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Houzz Tour: This Maximalist Modern Apartment is All Glitz and Glamour
A 1980s maisonette is transformed into a luxurious home that is inspired by a young family's extensive travels
In this stunning house, each area is indeed a feast for the senses, where rich textures and eye-catching bespoke furniture are mixed with the family’s vintage treasures, travel mementos, heirlooms and collection of bold artwork. That’s because the owners of this maisonette preferred a dwelling that exudes maximalism, whereas most homeowners nowadays would quickly turn to the opposite – clean, sleek elements of the modern minimalist style. “Having travelled extensively, the owners wanted their residence to reflect their international background, focusing on a harmonious and uncluttered space yet reflecting their sense of fun with punches of drama,” says interior designer Andrea Savage of Design Intervention, who was at the helm of this major renovation.
The powder room belies its small footprint and proves that a compact space can go big and bold through dark hues and big prints. The koi motif of the wallpaper looks fluid and draws the eye horizontally, helping to create an illusion of bigger space. Keeping things balanced are the seemingly weightless and reflective surfaces in the wash area – an all-glass sunburst mirror, a sink made of cut-crystal, and a bespoke vanity with glossy metal details.
The recurring theme throughout this home is the owners’ enduring connection to both Africa and Australia. Vibrant colours, striking patterns and lush textures are woven into the interior to reflect the owner’s personalities and experiences. A herringbone pattern is also employed on the marble flooring throughout the spaces on the first floor.
Savage also conceived a ceiling design wherein beams are used as architectural gridlines to bisect the open space into quadrants. Making up half of the quadrant are the casual reading area and the living room. “On a daily basis, they generally function as two distinct spaces, but when the owners entertain, the two combine as one conversational area,” she says.
Savage also conceived a ceiling design wherein beams are used as architectural gridlines to bisect the open space into quadrants. Making up half of the quadrant are the casual reading area and the living room. “On a daily basis, they generally function as two distinct spaces, but when the owners entertain, the two combine as one conversational area,” she says.
A dramatic statement is achieved in the living room and the adjacent breakfast nook through a layering of animal prints and ikat patterns for the soft furnishings. It is a daring design feat, especially since bold colours are also involved, but the result epitomises the eclectic aesthetic of the owners. Moreover, the designer opted for an unusual shape for the largest furniture piece in this space to boost the “playful individualism” that resonates in this home. The sofa’s curved form also acts as a visual cue that demarcates the living room from the other areas.
Placed within the next quadrant is this breakfast nook, which occupies a light-filled spot by the French doors. The table is a smaller replica of the dining table, and is paired with comfy armchairs in a zebra print. The generous stretch of French doors on this side of the house lets daylight spread through the living spaces and bring in the picturesque view of the outdoors.
The owners enjoy cooking and entertaining, so an open plan was required in the kitchen. It gleams in black and steel, and continues the brushed brass detailing on the cabinetry.
Treading the staircase is like a walk down memory lane, as it is lined in a customised black and white carpet which shows all the names of the owners’ families and the places where they resided in from their childhood up to present. “This special carpet ensures the memories are ever present and dispenses with the need for the usual grouping of family photographs,” says Savage.
Treading the staircase is like a walk down memory lane, as it is lined in a customised black and white carpet which shows all the names of the owners’ families and the places where they resided in from their childhood up to present. “This special carpet ensures the memories are ever present and dispenses with the need for the usual grouping of family photographs,” says Savage.
In complete contrast to the dramatic and glossy elements in the living and entertaining space on the first floor, the bedrooms and study room upstairs have a softer, more neutral palette. In the master bedroom, taupes and creams, lacquered finishes, and groove-cut mirrored walls behind the Ralph Lauren bedside tables combine for an elegant yet homely arrangement. The flooring echoes the same herringbone pattern from downstairs, but here, mocha-toned European oak is used to further add warmth and unify the spaces on this level.
The modern luxe style continues in the master bathroom. A Middle Eastern scene serves as a captivating backdrop, while an oriental gold ceramic stool used as a side table adds glitz to this bright space. The tub and shower areas overlook the lush greenery, which enhances the restful ambience.
“Clean lines hint at a more contemporary art deco vibe, to make these spaces elegant and chic, yet still achieve a great visual appeal,” says Savage. This is apparent in the guest bedroom, where textured materials soften the crisp lines and lucite finishes. As with the other rooms, nature-inspired wallpaper complements the serene mood.
This home is indeed bold and dramatic, but nevertheless it is warm and welcoming, just the way the owners wanted it to be.
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This home is indeed bold and dramatic, but nevertheless it is warm and welcoming, just the way the owners wanted it to be.
See more of this project
TELL US
What do you find the most striking feature of this home? Share in the Comments below.
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Who lives here: A young couple and their 8-month old baby
Location: Mount Faber
Size: 2,500 sqft
Project duration: 6 months
From the main entrance, the narrow hallway featuring a colourful and whimsical wallpaper immediately clues you in on the couple’s sense of fun and adventure. Adding to the opulent feel of this space are metallic elements, which are plentiful here – from the antique chandelier bought from abroad to the brushed brass detailing on the mirrored wall.
“The absence of natural light in the central section of a maisonette is common, as the light source is limited to the front and rear of the apartment,” explains Savage. Hence, the use of mirrored ceilings and walls to bounce light into these spaces.