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Architecture
Room of the Week: Flexibility and Flair for a Downsizer's Unit
One size does not fit all: here's how an architect improved the functionality and flow of a senior's off-the-plan unit
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The apartment was purchased off-the-plan, and the client had the opportunity to make modifications to the layout and finishes before construction commenced.
The client wanted to be able to separate the kitchen from the living area when required, such as when visitors dropped by unexpectedly or when someone was cooking in the kitchen and another person was in the living space reading.
He wanted his home to have a contemporary, coastal feel with practical, easy-to-clean finishes and a living room that was large enough to entertain in.
The apartment was purchased off-the-plan, and the client had the opportunity to make modifications to the layout and finishes before construction commenced.
The client wanted to be able to separate the kitchen from the living area when required, such as when visitors dropped by unexpectedly or when someone was cooking in the kitchen and another person was in the living space reading.
He wanted his home to have a contemporary, coastal feel with practical, easy-to-clean finishes and a living room that was large enough to entertain in.
The floor plan showing the kitchen, living room, dining room and library/home office
He also dreamt of having a welcoming, low-maintenance apartment that was designed for different activities, such as cooking, reading and entertaining. As he was a recurring client, we had considerable freedom to suggest modifications, such as enlarging the kitchen and transforming one of the bedrooms into his library/home office.
He also dreamt of having a welcoming, low-maintenance apartment that was designed for different activities, such as cooking, reading and entertaining. As he was a recurring client, we had considerable freedom to suggest modifications, such as enlarging the kitchen and transforming one of the bedrooms into his library/home office.
Starting point
The original floor plan and selection of materials by the developer was our starting point.
The developer had selected a beautiful travertine tile for the bathrooms that we chose to keep in some areas. The warm beige tone of the stone was then combined with timber flooring and white walls.
For the kitchen, we replaced the original stone benchtop with a Maxium Calacatta porcelain slab that is stain- and mould-resistant. We selected a matt finish for a natural, textural feel.
The original floor plan and selection of materials by the developer was our starting point.
The developer had selected a beautiful travertine tile for the bathrooms that we chose to keep in some areas. The warm beige tone of the stone was then combined with timber flooring and white walls.
For the kitchen, we replaced the original stone benchtop with a Maxium Calacatta porcelain slab that is stain- and mould-resistant. We selected a matt finish for a natural, textural feel.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture/fixtures
We wanted to create a comfortable and versatile space that would take full advantage of the stunning water views.
The versatility comes from the use of sliding felt panels in the kitchen and sliding doors elsewhere in the apartment to create rooms that really transform: a smaller, cosy living space with a separate kitchen and library; a living area and library/home office, or a large entertaining area incorporating all three rooms.
Another primary goal was to take care of the practical details that would make everyday life easier for our client. The kitchen, for example, was designed to be very user-friendly with items such as a sliding-door pantry, wide cutlery drawers, a hidden corner cabinet for small appliances, a wine fridge, sparkling water on-tap and two wall ovens.
The automation of blinds and the use of a master switch at the entry door are other examples of details that will give an extra level of comfort.
We wanted to create a comfortable and versatile space that would take full advantage of the stunning water views.
The versatility comes from the use of sliding felt panels in the kitchen and sliding doors elsewhere in the apartment to create rooms that really transform: a smaller, cosy living space with a separate kitchen and library; a living area and library/home office, or a large entertaining area incorporating all three rooms.
Another primary goal was to take care of the practical details that would make everyday life easier for our client. The kitchen, for example, was designed to be very user-friendly with items such as a sliding-door pantry, wide cutlery drawers, a hidden corner cabinet for small appliances, a wine fridge, sparkling water on-tap and two wall ovens.
The automation of blinds and the use of a master switch at the entry door are other examples of details that will give an extra level of comfort.
Tell us about the sliding panels between the kitchen and living room
The client’s initial inspiration for the sliding panels was traditional Japanese shoji room dividers.
They are a great solution as they allow any mess in the kitchen to be easily hidden away after entertaining. Plus, as they can be concealed in a wall cavity when not in use and don’t project into the room, they allowed us to maximise the kitchen space.
Even with the panels closed, the kitchen is very spacious and comfortable to use. The kitchen has a side window that draws in natural light when the panels are closed.
The client’s initial inspiration for the sliding panels was traditional Japanese shoji room dividers.
They are a great solution as they allow any mess in the kitchen to be easily hidden away after entertaining. Plus, as they can be concealed in a wall cavity when not in use and don’t project into the room, they allowed us to maximise the kitchen space.
Even with the panels closed, the kitchen is very spacious and comfortable to use. The kitchen has a side window that draws in natural light when the panels are closed.
Challenges you worked around
The primary challenge was creating an interior space using the developer’s original selection of finishes as the starting point. We had the option to keep the choice made by the developer (we had a couple of options to work with) or suggest a replacement.
The felt panels were also a challenge as they are not usually used in residential spaces, and had to be imported from America.
The primary challenge was creating an interior space using the developer’s original selection of finishes as the starting point. We had the option to keep the choice made by the developer (we had a couple of options to work with) or suggest a replacement.
The felt panels were also a challenge as they are not usually used in residential spaces, and had to be imported from America.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: We started with a neutral colour palette full of greys, beiges and whites. We then added an intense blue (Dulux Deepest Water) to one wall to create interest and reference the coastal location.
Materials palette:
Colour palette: We started with a neutral colour palette full of greys, beiges and whites. We then added an intense blue (Dulux Deepest Water) to one wall to create interest and reference the coastal location.
Materials palette:
- European Oak flooring.
- Linen curtains from Homelife Furnishings.
- Luxaflex automatic roller blinds.
- Dulux Deepest Water on the feature wall.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings: We’ve mixed old and new furniture in this space – something I particularly like as I think it makes for an authentic room. The client brought a few Victorian pieces from his previous home and we added in some clean, contemporary pieces.
The new pieces include:
The new pieces include:
- Bambu armchair (Bambu pieces are sold at Castlery and Ke-Zu).
- King Living Jasper sofa.
- Bespoke television cabinet designed by Cristina Gomes and manufactured by Contents International Design.
Why do you think this room works?
It works because the living space makes use of the entire front of the property, which has a stunning view of North Head. It also has a very functional kitchen, which is connected to a beautiful and comfortable living room.
I always feel that successful architecture has to cater as much to functionality as it does to its aesthetic, and this room does just that.
Tell us
Are you as impressed with this clever apartment makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: Simple Changes That Modernised an Older Kitchen
It works because the living space makes use of the entire front of the property, which has a stunning view of North Head. It also has a very functional kitchen, which is connected to a beautiful and comfortable living room.
I always feel that successful architecture has to cater as much to functionality as it does to its aesthetic, and this room does just that.
Tell us
Are you as impressed with this clever apartment makeover as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: Simple Changes That Modernised an Older Kitchen
Answers by Cristina Gomes, architect and founder of Cristina Gomes Architecture and Design
Who lives here: A senior who downsized from his previous home
Location: Mosman, NSW
Room purpose: An open-plan kitchen and living room
Room size: The kitchen, living room and home office (not shown) measure 78 square metres combined