This Melbourne apartment showcases a dynamic mix of bespoke and vintage furniture, creating a vibrant and artistic living space.
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A Collaborative Design for a Private Sanctuary
The South Yarra apartment in Melbourne, Australia, has been transformed into a private sanctuary for a couple of empty nesters through a collaboration between Swee Design and Rob Mills Architects – Interiors. The design brief called for a stylish apartment with a European aesthetic, featuring a vibrant selection of furniture and artwork. Swee Lim, founder of Swee Design, responded with a handcrafted approach to interior curation, opting for pieces that exude craftsmanship and deviate from conventional styles.
Reflecting the Client’s Taste and Artistic Preferences
The interior design aimed to reflect the clients’ tastes, particularly their love for eclectic furniture, bold color palettes, and botanical-inspired art. The client, a talented botanical artist herself, provided inspiration for the design. With the owners opting to relinquish most of their old furniture, Swee had considerable creative freedom in curating the interior design. Drawing inspiration from the client’s artwork, a rich yet soothing palette of jewel tones, timber, and stone hues was chosen.
Handcrafted Furniture and Bespoke Designs
Throughout the apartment, handcrafted furniture pieces take center stage. The hallway features the Pretziada Nannai chair, Studiointervallo Bogdan side table, a tapestry wall sculpture by Vanessa Barragao and Marta Figueiredo, and the Pretziada Accanta collection table. The kitchen space is characterized by a palette of light oak and white stone, with Space Mater bar stools and Gaggenau ovens. The dining area boasts an American oak dining table custom-designed by Swee Design and Gubi Gent chairs in a peach hue, complementing the kitchen’s copper rangehood. A custom-designed console by Barbera Design, displaying artwork by Moli Carew, adorns the back wall.
Eclectic Furniture Selection and Moroccan Rugs
Swee describes the furniture selection as “intentionally eclectic.” An example is the tri-toned Halcyon Lake rug in the library, a unique, handcrafted Moroccan piece. The geometric patterns and colors add vibrancy to the room and serve as a focal point, tying all the furniture together. These one-off design pieces are echoed by custom-made pieces, reflecting the clients’ artistic background and Swee’s experience as an art consultant.
Emphasis on Art Collection and Botanical Influences
A strong emphasis was placed on the home’s art collection, with works by abstract, Indigenous, and still-life artists adding color and personality to the spaces. A notable piece is a botanical still life by Sam Michelle, displayed above the living room fireplace. Larger artworks are complemented by smaller sculptural pieces, adding unique points of interest throughout the space. The living area features a Domo Oasis coffee table with matching side tables, a custom-designed bench by Swee Design, a Jardan Leeroy sofa, Viccarbe Giro side tables, Gubi Stay chairs, and Viccarbe Trino side tables.
European-Style Home Library and Bespoke Shelving
Fulfilling the homeowner’s request, a European-style home library was incorporated into the design. This space features custom-built shelving, the Halcyon Lake Moroccan Atlas 30 rug, a La Manufacture Moro armchair, a La Manufacture Intersection chair, a Cassina Soriana armchair, a Moroso Net coffee table, a Gubi 9602 floor lamp, and an Ames Nuna side table. The bedroom is furnished with Abode bedding and features artwork by Sue Lovegrove.
Project Information:
Interior Decoration, Art and Styling: Swee Design
Architecture / Interior Design: Rob Mills Architecture – Interiors
Photography: Shannon McGrath
Project Year: 2023
Project Location: South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia
Project Type: Apartment Renovation
Main Materials: Oak, Stone, Moroccan Rugs
Photographer: Shannon McGrath
