.’ Think authentic, soulful spaces to dream and be free and away from the pressures we face in our lives. More handmade and artisan, less brand driven although that has its place. I predict a personal dimension to the spaces we design and inhabit,” says Yasmine.
Installation view of Take it outside, 2018 Amber Road design studio Australia est. 2013 On display in the Rigg Design Prize 2018 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 12 October – 24 February 2019 Photo: Shannon McGrath
“With property purchase prices in today’s cities at an all-time high, ‘home’ for many now has a whole new meaning. For those that don’t want to tie their money up in owning bricks and mortar, there is an increasing number of built-to rent homes, including co-housing. This is opening up a whole new range of exciting design challenges and opportunities for designers,” says Katy of her future trend prediction.
The Rigg Design Prize 2018 is a free exhibition that is on display now until 24 February, 2019 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, Melbourne.
An extract from Bronnie Masefau’s newest book The Meaning of Home – A Place to Belong.
‘Tablescape’ is a rather modern word within the interior design vocab. A ‘scape’ refers to a wide view of a place or area, often represented in a picture – as in landscape, seascape or cityscape. Thanks to the late David Hicks, the famous English interior decorator who invented the word, the beauty of gathering and positioning clusters of objects on a horizontal surface is appreciated as an art form.
For interior designers, it refers to the wide view of a beautifully laid-out tabletop. While this form of styling has been employed by many of the greats for years, its ever-changing dynamic has evolved with the generations. In short, a tablescape is a refreshing way to view an otherwise dull, common area. Our tabletops – coffee tables, occasional tables, consoles, desk tops, bedside tables and hall tables – are more often than not just another one of those missed opportunities to drizzle a room in personality.
So what items go into creating a tablescape? That is a question I hear many of you asking. Anything, really. In fact, the more personality, the better. In David Hicks’ own words, “What is important is not how valuable or inexpensive your objects are, but the care and feeling with which you arrange them.”
The key is in the layering. If you have a sizable coffee table, you might begin with an oversized tray that you layer within. This is a great way to contain items of interest, all while leaving room for yourself and guests to place their cups. The more obvious items used to layer a tablescape are piles of books, vases or vessels of flowers, small trays, bowls, little sculptures or perhaps trinkets from a recent beach walk or trip afar. When setting this area, remember that it is meant to be fluid and ever-changing, to inspire and delight – just like a landscape within the countryside.
Ideas for tablescape items:
Books
Trays of all sizes
Bowls of all sizes
Caneware
Potted plants
Ornaments
Candles
Bottles
Shells
Flowers
Lamps
Items from nature
Plates on vertical stands
Glassware
Artwork of varying sizes
Hats
Headpieces
Models – trains, planes and automobiles
Miniature prototypes (furniture)
Statues and sculptures
Brassware
Silverware
Trinkets collected on travels
Columns or plinths to create varying heights
The list of possible ‘objects of desire’ is endless, limited only by your imagination. There is no right or wrong – just possibilities.
While marble has been trending for what feels like years now, it’s mostly been limited to subtle grey and white iterations. But it’s a look that seems to be evolving as lately I’ve noticed a more daring aesthetic has taken flight that, while not new, certainly feels fresh on Australian shores.
David Hicks’ Noosa project features a bounty of statement marble
“The marble trend has been around for a long time, and we have seen it used en-masse in major high-end fashion retail stores, as backdrops for fashion campaigns and even faux plastic covers for mobile phones. The saturation of what I call ‘marble pattern’ has extended far and wide,” says interior designer David Hicks who is a major proponent of what I would call a much bolder marble approach.
David Hicks
“My approach to using marble in interiors now is more about seeking out unique marble that is distinctive in its veining and colouring. European trends have long seen marble used as a decorative element. The sophisticated mixing of numerous, disparate and colour-clashing marbles has long been an art form throughout Europe and is now making its way into Australian interiors,” says David who nonetheless views it as an interior design staple.
David’s Domain St project
“The thing is, marble is such a unique material as it is natural and no two blocks or slabs are identical and this characteristic will ensure that marble remains a mainstay in design. At the end of the day, it just depends on how brave the clients are as to the end result,” says David. From large-veined statement designs to more subtle patterning, and even different colours, there is so much more choice in the marble sphere than people often realise.
