Design Manager of Simone Haag, Sarah Shinners, explains that the brief for furnishing this modern, one bedroom apartment was to create a ‘feminine, fun, yet functional’ space. The client was downsizing, and ready to embrace the next chapter of her life ‘surrounded by beautiful things, in a space perfect for one.’
Against the beautiful bones of this this development in Clifton Hill, Simone and Sarah worked with local furniture makers, artists, and object designers to bring the space to life. Sarah describes ‘90% of the pieces in this project are Australian made’. The pair collaborated with many talented local craftspeople to create custom furniture pieces for the space, including Harbo Furniture who created the custom curved sofa + frame, and Glencross Furniture who designed and created the timber shelving and sofa end table. Making use of all space available, the sofa converts to a single bed, and includes a secret storage space tucked in behind.
Bespoke furniture allowed for every inch of this small space to be used efficiently. From a design perspective, Sarah highlights ‘we needed to find the balance, in creating a layered space that didn’t feel too overcrowded.’ Careful customisation and planning allowed the space to come to life, as ‘off the shelf’ furniture pieces would have resulted in an impossible game of apartment tetris. Sarah succinctly emphasises ‘proportions were absolutely key in this scheme.’
The owner had lived in Europe for many years, and had already learned the tricks of apartment living before settling in this home. ‘This lovely client was well travelled, open minded and wasn’t afraid of colour… in fact she encouraged it!’ Sarah explains. The client’s personality and lifestyle is now infused through the space, and together, the design team and owner demonstrate that colour can make a space feel larger, not smaller… ‘it doesn’t have to be white, white, white!’ Simone concludes!
