Modern Deco

How I adore an Art Deco renovation, the challenge of merging the old with the new, and paying my respects to the simple, streamlined looks of a bygone era while gently modernising the layout and décor. It’s every interior designer’s dream.

This top floor apartment in New Farm, Brisbane, was ripe for renovation, with painted concrete walls and floors, the original chipboard kitchen still in situ, and a bathroom with exposed pipework and a Turkish shower over the bath.

My client’s brief was simple – bring the outside in, which I achieved utilising a light, cohesive colour palette, carefully selected textures, and clean lines. Light timber cabinetry was used throughout to deliver a natural look and feel.

That concrete slab was beautifully tiled, bedrooms were carpeted, old, weathered windows replaced with hush glass windows, and new light fittings added throughout the space.

What fun we had with the kitchen. By simply redesigning the layout and adding new cabinetry, we created an abundance of extra space, with no structural changes required. The soft green and white palette blended seamlessly with the quality brushed nickel fittings, and the addition of custom-built timber cabinetry provided a striking contrast.

I increased the amount of storage in the bedrooms, with the addition of floor to ceiling robes. In the dining room, a bespoke timber bookcase was added, delivering storage, functionality, and style.

Attention was then turned to the bathroom, with a few structural changes allowing for a significant increase in size, and the inclusion of a large, walk-in shower, vanity with ample storage, and an inwall, modern toilet. A skylight completed the look and channelled light into this internal room.

This Art Deco apartment was gently escorted into the present day, with clean lines, modern finishes and fixtures, and a subtle colour palette that paid homage to the natural built environment.