The Penthouse Project, Double Bay
The Penthouse Project, Double Bay
Concept Organic Opulence
This Double Bay penthouse apartment needed to be significantly modernised and brought into alignment with our client’s personal aesthetic. Weaving in their love for earthy tones and rustic detailing, we administered a complete cosmetic refresh.
To create a foundation of organic texture, the walls were painted in Murowash and sand. This immediately lifted the space, creating a neutral canvas. We sanded back the existing floorboards, re-staining them in a custom walnut tone to bring homely warmth. To add an immediate touch of luxury to our client’s entryway, we designed a floating marble bench in a richly patterned Calacatta Viola marble, perfect for displaying hand-crafted treasures.
French brasserie style elements were chosen for the kitchen, which retained the same footprint, but gained a thorough facelift. Pale grey and white Polaris marble was specified for the splashback and double bullnose profile kitchen island top. To infuse opulence, the L-shaped island was finished in fluted walnut with a brass projection rail, à la boutique bistro. We designed a curved rangehood in Venetian plaster with reclaimed timber floating shelves. This created a curved focal point amidst the surrounding clean-lined cabinetry. The antique brass fixtures and basin mixer complement the hand-painted cabinets and walnut island, tying neatly into the stunning feature black and gold freestanding oven and cooker. Both the kitchen island and wall length walnut sideboard in the living room float above custom, recessed aged-brass kickboards, providing a reflective visual break between the warm tones of cabinetry and floor.
It was important to continue threading elements of luxury throughout the open dining and living room, from the decorative grain of the walnut sideboard — with custom aged brass kickers, aged brass pulls and a Polaris marble top — to the stunning Anders pendant, formed from layered banana leaf fibres that diffuse light. We specified the furniture pieces for the kitchen, dining and living area, layering organic textures, soft leather and linen, and worn wood. The column that provides a visual anchor within the space was wreathed in Arute Hashi Border Japanese tiles, adding a touch of subtle lustre. Ensuring privacy and gently filtered light, sheer white drapes fall from ceiling to floor.
In the master bedroom, we focused on complementing the existing mid-century wardrobes with custom-made pieces. The bespoke bedhead was designed in collaboration with BEDSaHEAD, featuring a classic, striped boucle fabric to bring softness. We continued the addition of contrasting black elements with the minimalistic, arched wall lights that emit a tranquil glow which washes beautifully down the textured wall finish. To allow a place to rest and dress, a bench ottoman with linen top and walnut frame was co-designed with Palomar and Rowe. This space now exemplifies refined elegance, conjuring an immediate sense of restorative peace.
Overall, we were able to weave together organic and rustic elements, creating an elevated residence that welcomes our client comfortably home.
