Bathurst Street Apartment

by Alena Smith Interior Design

Alena Smith Interior Design was asked to embellish an “off the plan” apartment for a client ready for a new beginning after downsizing from a large home.  “I want to feel like I’m living in a hotel” was a clear brief from the client looking to reflect her personality and lifestyle.

The approach to the interior design was twofold: to keep the strong geometry of the already established base build design; then to add a layer of softness through the introduction of decorative elements such as wallpaper, consideration of furniture and the finishing touches of window coverings & artworks.

The concept was to introduce a sophisticated palette that could unfold over time.  A mixed palette of warm and cool finishes creates a gentle complexity, elevating the experience from a generic off the plan space to a personalised retreat.

Combining steel blue-greys, black & neutrals with flax, cinnamon and blush tones, the space evolved into an emotive, inviting environment. Natural materials such as seagrass wallpaper, linen and bamboo uplifting the interiors from generic to emotive.

Soft layering was achieved through decorative lighting, soft furnishings and introduction of artwork and styling elements. These new design elements are a huge step towards personalisation and speak directly to the client’s new life phase, added to this, Alena also assisted in shedding some items, keeping others, editing her clients’ story to the present day.

Design decisions were made with sustainable & vegan outcomes in mind. No use of animal products in fabrics or inners, recyclable & LEED rated wallpapers, Greenguard Certified joinery and GOTS certified organic linen with Oeko-Tex Certification have been sourced.

As the client is an actress, the second bedroom was converted into a combined dressing & guest room. Custom designed joinery includes a glamourous makeup counter that lights up, Hollywood style, when opened, and remains an elegant bedside table when closed; a daybed converts from a stylist’s layout space to a double bed for overnight guests. Deliberate and bespoke design result in a small footprint being able to fulfill a larger brief.

Alena Smith Interior Design has transformed the once black and white space to an elegant, inviting home. The apartment is infused with the client’s unique expression – a place of retreat as much as a place of entertainment and enjoyment of the sparkling city outside. Through thoughtful consideration, this city apartment is exemplary of sustainable luxury design.

Contact Alena Smith Interior Design at hello@alenasmith.com.au or 0438 699 260.