St Kilda Apartment Renovation by Bower Architecture & Interiors.

Bower Architecture and Interiors have refurbished this two level apartment in St Kilda for their long-time client Kate, who was in need of a lifestyle change. The team transformed the existing dark interior into a home brimming with personality as a bright canvas for the client’s collection of avant-garde artwork and sculptures.

The interior gracefully balances the everyday need for a comfortable space to spend time alone in, with the ability to adapt for hosting large and small groups of family and friends. Space was reconfigured to subtly conceal the more private areas of the home from the first-floor arrival gallery and living and entertaining zone.

The refurbishment and new additions celebrate the existing character of the Victorian interior, while being functional, streamlined and unobtrusive. As Kate puts it: “It was clear to me from the beginning that the original building had supremacy — it demanded that respect. It wasn’t a place for architectural flourishes and statement materials.” For any new elements, the designers were purposefully restrained. “It needed pared back design, elegant lines and finishes. It needed to feel timeless. We chose walnut timber floors, an unobtrusive kitchen with no overhead cupboards breaking up the sight line, a mostly subdued palate—except for the bathrooms where I had some fun,” she concludes.

Dijkhuis in Amsterdam North by Studio Modijefsky.

In a slight change of scenery by the design team renowned for their hospitality work, Studio Modijefsky has unveiled their latest residential project in Amsterdam North.

A steel staircase leads to a lower level of the apartment. Here, the bedroom suites and bathroom were inserted into what was originally two voluminous Victorian spaces complete with ornate cornices and fireplaces. Rather than break the majesty of the original spaces, Bower carefully introduced walls separated from the ornate ceilings by fine steel framed windows which allow the lines of the original rooms to flow through—in addition to spreading natural light throughout.

Not shy of colour, explosions of jewel-like tones feature in the powder room and lower level bathroom with brilliant turquoise Moroccan Zellige tiles and a sunken bath with a curved tiled ceiling are a nod to St Kilda’s colourful bathhouse history.

Prospect Park House by Workstead.

With ridged columns, multiple fireplaces and porches on every side, this is certainly a far cry from your typical inner city shoebox apartment.

[Images courtesy of Bower Architecture & Interiors. Photography by Shannon Mcgrath.]