After missing out on a number of other properties at auction, Ger McCormack had his heart set on this spacious ground floor apartment in Toorak. He was so keen on it, in fact, that he purchased the place at auction whilst his partner, Sarah was out of town! ‘He fell in love with the apartment and its potential, and I think in his eyes, it was the “one”!’ Sarah concludes. Luckily, the rest of the family have wholeheartedly embraced their new home since moving in late last year.
One of just six apartments in a 1960s building, this three bedroom apartment is generous in size – imperative for this busy family of four. After purchasing the home, the McCormacks arranged for the kitchen and bathrooms to be renovated prior to moving in. They also maximised all available space by installing considered, practical storage options. For now, the boys share a room, which allows the family to host regular visitors in a spare bedroom. ‘We have a lot of family and friends visiting from interstate and overseas, so I like to give them the necessary space to feel comfortable while they’re here,’ Sarah explains.
The place was also given a bold, contemporary styling update by Sarah, who has a passion for interior decoration. Her bravest and most rewarding decision has been that blue on the living room walls – a triumph! The colour is Dulux Klavier, a deep charcoal grey with indigo undertones, which provides the perfect backdrop for Sarah’s treasured collections of artwork and collectibles by local creatives including Jai Vasicek of Ahoy Trader, contemporary photographer Narelle Autio, and Melbourne-based artist David Booth aka Ghostpatrol.
‘I love that our space is a little bit different from the norm… It is a real mix of bold colours and textures, old and modern furniture pieces and contemporary and meaningful artwork’ Sarah muses. A loyal collector of many local artists and makers, she is never short of inspiration to re-style and update the space. ‘I am always on the lookout… the interior is forever changing,’ Sarah admits. ‘I never feel it’s completely finished!’