Domain St project
“Natural marble is like art, whether you like certain patterns and colours is subjective. Part of the challenge is grappling with the intricacies of organic stone as each piece is individual. Sometimes when I come across an incredible batch of marble, I tend to let it speak for itself and use it in large panels. Not only does this retain its natural beauty and intrinsic subtleties, I find that every time you look at the stone, you find something new about it,” says David.
David’s South Yarra project features calacatta viola marble
But David acknowledges that statement marble isn’t a look that appeals to all. “I’d argue that it’s more for the adventurous at heart. Many people are scared off by the heavily veined and coloured marbles as they see them as not being timeless in their aesthetic, but this is not the case,” says David who points to Europe where the look has been seen for literally hundreds of years. “I often describe to clients, and even show images from beautiful villas in Italy or chateaus in France so they can visualise how a statement marble may look. It’s very impactful this way. When approaching dramatic stones, they must be carefully considered in every aspect as it can really make or break a space,” says David.
The Domain St project features the rare nero marquina marble too
“I have used a host of different stones across my projects, some daring and some more sedate. It’s often the daring ones that really make a space sing and give it character, it ensures true individuality for a project,” says David who favours heavily veined calacatta oro (though acknowledges it has become mainstream), calacatta viola and paonazza marble. “I also love a heavily veined nero marquina marble from Italian quarries, which is very hard to find. I believe the more unique a marble is, the better!”
When your other home is a French chateau, I imagine anything else would feel rather ordinary in comparison. But it’s certainly not the case with this fabulous abode. Dividing their time between Melbourne and France, the owners of this expansive Melbourne apartment enlisted interior designer David Hicks to imbue it with Parisian grandeur and boy did he nail the brief.
Lounge room – the antique Louis armchairs feature Hermès fabric
“The family split their time between Melbourne and France, where they own a chateau in Normandy. We wanted to ensure the client’s personal connection with France was evident, and it was important to tell this story during the design process,” says David Hicks of the South Yarra residence.
Bedroom
“We wanted to reinstate the majesty of grand old Parisian apartments, something that is rarely found in residential apartments these days. Our aim was to revive the expert craftsmanship and nostalgia of a bygone era and to preserve tradition but with aspects of contemporary design,” says David.
Chevron French oak parquetry adorns the floors
“As one of the most striking spaces, the entry hall consists of curved travertine paneling, patterned flooring and oak doors with custom brass inlay. The adjacent staircase, which runs throughout the building, was designed to appear as if it had existed for several decades,” says David of the building that is home to three other apartments.
The gorgeous staircase
“One of our favourite design features would have to be the raw oak chevron parquetry floors, as they create a backdrop for the statement furniture throughout the home, as well as the wall-to-wall calacatta oro marble,” says David. The family’s large French antique collection is put to good use in the apartment too with Mongolian lambs’ wool bench seats and several large chandeliers featuring alongside among many other treasures.
Bathroom
“The striking lounge sofas and the Louis armchairs complete with Hermès fabric truly stand out for us, as well as the juxtaposition of old meets new. Each item exudes so much character, adding even more depth to the residence,” says David.
When you hear the word renovation, you probably think knocking down a couple of walls and updating the kitchen. But for this holiday home, a renovation meant gutting the whole property, keeping only the ground floor slab and the two front walls! “The brief from the client was to build a new house on the existing footprint of the old house,” explains acclaimed designer David Hicks. “The main concern was to maximise the glazing towards the views and reorganise the layout and accommodation.”
Situated on the Mornington Peninsula’s Portsea, bringing the outside in was key for this holiday home. A modern beachside design, the house has a relaxed feel, with beautiful sandy tones mimicking the beach below. “We used a contrast between rough stone and honed stone along with distressed timber veneer and satin lacquer,” says David. “It’s all about texture and tactility.”
Pushing the limits of structure, the upper floor is a standout, with the internal spaces separated from the outside only by frameless glass. “The design is seamless and effortless, yet so complex to detail and construct. I love the simplicity that we managed to achieve. This kind of architecture really interests me and I feel it fits into the landscape beautifully.”
The top floor also contains the pool, a show stopping cantilevered glass oasis that is sure to be the envy of neighbours. “Incorporating a pool above a downstairs bedroom was no mean feat! In fact, the engineering of the entire project was a challenge, as we wanted the upper floor to have limited bulk obstructing the views.”
