Photography: Hannah Puechmarin | Styling: Hayley Jenkin | Artwork: Maki Horanai
When a couple of empty-nesters bought this four-bedroom penthouse apartment with spectacular views of the Brisbane River off the plan, it proved the perfect perch. With its water vistas, lock-up-and-leave convenience and a lift to the top floor, it ticked all the boxes. “It was small enough for easy maintenance but also big enough for visitors and grandchildren to stay,” says the owner. “And the large balcony would make entertaining family and friends a breeze.”
But, while functional, the apartment lacked that special something to make it feel like home. So, in 2024, they called in interior decorator Lloyd Hodgkinson of Oliver Mark Interiors to elevate it to the exceptional. The original internal fit-out and finishes by architects Bureau Proberts were largely untouched in the makeover. “The layout was well thought out and conducive to day-to-day living, with a generous dining area and an expansive balcony,” says Lloyd.
But the grey palette wasn’t to the owner’s taste and it was all too pared back and angular. “We wanted to soften all those hard, concrete finishes,” says the owner, “blending a contemporary focus with classic accents.” The apartment also had to comfortably accommodate extended family, including four children and seven grandchildren, with generous lounge seating and large dining tables, inside and out. “But it was also important to have private retreat spaces, difficult to achieve in an apartment,” she says. To that end, Lloyd turned what was planned as a bedroom into a moody media room and another into a bedroom and study combo.
For the palette and finishes, the prime source of inspiration came from the owners. “Lloyd looked at our artworks and used them as a starting point for all the lovely colours and textures,” says the owner. “And, fortunately, although there is lots of glass, there was still enough wall space for our prized pictures.” Texture and pattern enrich the scheme. “A horizontal stripe introduces a contemporary note, so, in the living room, I selected a beautiful sheer with a softly embroidered stripe. With the large expanse of glass, it became a key feature and helped define the space without feeling heavy.” Pattern appears sparingly elsewhere, through rugs, upholstered bedheads, window treatments and soft furnishings. “This approach allowed those elements to add interest and variation, while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.” The custom rug is a stand-out in the living area, says Lloyd. “I wanted the rug to act as a focal point against the neutral palette, like an abstract artwork. It brings depth, movement and personality to the space while subtly tying the scheme together.” And the owner, for whom this is her favourite space, would readily agree. “The living room would have to be our favourite space. No matter where you are, there is a view of the river that has a calming effect. The finishes enhance our beautiful view.”
In the living room, neutrals come in the shape of a bespoke sofa and custom armchairs by EJP Furniture, and a ‘Quinton’ coffee table from James Said. An antique French fauteuil from Miguel Meirelles Antiques upholstered in Schumacher ‘Cecil’ fabric in a bold Peacock colour and cushions in Schumacher ‘Tiraz’ velvet add a pop of colour. The ‘Smith’ lamp and ‘Fisher’ side table are from Bloomingdales Lighting (try Luxe Lighting for the ‘Smith’ lamp).
Inside story… a retired couple
Who lives here? An empty-nester retired couple, who enjoy frequent visits from their four adult children and seven grandchildren, aged 18 months to nine.
Biggest surprise? Homeowner: “We thought it would be fun to use wallpaper in some rooms, as we have not done that before, and it has been very successful.”
Where do you hang out? “We spend a lot of time in the living room, where the space flows smoothly to other areas but there is also a quiet spot for reading.”
Top tip for renovators? “If your budget allows it, use a professional to help guide you. We knew from the first time we met that Lloyd would be a good listener.
The ‘Orrma’ dining table and ‘Forest’ dining chairs – the latter re-covered in ‘Aliseo Mirto’ leather from Wortley Group – from The Modern bring a mid-century sensitivity and warmth, complemented by the Herman Miller ‘Nelson Saucer Bubble’ pendant from Living Edge. The custom rug grounding the dining area is by The Rug Establishment. The vintage elephant’s foot vases on the table, the figurines and bowl are all secondhand finds.
“Colour was introduced through rugs and soft furnishings.”
LLOYD HODGKINSON, DECORATOR
We love…
… delicate pastels The mood shifts as you walk through the apartment, yet there is a common thread: “Clear, fresh colour rather than anything too muddy or heavy,” says Lloyd. ‘Jaspe’ wallpaper by Cole & Son in the soothing Mica Duck Egg pairs perfectly with pastel hues, from the shell-coloured lamp shade to a teal paisley. For more chic finishes, see thefabriceditors.com.au.
These pastels are seen in the geometric custom rug from The Rug Establishment and the bespoke bedhead in paisley ‘Santerre’ fabric from Fabricut. The ‘Bardot’ table lamp, from Bloomingdales Lighting, with a shade in Zepel Fabrics ‘Indulgence’, adds a flourish.
A custom bedhead in ‘Brushmark’ and decorative pillows in ‘Painterly Windowpane’, both from Schumacher, tie in with the hues in the Jane Churchill ‘Minerva’ fabric used for the throw.
“The balcony is a defining feature of the apartment,” says Lloyd. “Its scale is exceptional, comfortably accommodating a 10-seater dining table along with sofas and armchairs. It functions as an additional living space – fully useable and integrated with the interior – which adds another dimension to how the apartment can be enjoyed.” And, coming to the party are the Vincent Sheppard ‘Safi’ sofas in Old Lace from Cotswold Furniture.
Sitting atop the sofas are cushions swathed in the Giardino colour of ‘Campus’ fabric and ‘Young And Lovely’ fabric, both from Dedar. The ‘Zebra’ dining chairs are from Cotswold Furniture. Coffee and dining table are custom.
SOURCE BOOK – your trusted home directory >>
Interior decoration: Lloyd Hodgkinson, Oliver Mark Interiors, olivermark.au
Architect: Bureau Proberts, bureauproberts.com.au
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