By Madeleine Downs- Australian Designer Maden Studio
Sympathetic, contemporary additions are welcomed to convey relaxed luxury living, the three storey penthouse located South of Sydney’s CBD. Designed by Madeleine Downs, Director of Maden Studio, this one-of-a-kind space evokes a sophisticated softness, instantly transporting you to a destination of both city and seaside.
Layers and textures are dispersed throughout the interior. Linen curtains and plush, soft furnishings boast cushioned comfort. Natural finishes and luxe elements including marble, solid timber, velvet, silk rugs and leather; all used together and fused into one another to create a curated yet relaxed style.
Velvety polished plaster walls hug one side of the curved central staircase, where the linear bronze balustrade frames the other. Soft and crisp additions are injected carefully throughout the home, fusing practicality and opulence in all areas.
A resort-like feel, all elements architectural and decorative are selected to coincide with the sweeping harbour views, 360-degree extravagance.
A luxury favourite of the space is the double-height voided room, including an expansive automatic door, facilitating the ultimate in indoor-outdoor living. The furniture and decor selected for this space is a direct link to the outdoors and is for lazing around on sunny days. All materials chosen were thoughtfully selected to be able to stand the sun rays and outdoor environment.
Nestled between the kitchen and indoor/outdoor sitting area, the dining room was specifically created as the hub of the home. Madeleine selected the Otway Trestle table and Johanna Armchairs by Kett, from Cosh Living. The richness of walnut sublimely upholstered chairs that hug makes for a very comfortable dining experience. A designer favourite is the Triad pendant by Apparatus Studio, based in NYC.
A multitude of high-end Australian furniture pieces have been sourced throughout, and in particular for the main living space, to provide the seamless combination of sophistication and comfort.
Australian living was prevalent in the mind of the designer throughout the entire project, the way Australians live is so specific to us and our way of life.
The designer chose to specify high-end Australian designer pieces to complement and enhance the spatial layout of a relaxed luxury, Australian way of living.
Pieces to note include the Andy Sofa by Jardan, selected in a bold blue velvet, the Molloy coffee tables by Nau Design bringing in a warm walnut timber found throughout the home, the Aran armchairs by Adam Goodrum upholstered in a decadent tan leather, and a custom-made rust art silk rug by Tappeti.
Lavish in its hues and materials, the use of velvets, leathers and silks are matched with the crispness of smoked glass and brass finishes for overall luxury. Bespoke built-in cabinetry has been designed in this space to hide the television away from view. A spectacular designer detail when entertaining.
Boasting a more classic feel and transporting you here to a Parisian piet-a-terre, the study in H~M~D has been designed as a multi-functional space of but work and rejuvenation.
The furniture selected in the study was chosen to represent the soft feminine curves in the sofa, the Dandy Sofa by Massproductions, and the larger more angular, masculine lines in the B&B Italia Almora Armchair. By day the study is a place of work for the owner, but by night it doubles as a cozy retreat for guests. A wall-bed has been designed into the space and has been hidden into the cabinetry. The custom cabinetry also seamlessly marries into the wall-panelling throughout the room; the detailing a contemporary take on classic timber mouldings.
Moving downstairs, one is transported yet again to another destination entirely- the destination now being the world of cinema.
Arousing a real James Bond-esque ambience, the downstairs open plan bar-come-cinema suggests an entertaining oasis. Complete with custom stone benches, Dutch tulipwood cabinetry, and built-in wine fridges to promote a very own at-home bar. One can have the full experience of a nightclub feel, with cozy furniture selections creating private spaces in a larger open-plan living area. The real hero in the already impressive entertaining hub, is the incredible freshwater aquarium spanning the length of the space. Like a scene straight from Spectre, one is instantly immersed in an evocative, otherworldly experience.
The spatial planning and flow of the whole penthouse has been intricately thought through and allows for summertime open-plan spaces, which is quintessential for an Australian way of living. Boasting water views from all angles of the home, the spaces are designed to be semi-private with smaller intimate areas, but essentially one large expansive space, the perfect entertainer’s dream.