The end result certainly achieves this, modern and streamlined, it is both relaxed and sophisticated, bringing new significance to the classic beach house.
Rumoured to have once been the home of American actress, dancer and singer Ginger Rogers, this 1920s LA residence is steeped in history. Now lived in by another actress (I’m afraid her name is being kept hush hush!) it was recently renovated by acclaimed Australian designer David Hicks.
With a brief to retain the home’s old-school charm, its 1920s pedigree offered hints of Hollywood glamour that the client — nor designer — wanted to erase. “The simplicity of the existing architecture and its nostalgia was a big inspiration and we followed this through with the overhaul,” says David. “We wanted to stay true to the space and style so took cues from original features such as the windows and staircase handrails.”
A soft refurbishment, the changes were more cosmetic than invasive, a fine line to walk when renovating a period home. “The most challenging thing about the project was considering what to keep of the existing architecture and what to change as we did not want to take away from the feel of the house,” explains David. “We were very sympathetic and only updated as needed.”
Built over two levels, the home is perched on the side of a hill with incredible views of Downtown LA to West Hollywood and beyond. For that reason the living/dining room is David’s favourite: “It’s just so light and bright with wonderful views across the valley. It’s like being in a tree house!”
With the client a keen collector, the home is the backdrop for vintage Hollywood Regency furniture from the 1920s, mid-century designs and contemporary works by the likes of German artist Thomas Wachholz, Gucci and Christian Louboutin. The end result is a home that transcends decades, revamped to its former glory and then some!
The International Seminar Series is always hotly anticipated at Melbourne’s Decor + Design show and this year’s speaker line-up looks like one of the most impressive yet. Mr Jason Grant, Anna Spiro, James Treble, David Hicks and Sibella Court are just some of the prominent design creatives that will be sharing their insights and expertise at the event that runs for three days from Thursday July 20.
Sibella Court speaking at last year’s event
“We are extremely excited for our 2017 line up for the International Seminar Series. We have secured some huge names from around the world, along with the best of the best here in Australia to present across a wide array of topics, set to educate, inspire and engage attendees,” says Chris May, Event Director at Informa Australia, the organisers of the event.
Anna Spiro
This year’s theme, ‘Awakening: Conscious Design’ promises an environmental bent with key topics including zero waste design and conscious retailing. This is in addition to a more general discussion of design and interior trends across retail, hospitality and residential spaces. An invaluable opportunity for established professionals and budding designers alike, the practical discussions will also discuss business practices such as digital strategy within the industry and styling for Instagram.
Mr Jason Grant
Check out the fabulous line-up below.
THURSDAY 20TH JULY Sibella Court, The Society Inc (AUS) Hotel and Restaurant Interiors: Evoking Atmosphere – 10.30am
Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus (UK) Directions: Macro interior Trends for 2018 – 12.00pm
Jo Mawhinny, (Living Edge) and Robyn Holt, (Design Consultant and Former Editor- in-Chief of Vogue Living) (AUS) Conscious Retailing: Buying for the Discerning Consumer – 3.30pm – 4.15pm
FRIDAY 21ST JULY David Hicks, David Hicks Studio (AUS) Crafting Sophisticated Spaces – 10.30am – 11.15am
Tim Street-Porter, Street Porter Studios (USA) Inside Hollywood Homes – 12.00pm, alongside Lisa Green, Editor-In-Chief, Australian House and Garden
Anna Spiro (Anna Spiro Textiles) and Shilo Englebrecht (Shilo Englebrecht) (AUS) Showcase: Australian Handmade Textiles – 1.30pm – 2.10pm with Lisa Green, Editor- In-Chief, Australian House and Garden
Adelaide Bragg, Adelaide Bragg and Associates (AUS) Classic Australian Interiors – 2.30pm – 3.15pm
Row Murray, Kenobi Digital (AUS) Workshop – Digital Strategy for the Design Industry – 2.30pm – 4pm
Stephen Pikus, Stephen Pikus Designs (RSA) The Future is Now: Zero Waste Design – 3.30pm – 4.15pm
James Treble
SATURDAY 22ND JULY Mr. Jason Grant, Stylist (AUS) How to be Super Stylish on Instagram – 10.30am – 11.15am
Wendy Rennie, (Colour and Concept Manager, Hyames’ Paints) and Andrea Lucena-Orr (Colour and Communications Manager, Dulux) (AUS) Workshop – Colour: Australian Paint Master Class – 10.30am – 12.00pm
James Treble, Treble Studios, The Living Room (AUS) From Conception to Completion: Interpreting Trends and Managing Projects – 12.00pm.
