CITY SLEEK

ambience in this city apartment has been replaced by a softer sophisticated vibe thanks to designer Kimberley-jade Bawden. I was engaged to make this statement residence into There was lots of matching furniture and, although the quality was impeccable, it lacked personality. It needed to be layered with creative charm and striking colours. Another issue was the 360-degree windows that offer phenomenal views but had no soft furnishings, making it feel hard and cold. We softened the spaces, giving them a more feminine feel, adding colour and texture with fabrics, art and objects. Refined modernism. Sophisticated and elegant with a pinch of fun. This is a big bold property, so we needed a feature piece to be able to hold its own. I started with an artwork by Dale Frank with strong abstract sculptural elements drenched in a tangerine glow. This colour family then carried through the home. The clients were naturally drawn to Italian modernism: sleek lines, monochrome palette, glossy timbers and dark fabrics. The client formerly worked for Molteni&C and Armani Casa which informed his aesthetic and he helped design many of Giorgio Armani’s homes. I honoured the spirt of classic Italian design by using Flexform pieces from Fanuli, adding texture and colour with velvets, linens and woollen weaves. Mixing things up is my key philosophy. The result is breathtaking and really enhances the views. The client’s wife could not believe it was the same home. They enjoy having defined spaces, instead of just one large room. The once masculine penthouse is now a private retreat on top of the city.