Port Melbourne Project

by Mr. Mitchell

After engaging Seidler Group to redesign the floor plan, the clients sought the assistance of the team at MR. MITCHELL to define the spaces and create a home that is both serviceable and aesthetically pleasing. The brief from the clients was to create a timelessly elegant space that was both of the city and suited to the coastal location. Any obvious references to the sea were to be avoided and the sense of space was to be increased. Converting the layout from a cosy three bedroom apartment to a luxurious one bedroom plus study enabled the design team to create spaces that are generous and flow elegantly. Low ceilings draw your eye to the expansive views available at every turn of the eye. To create a sense of calm and flow, curves were introduced throughout. Joinery edges are softened with the use of gently radiused battened timber panels, guiding you from one area to another. The dark stained finish on the cabinetry visually pushes the walls out, creating a more generous sense of space. Custom artisanal finishes are featured throughout, from the antiqued bronze on tapware and accessories, to the hand-woven wool and bamboo silk carpet, and hand-trowelled cement wall treatment in the entry. These bespoke fittings bring a true feeling of a personal and individual style to the home. The kitchen was completely remodelled to include state of the art appliances from Gaggenau and Sub Zero and features generous application of Superwhite Dolomite throughout. A 4.5m long island bench houses a plentiful amount of storage in easy access drawers and is topped with a striking textured porcelain bench top from Stone Italiana. A focal point is the custom rangehood clad in a distinct bronze metallic coating. The timber battened joinery featured throughout was a labour of love for cabinet maker Mark Gauci. Bronze mirror contrasts beautifully with the dark stained timber, with a sandblasted finish on the kitchen overheads and polished mirror in the Living Room bar cabinet. Recessed LED strip lighting is used to highlight the stone and provide ambient lighting. Custom lighting pieces act as shining jewels, carefully layered over the elegant palette of materials, much as a sophisticated lady would select a delicate brooch to add sparkle to a beautiful ensemble.

We particularly loved incorporating the newly released Scandal range of fittings from local designer Nikki Green, of internationally recognised design house Articolo. The wall sconces featured in the entry and pendant over the dining table are in a mid-bronze with an inlay of Italian leather. The furniture selections throughout follow the bespoke theme and hero some of Melbourne’s most established and respected manufacturers. A magnificent customised boomerang-shaped sofa from Arthur G is upholstered in sumptuous nubuck suede in a delicate soft grey, decorated with a range of cushions in shades of rust, coal and toffee from Elitis and Boyd Blue. Iconic Featherston E254 Elastic Suspension Armchairs from Grazia and Co frame the view of the also iconic Princes Pier built in 1912 and named after the Prince of Wales. The timber pillars from the original pier remain in situ, forming a dramatic sculptural formation. The view to the south is never stagnant, with cruise and cargo ships entering and exiting the bay on a regular basis. Every surface has been carefully considered to provide tactility and depth. Floors and walls beckon to be touched. In the bedroom, beautifully crafted custom carpet in a rich russet from RC&D is subtly textured with art silk to provide just the right amount of shimmer. The walls are clad in a beautiful velvet wall covering from Elitis in France. It was a great privilege to be engaged by the clients to select artwork throughout. Working with local galleries, a selection of pieces in different styles and mediums creates visual interest and provides a very individual aesthetic.