Something a little different on WINKS this weekend. Our favourite (and most generous) architect Scott Weston sent us photos of his latest project overlooking Sydney Harbour at Point Piper…. the before photos that is… but what a before! Liberally sprinkled with hints of what’s to come I thought a Saturday was just the day to drink in all the details. Once again Scott has included his incredibly detailed models as well as drawings to help us understand the design process even more. WINKS returns in its original form next week but for today take it away Scott!

We have been working on the project since April 2009 and now it’s finally at construction stage- it’s a bit like going through a pregnancy or long gestation and then seeing it finally come to life. Our Client works in the publishing and media field and purchased this deceased estate ‘Art Deco’ apartment with beautiful bespoke joinery by cabinet maker ‘Paul Kafka’. While looking at the cabinets I came across a name plate inside a door (refer photo) and did some research and found out that his work is on display at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

During the process of designing the apartment and borrowing on the items that were built-in to the apartment we decided to reference Art Deco but not mimic it. Unfortunately, most of the bespoke joinery which are so beautiful could not provide the functional requirements of the Client’s family needs and how the apartment would function in the long term future. The entire apartment had the existing clothing wiring with bakelite fittings and requires a completed re-wiring as does the gas, plumbing to kitchen and bathrooms to bring it up to Australian Standards. So it was with great distress that we had to remove these items (items were taken away by interested parties) and demolish bathrooms that were built back in the 1940’s….. to last forever.

It was great to see that these spaces were built to last not like the built-in obsolescence that is most typical on more recent apartments. Rather than waffle on I thought I would attach a visual feast of images of the existing conditions, the model and concepts of each and every room and the materials and finishes we have specified. Essentially each room references ‘Art Deco’ with selected rich veneers but the twist being when you open up the joinery it contains a solid colour to the internal carcass. So for example the master bedroom is ‘Birds Eye Poplar’ with internal cabinets in Black Tulip (aubergine) and felt lining. The kitchen is simple chic black and white with mauve internal cabinetry, mini mosaic black and white tiles and linoleum flooring. Bathrooms are exquisite jewels with the Client exclaiming yesterday “she has her perfect princess bathroom” of coral, black and light pink with circular mirror cabinets back lit. We even have the pleasure of placing original Fornasetti cabinet within the apartment to complete the design. Will keep you posted on the work as it progresses and my Client moves in prior to Christmas holidays. Enjoy the images!!!!

OMG! I’m floored. An amazing Art Deco time capsule and a stunning re-interpretation. Thanks Scott. Finished pre-Christmas? Can’t wait to see the final result.

Portland Oregon based Susan Seubert’s photographs just glow. Golden light diffuses through the spaces. We’re drawn in to a warm and inviting room, a cool and charming garden. Everything is gorgeous, real, cozy. It’s like a lethargic Sunday afternoon and I love her shots. Take the time to drink in her landscape portfolio.

It seems like Kim and I have a thing about Swedish homes. I think it’s time to take a peek at something Norwegian and equally fab. Love the pattern riot almost exploding out of the typical Scandinavian white. Love the mismatch and the fun, the recycling of vintage pieces. It’s all about good vibrations. Pictures via Rom123 on Klikk.no.

Take a minimalist vibe and then layer it with unexpected traditional elements. Christina Yorkston of CYDesign explores the juxtaposition of clean and sophisticated with the bold and the luxurious. A small portfolio online but these are beautifully curated rooms. White that is elegant and crisp.

When life is crazy then peace can be found here. Rockridge, a beach house in Palm Beach north of Sydney. Ah to be able to lock the world away and just relax.