Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Mid-Century Apartment in Brisbane Admires the View
A 1970s home in Highgate Hill gets an update worthy of the suburb's fabulous location, just south of the CBD on the gorgeous Brisbane River
As a frequent visitor to the area just south of Brisbane’s CBD, owner of Queensland Film Locations Nat Duncan fell in love with the diverse bohemian vibe and the inclusive nature of this inner-city pocket. So when it came time to downsize and move from the outer suburbs, she settled into a great house in West End. But in order to further simplify and properly downsize, without the burden of garden and home maintenance, it looked like apartment living was the way to go.
With her sights set on finding a place with an amazing view, Nat was lucky to find this two-bedroom mid-century apartment in nearby Highgate Hill, still close to the CBD, and jumped at the chance to be the new owner.
It was truly a case of “love at first open inspection” for Nat. With the allure of floor-to-ceiling glass, the spacious 1970s apartment showed off its original features and enticed her with expansive views of the city and the Great Dividing Range.
The previous owner of the apartment had lived there since 1979, and while Nat was keen to update certain aspects of her new home she has been adamant about paying tribute to its simple and streamlined 1976 bones. The solid concrete and brick walls were ideal for bouncing light around the expansive living areas and Nat knew how great the apartment would look with a little TLC and a fresh coat of paint.
While many inner city apartments tend to have pokey rooms, living was large in the 70s and even the two bedrooms are spacious with built-in cupboards and floor-to-ceiling windows. They are private from the large living and dining spaces and offer a serene place to relax. The wraparound balcony finishes off the apartment layout perfectly and is ideal for entertaining.
Nat engaged Brisbane interior stylists Caro and Vanessa from Indigo Jungle to add soft layers to her home and give her tips on displaying her favourite pieces around the apartment. The result is a creative and light-filled space, with a huge sense of personality and a gorgeous view to match!
With her sights set on finding a place with an amazing view, Nat was lucky to find this two-bedroom mid-century apartment in nearby Highgate Hill, still close to the CBD, and jumped at the chance to be the new owner.
It was truly a case of “love at first open inspection” for Nat. With the allure of floor-to-ceiling glass, the spacious 1970s apartment showed off its original features and enticed her with expansive views of the city and the Great Dividing Range.
The previous owner of the apartment had lived there since 1979, and while Nat was keen to update certain aspects of her new home she has been adamant about paying tribute to its simple and streamlined 1976 bones. The solid concrete and brick walls were ideal for bouncing light around the expansive living areas and Nat knew how great the apartment would look with a little TLC and a fresh coat of paint.
While many inner city apartments tend to have pokey rooms, living was large in the 70s and even the two bedrooms are spacious with built-in cupboards and floor-to-ceiling windows. They are private from the large living and dining spaces and offer a serene place to relax. The wraparound balcony finishes off the apartment layout perfectly and is ideal for entertaining.
Nat engaged Brisbane interior stylists Caro and Vanessa from Indigo Jungle to add soft layers to her home and give her tips on displaying her favourite pieces around the apartment. The result is a creative and light-filled space, with a huge sense of personality and a gorgeous view to match!
The enormous Phoenix lounge from King Furniture almost didn’t make it into the apartment. At three metres long it was left in the car park by the removalists, because they could not manage to fit it in the small lifts that service the building. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Nat and her friends set about dismantling the lounge into smaller pieces, and it took three people two long and arduous trips to carry it up the many flights of stairs to its new home. Suffice to say, it won’t be going anywhere in a hurry.
Sitting proudly above the lounge is a large abstract painting created by one of Nat’s talented film industry friends, Brandon Specht.
“The girls from Indigo Jungle were great. They added some simple touches that made a big difference visually. I love how the dark cushion (from Freedom) draws the grey tones out of my gorgeous painting,” says Nat.
Sitting proudly above the lounge is a large abstract painting created by one of Nat’s talented film industry friends, Brandon Specht.
“The girls from Indigo Jungle were great. They added some simple touches that made a big difference visually. I love how the dark cushion (from Freedom) draws the grey tones out of my gorgeous painting,” says Nat.
The sunny balcony is a great spot to sit and soak up some rays, as well as take in the amazing views including the iconic Torbreck home unit development in the suburb, which was erected in the late 1950s.
The solid timber desk was spotted at Mode 707 in Melbourne’s Collingwood and Nat had it sent up to Brisbane where it now takes pride of place in the study. With such a spacious living in the apartment, Nat has utilised an area to the right of the entry as her study.
Having a selection of quirky pieces on display and keeping the desk clutter free makes sure the space is functional and beautiful, all at once.
Having a selection of quirky pieces on display and keeping the desk clutter free makes sure the space is functional and beautiful, all at once.
Nat has carefully selected her favourite pieces to display and is careful not to create visual clutter among the clean lines of the surrounding design. Her choices show off her bold and playful attitude and ‘Fido’ (the dog vase) is always ready to receive a fresh bunch of flowers from a handsome admirer.