Interiors Addict is the proud media partner of this event.
Internationally renowned Australian interior design maverick David Hicks releases his first book, Intimate, this month – a compendium of his most fabulous designs from the past 15 years. With a unique aesthetic that has been described as ‘new luxury,’ there’s no denying that the designer has a particular talent for mixing antique finds with modern finishes and a particularly elegant look.
“I have a passion for mixing materials, styles and cultures, which has created a signature look that is broadly defined as eclectic and opulent, yet is also harmonious and refined,” he says. “I love architecture, interior design and decoration and often combine all three. They operate in synergy and form, or what I call my golden triangle. Weaving together these many strands, I curate highly individual spaces for my clients.”
“My appreciation for detail and understanding of how materials work together is something I consider a strength, especially when coupled with my vast knowledge of the decorative, antique and vintage periods.”
Eschewing trends, the designer prefers to create spaces that are tailored to his clients, and tell individual stories along the way. “Throughout the past 15 years in the industry, there have been a number of trends come and go. I wanted to use Intimate as a platform to showcase how every home that we work with tells a different story, from decadent marble and white, bright interiors to pops of vibrant colour and intricate antiques, no two homes are the same,” says David. A long-time fan of marble, he’ll continue to use it after the latest trend has faded.
“Obviously we are susceptible to the times and are inspired by our surrounds, but we are less likely to conform to temporary fads or phases. ”
And with art central to his work, David’s view of its place in interior design is an interesting one — he doesn’t use it as a decorative tool. “Artwork is very important but I don’t believe in art for art’s sake. We like to incorporate pieces that tell a story or have some type of pedigree to them, or sometimes purely because the client has an emotional attachment to them. We don’t use art as a decorative tool and don’t believe it should even necessarily match the interior. Art is a very personal thing and can add a great layer or depth to a space with the colour and texture it adds, or it can be a bold statement that incites conversation and interest,” says David.
As for his favourite projects, he likens them to children and finds it difficult to choose. “I don’t play favourites. I fall in love with every project we do. Every project has something to love, for instance we are currently building a house on the clifftop in Portsea, complete with a cantilevered rooftop and glass-sided pool. Or there is the large 1920’s home in Toorak we have just refurbished and decorated with pieces from all over the world – each are special in their own unique ways,” says David.
Photography: Ivan Terestchenko and Shannon McGrath
Intimate is published by Thames & Hudson and will available in all good book stores from later this month.
I asked some of Australia’s best interior designers and stylists for their opinion of what 2013 will bring in terms of interiors trends. Here’s what they had to say.
Steve Cordony, interior design editor, Belle magazine, and stylist: “This coming year I think we will see lots of natural materials such as marble, timber, brass, copper and cut glass which evoke a sense of calm and grounding. Using different shades and tones of trending colours such as blue, green and orange will inject warmth into our spaces. Quirky pieces (think spiky sculptures and animal shaped ceramics) and one-off finds will add a sense of interest and adventure into our interiors.”
Stylist and author Megan Morton: “People are now understanding the value and inherent beauty of interiors that are created with hand and heart. This explains the rise and rise of the craft and handmade movement. I predict we will see an even richer combination of made and bought, providing even more delicious spaces.”
Interior designer Greg Natale: “I see Memphis Milano becoming an influence on design again. Memphis was a design movement and furniture company started by Ettore Sottsass in the 80s. It was a reaction against Modernism and I think personally, they were trying to create warm interiors again by injecting humour and colour. What I like about Memphis is the asymmetrical shapes, black and white stripes, strong colour and wit.”
This apartment, by David Hicks, is in the iconic Banff Building on St Kilda’s famous Fitzroy Street. It was once used as an army barracks by the Americans during World War 2.
“The owners came to us as they liked what we do and had been following our work. They are a professional couple who had downsized from a larger home nearby to allow freedom to travel while providing a bolt hole in their home town,” says David. “The apartment has been the home of many notable St Kilda icons due to its prime position overlooking Albert Park towards the city skyline.”
