Houzz Tour: Sleek Monochrome Creates a Dramatic Statement in Queensland
Looking for an apartment with a sophisticated edge, this homeowner left it up to an expert to come up with something spectacular
With a brief to turn a tired rented property into a chic bespoke apartment within a short timeframe, interior designer James Dawson wasted no time in getting started. Dawson had just five weeks to work his magic following the initial consultation, but a clever design approach – and some very late nights – meant he could deliver a sophisticated apartment that’s as functional as it is fabulous, on time.
‘It was not an easy project,’ admits Dawson. ‘In fact, it was the hardest I’ve done to date – nothing went smoothly at all!’
His hard work paid off, though, because not only was the client thrilled with the results, Dawson was named Best of State Queensland winner – residential design, in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2014 for his efforts.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A hands-off female apartment owner open to new ideas
Location Queensland, Australia
Size 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
‘It was not an easy project,’ admits Dawson. ‘In fact, it was the hardest I’ve done to date – nothing went smoothly at all!’
His hard work paid off, though, because not only was the client thrilled with the results, Dawson was named Best of State Queensland winner – residential design, in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2014 for his efforts.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here A hands-off female apartment owner open to new ideas
Location Queensland, Australia
Size 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The black and white theme extends to the graceful, fluid artwork carefully positioned in the apartment’s main living area.
Gold accessories give the home an elegant edge, and tie in with the pendants hanging over the custom-made kitchen island, as well as numerous other small details in each room.
The client gave Dawson plenty of creative freedom to renovate her apartment, so he was a little apprehensive when he opened the door for the big reveal. ‘I was nervous but she loved it!’ Dawson says. ‘She was surprised and excited.’
Texture and detail soften the largely monochrome palette used throughout the apartment, as well as adding interest. The sumptuous fabrics chosen for the sofa, rug and cushions prevent the space from looking too clinical.
Asked to describe the home in five words, Dawson says: ‘Sophisticated, functional, light, interesting and sexy.’
The black and white wallpaper is one of Dawson’s favourite features. He hand drew the pattern onto the ceiling and walls before handing the process over to the ‘wallpaper guys’ to cut and lay the shapes as drawn. ‘The whole process took 16 hours and was done the day before the photos were taken, so it was a late night,’ recalls Dawson.
Even though the timeframe for this project was tight – three weeks to design and order, two weeks to demolish and install – Dawson says it was important for him and his practice to maintain the high standard of finishes and materials and to deliver a cohesive finished product. Here, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry used throughout the apartment create a streamlined effect that maximises storage and opens up the space.
Dawson opted for custom-turned island unit legs, instead of using a standard island design, as another way to make the apartment feel larger.
‘The kitchen I love,’ says Dawson. ‘The black wooden veneer cabinets are beautiful and the black marble benches give it an elegant feel.’
Check out more ways to use black
Check out more ways to use black
Using mirrors in all the right places reflect the view of the marina from the kitchen. Mirrors are also used in front of the island unit to open up the living area.
The bathroom’s ceiling and walls were a big hit with the client. Dawson designed the hardwood door handles with brass inserts to contrast with the black cabinetry – used throughout the apartment, it’s a neat trick to tie the different spaces together.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry conceals a full-service laundry. The far two doors swing back and slide away into the cabinets to make it easy to use the washing machine, dryer and laundry sink. The near two doors open up to reveal a large linen closet. What a difference these cabinets make. Before, the washing machine and wall-mounted dryer sat on their own in this area with zero storage. ‘Doing this created so much extra space,’ Dawson says.
Small details count – even the power outlet is a cut above.
The bathroom is both luxurious and practical with the help of marble floor and wall tiles and a custom-designed timber-veneer vanity that adds to the sense of space.
Roll & Hill antlers: Space Furniture
Have you got any black and white rooms in your home? Tell us about them in the Comments below.
Roll & Hill antlers: Space Furniture
Have you got any black and white rooms in your home? Tell us about them in the Comments below.
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