Nat’s love of Instagram is displayed on the wall of her study nook. The photos, printed by Social Print Studio, all lined up together appear to create a larger artwork. It adds character and pops of colour to the space and is easily changed as Nat’s desires.
The original 1976 kitchen is one of Nat’s favourite features in her apartment, and she loves the streamlined design and the style of the original appliances.
Despite its age, the kitchen is still in great condition and Nat has no immediate plans to alter it. The wall tiles, however, are not original and they are eagerly awaiting a coat of tile paint to disguise the dated pattern.
The floors are a recent addition to the apartment, replacing old wool carpet. Nat selected CorkPlank from Ecologic, as it provided a simple look that was in keeping of the era of the building and also offered the eco credentials of a modern-day product. Nat could not be more happy with her flooring, even though it meant moving her furniture onto the balcony while it was laid.
Despite its age, the kitchen is still in great condition and Nat has no immediate plans to alter it. The wall tiles, however, are not original and they are eagerly awaiting a coat of tile paint to disguise the dated pattern.
The floors are a recent addition to the apartment, replacing old wool carpet. Nat selected CorkPlank from Ecologic, as it provided a simple look that was in keeping of the era of the building and also offered the eco credentials of a modern-day product. Nat could not be more happy with her flooring, even though it meant moving her furniture onto the balcony while it was laid.
To the left of the entry, the Perspex wall boxes by Danish designers Hay, known as Curiosity Boxes, are an unobtrusive way Nat can show off her ever-changing selection of favourite bits and pieces.
Here, she has chosen an orange theme, with a mix of new and vintage ceramics, including West German Mid-century Modern pottery from her small collection.
The yellow metal Metro stool, designed by Peter Johansen of Hay, is a 3D depiction resembling printed circuits as seen in computer graphics.
Here, she has chosen an orange theme, with a mix of new and vintage ceramics, including West German Mid-century Modern pottery from her small collection.
The yellow metal Metro stool, designed by Peter Johansen of Hay, is a 3D depiction resembling printed circuits as seen in computer graphics.
While some apartments have a dark and gloomy entry, this home allows you to enter right into to the large open-plan living and dining area, which is flooded with natural light thanks to its north-west aspect.
Nat absolutely loves the amazing light that fills each corner of the apartment. “I get to see some amazing sunrises and sunsets from here; it’s breathtaking,” she says.
Nat absolutely loves the amazing light that fills each corner of the apartment. “I get to see some amazing sunrises and sunsets from here; it’s breathtaking,” she says.
Most of the pieces around Nat’s apartment have a story to tell, including this vintage Barsony Lamp that was rescued from a skip bin.
“I was walking past an old home that had a mini-skip full of things that had been thrown out. Sitting on top was this beautiful lamp! I nearly collapsed in disbelief,” says Nat. “I saved her and took her home; with a new shade she was brought back to life.”
“I was walking past an old home that had a mini-skip full of things that had been thrown out. Sitting on top was this beautiful lamp! I nearly collapsed in disbelief,” says Nat. “I saved her and took her home; with a new shade she was brought back to life.”
This striking painting by Nick Robba from Ryan Renshaw Gallery sits above modern ceramics, a white sculpture by Stacie Gibson and Nat’s favourite vintage Hornsea Heirloom pottery.
The main bedroom has an almost ethereal look when the afternoon light shines in through the sheer curtains.
Made by Cardell, they also have a blockout backing for those long, luxurious sleep-ins. Although, with all the early starts on film sets and television commercials, Nat doesn’t get to enjoy a sleep in very often.
The stunning Lucite ‘Spaghetti’ light fitting was a gifted to Nat from a film location she visited, while the Marimekko cushion was purchased on a holiday to New York.
Made by Cardell, they also have a blockout backing for those long, luxurious sleep-ins. Although, with all the early starts on film sets and television commercials, Nat doesn’t get to enjoy a sleep in very often.
The stunning Lucite ‘Spaghetti’ light fitting was a gifted to Nat from a film location she visited, while the Marimekko cushion was purchased on a holiday to New York.
The bedhead in the master bedroom is a stunning, deep-button upholstered vinyl that Nat had custom made. “I like to channel a bit of the [1960s TV series] Mad Men look into the apartment,” she explains.
The vintage Kartell Componibili side table was an online find.
The vintage Kartell Componibili side table was an online find.
Caro (left) and Vanessa (middle) from Indigo Jungle helped Nat (right) add some unique touches to her apartment and taught her how to ‘show off’ some of her favourite pieces, many of which have a history or story to tell. That’s the best way to make a house into a home, don’t you think?
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
Who lives there: Nat Duncan
Location: Highgate Hill, Brisbane, Queensland
Size: 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment with a large wraparound balcony
Before moving in to the building, Nat decided her new home needed a little freshening up, and there is no simpler way to achieve this than with a can of paint.
The walls of the apartment are painted in Dulux ‘Whisper White’, which is apparently a shade chosen by many designers and architects. It was recommended to Nat by friend and architect Paul Owen of Owen and Vokes and Peters. The tone adds a real warmth to the rooms as it has only the slightest touch of yellow to it, so it doesn’t appear stark or cold.