Recently I have been encouraged to focus on the philosophy that drives my business:
“Great design brings people closer together.”
While we may not be able to bring people physically closer together at the moment, we are certainly able to bring our community closer together in spirit. Beautiful things created by and for beautiful people can always unite those of us who share a common love of great design.
Our articles aim to share with you the stories behind our projects; of the great collaborations, of the journey that was shared with our wonderful clients, and of the hard work and talented contribution of our design team.
Please enjoy the first images of our recently completed Port Melbourne Project in this edition of our quarterly update. We would love to hear from you with your comments or questions.
Thank you for allowing me to continue to spread happiness through my work!
Stay well.
Andrew
Port Melbourne Project
This beach-side apartment has been owned by the clients for many years and, as they were looking to downsize from a country property, they wanted to tailor the interior to their specific needs and tastes. Boasting dramatic city views to the north and superb bay views to the south, the apartment is bathed in natural light.
After engaging Seidler Group to redesign the floor plan, the clients sought the assistance of the team at MR. MITCHELL to define the spaces and create a home that is both serviceable and aesthetically pleasing. The brief from the clients was to create a timelessly elegant space that was both of the city and suited to the coastal location. Any obvious references to the sea were to be avoided and the sense of space was to be increased.
Southerly view to Port Phillip Bay across the old Princes Pier pylons. A pair of Featherston E254 Elastic Suspension chairs from Grazia and Co are upholstered in Carlucci Citi Velvet from Unique Fabrics and flank an Oxydation Side Table by Ligne Roset from Domo. A Contour Coffee Table from Zuster sits in front of a custom Spencer Sofa from Arthur G, upholstered in Buck Suede from Instyle Contemporary Leathers.
Converting the layout from a cosy three bedroom apartment to a luxurious one bedroom plus study enabled the design team to create spaces that are generous and flow elegantly. Low ceilings draw your eye to the expansive views available at every turn of the eye.
To create a sense of calm and flow, curves were introduced throughout. Joinery edges are softened with the use of gently radiused battened timber panels, guiding you from one area to another. The dark stained finish on the cabinetry visually pushes the walls out, creating a more generous sense of space.
Living Room cabinet with a cocktail bar hidden behind a sliding timber battened door. Articolo Scandal Wall Sconce. "Forecast" archival print on paper by Lindsay Blamey, from Otomys Contemporary.
Custom artisanal finishes are featured throughout, from the antiqued bronze on tapware and accessories, to the hand-woven wool and bamboo silk carpet, and hand-trowelled cement wall treatment in the entry. Bespoke fittings bring a true feeling of a personal and individual home.
The kitchen was completely remodelled to include state of the art appliances from Gaggenau and Sub Zero and features generous application of Superwhite Dolomite throughout. A 4.5m long island bench houses a plentiful amount of storage in easy access drawers and is topped with a striking textured porcelain bench top from Stone Italiana. A focal point is the custom rangehood clad in a distinct bronze metallic coating.
The view south from the Kitchen to the Living Room and Port Phillip Bay. Island bench top in Stone Italiana Jaipur porcelain. Custom rangehood in bronze metal finish. Kitchen overheads in sandblasted bronze mirror from IN-EX Living. Superwhite dolomite on breakfast bar and cladding walls. Appliances from Gaggenau. Kitchen stools from Grazia and Co. Sunburst Wall Clock by George Nelson from Living Edge.
The timber battened joinery featured throughout was a labour of love for cabinet maker Mark Gauci. Bronze mirror contrasts beautifully with the dark stained timber, with a sandblasted finish on the kitchen overheads and polished mirror in the Living Room bar cabinet. Recessed LED strip lighting is used to highlight the stone and provide ambient lighting.
Cabinetry detail showing the superb timber battened finish used throughout the project, contrasted beautifully with Superwhite dolomite.
"Untitled 2" pastel on paper by New York artist Karin Haas and solid marble sculptures from Boyd Blue.
Custom lighting pieces act as shining jewels, carefully layered over the elegant palette of materials, much as a sophisticated lady would select a delicate brooch to add sparkle to a beautiful ensemble. We particularly loved incorporating the newly released Scandal range of fittings from local designer Nikki Green, of internationally recognised design house Articolo. The wall sconces featured in the entry and pendant over the dining table are in a mid-bronze with an inlay of Italian leather.
The Dining Room featuring a beautiful Embellish Dining Table and Embellish Dining Chairs from Zuster. "Painting You (As a Shadow)" by Kerry Armstrong. Scandal Pendant by Articolo. Taccia Table Lamp by Flos from Living Edge.
One of the greatest joys on this project was assisting in the selection of artwork that complemented and completed the spaces. The process of getting to know the clients particular likes and dislikes leads you to research artists that you may not have previously encountered.
As part of our service, we arrange visits to galleries, meetings with gallery owners and artists, and on some occasions (as in this project), we arrange for pieces to be loaned to the clients on approval so they could see them in the space.
Master Bedroom showing the interplay of luxurious materials. Custom wall to wall Tip Sheer carpet in a deep blush from RC&D contrasts beautifully with the Elitis Alcove velvet wallcovering from Kerry and Co.
Zuster Angel Wings Bed is dressed in pure linen sheets and an Alpaca throw from Hale Mercantile.
Every surface has been carefully considered to provide tactility and depth. Floors and walls beckon to be touched. In the bedroom, beautifully crafted custom carpet in a rich russet from RC&D is subtly textured with art silk to provide just the right amount of shimmer. The walls are clad in a beautiful velvet wall covering from Elitis in France.
Master Bedroom Robe with strategically placed LED strip lighting for night time comfort. Gorgeous custom made Tip Sheer carpet from RC&D. "Wisp" linen sheer from Unique Fabrics.
Study nook with Contour Desk from Zuster and Mina Swivel Chair from Jardan.
"Our Love is Plastic" photograph by Lilli Waters from Modern Times.