It’s not huge, as 85 sqm, with two bedrooms, one with ensuite, a powder room, study, separate dining, living and kitchen. “Although we are known for our many high end large scale luxury apartments and residential building designs, the clients could see that our aesthetic of modern luxury could be related to a smaller space. They had an understanding of how we combine architecture with decoration and our dedication to detail and material selection. We have a very strong focus on achieving quality design that is both intelligent in its layering and comfortable.”
Minor structural works were undertaken with one large bathroom divided in two to create an ensuite for the master bedroom and the powder room, complete with shower, that can be used with the second bedroom.
Hello interiors porn! You simply must pick up a copy of the current House & Garden. It’s the annual 50 best rooms special and it’s full of stunners. Big congrats to Stacey Kouros (ex homeMADE) whose kitchen project graces the cover.
Great to see rooms by friends of Interiors Addict Greg Natale, Thomas Hamel, Arent & Pyke, Christopher Elliott and David Hicks too. Well done to everyone included and good luck for the judging of the top room for 2012.
After years of custom designing for projects, it made sense for interior designer David Hicks to team up with Cadrys to design his own rug range.
Although they may not be officially launched until after Christmas, they’re already available and word is getting around, both here and in LA, where David’s practice has a studio. The ‘Sun’ design is already being showcased at Erin V Maison in West Hollywood.
“The inspiration for the rug designs has come from my love of vintage combined with luxury materials,” says David.
I shared this competition from the Life InStyle trade fair which I’m judging alongside Mr Jason Grant and Lucy Feagins of The Design Files blog. Have you entered yet?
I enjoyed interviewing Melbourne interior designer David Hicks, who just opened an LA office and had some great stuff to share about design.
Ex Real Living style director Mr Jason Grant offered Interiors Addict readers an EXCLUSIVE opportunity to join him for a VIP shopping tour around Sydney, visiting his favourite stores with him and learning stylist secrets. There’s still time to book your place for next week.
I featured a cool new product that lets you hang plants upside inside. No, I don’t really understand how it works either, but it’s pretty clever!
A stunning Art Deco inspired bar opened in Melbourne’s Brunswick on Friday night and I shared some snaps with you beforehand.
I reviewed this lovely book New Vintage by stylist Tahn Scoon.
I spent Saturday morning at a session with super stylist Megan Morton about putting the love in your home. It was awesome. Read all about it. Her home is in the current issue of Vogue Living. Well worth a look.
This coming week I’m looking forward to attending the Writing about Interiors, Style and Design evening class at Sydney Writers’ Centre. I know I shouldn’t really need it, right? But I think you can always learn something new and it’s great to hear other people’s perspective on things.
Melbourne interior designer David Hicks is living the dream right now. Last month alone he opened an LA office and was a finalist in the Belle | Coco Republic Interior Design Awards.
Incorporating beautiful vintage pieces has always been a feature of Hicks’ work and while importing many of these from the States, one thing led to another and the company now has a permanent base there. “For the past five years our office has had a love affair with vintage furniture,” says Hicks. “We incorporate select collector quality pieces in most of our work. Due to our relationships with suppliers in the US we decided to have a member of staff on the ground there to help with sourcing. From that came a couple of projects and now an office!” It was officially launched during the Legends of the La Cienega design event which they took part in.
David, who has already been to LA twice this year, has an architect over there managing projects so the logistics are surprisingly easy and the international exposure has been fantastic. “We are suddenly seen as an international design company and are receiving some amazing job enquiries that we would probably not get if we were just based in Australia.”
I’m a huge fan of Greg Natale‘s work, you probably all know that by now. And I’ve interviewed Greg and know him well, but I was still keen to attend his session at Coco Republic Design School, especially when I heard he’d be sharing photos of never-before-seen projects. What a treat. And I wasn’t disappointed. Friday morning was, for me, three hours of interiors porn! Loved it! Greg shared photos of some of his most beautiful work, talked about his inspiration, where he sources things, how he runs his business and what’s important in creating interiors that work.
Starting at the very beginning, Greg told he us he was “one of those freaky kids” who knew what they wanted to be from a really early age. Dressing himself and having a very strong sense of personal style from the age of 10, he spent the summer of 1986 ripping down all his parents’ seventies wallpaper. Can you imagine mini Greg doing this? I so can!
What do you think of this Toorak residence by David Hicks, a finalist in the Best Residential Interior Category of the Belle | Coco Republic Interior Design Awards, being announced this week?Click on the image for a larger version.
