A Contemporary Deco Melbourne Apartment With Pastel Interiors

Two pack cabinetry in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey. Kitchen stools from Grazia & Co. Ceramic vases by Ashisha Cunningham. Photo by Nicole England

Two pack cabinetry in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey. Ceramic vases by Ashisha Cunningham. Photo by Nicole England

Two pack cabinetry in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey. Kitchen stools from Grazia & Co. Ceramic vases by Ashisha Cunningham. Photo by Nicole England

Volker Haug Oddments pendant light. Armchairs from Zuster. Leather lounge from Stylecraft. Photo by Nicole England

Ceramic vases by Ashisha Cunningham. Photo by Nicole England

Artwork by Heidi Yardley. Photo by Nicole England

Porter’s Paints Wood Smoke wall colour in the study with water views. Photo by Nicole England

Photo by Nicole England

Abode Living Britney Ottoman (Oval 450m x 800mm) in Winter Dusk, custom made by Alta Interiors. Abode Living Vittoria Throw in Stone. Armchair from Zuster. Photography by Eve Wilson. Editorial styling by Annie Portelli

Photo by Nicole England

Abode Living Britney Ottoman (Oval 450m x 800mm) in Winter Dusk, custom made by Alta Interiors. Abode Living Versailles sateen Quilt Cover, Fitted Sheet (King), and Pillowcases in Pepper. Abode Living Versailles Flat Sheet in Tegola. Abode Living Palazzo Cushion (90 x 40cm) in Amaranthine. Abode Living Palazzo Cushion (40cm x 60cm) in Winter Dusk. Abode Living Vittoria Throw in Stone. Bedhead from The Family Love Tree. Easy Peasy Table Lamp from In Good Company. Candy Dish Pair from In Good Company. Artwork ‘No Words, No Thoughts’ by Heidi Yardley. Photography by Eve Wilson. Editorial styling by Annie Portelli

Abode Living Versailles sateen Quilt Cover, Fitted Sheet (King), and Pillowcases in Pepper. Abode Living Versailles Flat Sheet in Tegola. Abode Living Palazzo Cushion (90 x 40cm) in Amaranthine. Abode Living Palazzo Cushion (40cm x 60cm) in Winter Dusk. Bedhead from The Family Love Tree. Easy Peasy Table Lamp from In Good Company. Candy Dish Pair from In Good Company. Artwork ‘No Words, No Thoughts’ by Heidi Yardley. Photography by Eve Wilson. Editorial styling by Annie Portelli

Moroccan mosaic tiles from Tiles of Ezra. Cielo sink from Design Precinct. Tapware by Astra Walker. Photo by Nicole England

Moroccan mosaic tiles from Tiles of Ezra. Photo by Nicole England

Natural travertine tiles from Tiles of Ezra. Cream pedestal and base from United Products. Photo by Nicole England

When purchased by the current owners, this art deco apartment in Middle Park, Melbourne was in a fairly generic state.

Original 1930s features such as bay windows and fireplaces remained, but the interiors were otherwise white, simple, and overall uninspiring.

The owners engaged interior designer Danielle Brustman to reinstate the apartment’s original character in a contemporary manner.

No structural changes were made to the home, but the transformation has been significant.

Most notably, the kitchen has been completely gutted and redesigned to include a wine fridge. Geometric curves across the two pack cabinetry in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey (a colour repeated throughout the home) reference the architecture of the original home and draw the user in.

Danielle describes the interior palette as ‘reminiscent of typical Australian art deco, and specifically seaside design.’

‘I also wanted the apartment to have a calming, soft and sophisticated feel,’ she says.

The bedroom (which you may remember from this recent feature!) features its own pastel palette combining shades of deep rose, mauve, coral, and dusty pale pink. ‘These dreamy pastel hues enhance the property’s special water and city views, introducing a warm glow into the home,’ says Danielle.

Other new features include herringbone engineered timber floors in the living spaces, carpet and curtains in the bedrooms, lighting, joinery, and furniture.

Danielle’s design has successfully reinstated the character and charm of the original apartment in an elevated and personalised manner. ‘I love the way the palette and materials weave through the spaces creating unique opportunities to spend time in the different areas and make the most of all the interesting outlooks,’ she says.

‘I think the treatment of the zones is cohesive, and yet each area has its own delicate feel. The space is so calm and relaxing for the people living there and also an excellent spot to throw a cocktail party.

‘It’s hard to get over that fabulous view.’