Feel-good factor

Modern apartment developments are defined by steel, glass and crisp, clean lines. But, as this project shows, this doesn't mean interiors need to be cold. On the contrary, with the right mix of furnishings and a classic contemporary design approach, spaces can be warm and inviting.

This penthouse apartment is in the new Pier building in Mirvac's billion dollar-plus Waterfront, Newstead development in Brisbane. Interior designer Tonie Robertson of Robertsons Furniture & Interior Design says the penthouse was designed to reflect the high-end luxury embodied by the development.

"But the interior also had to be relaxed it was important to soften the hard edges to create a welcoming ambience. The penthouse had to feel like a home."

Robertson says a neutral off-white backdrop helps ensure the interior doesn't argue with the spectacular views, and is also easy to live with.

"It is very easy to tire of brightly coloured walls. I prefer to introduce warmth with textured furnishings and add visual excitement with loose furniture and artwork."

To enhance the contemporary classic look, the living room features a large sectional sofa. The sofa is in a heavy silvery cream Belgian linen. This is accented with cushions in charcoal and cream. An embossed coral pattern on several cushions adds a touch of whimsy.

"A Ralph Lauren Colorado armchair in tan suede with silver studding gives the room a bit of a punch," says the designer. "It helps to give it visual weight. A single piece like this can pull an entire look together."

A marble-topped coffee table with chrome legs adds a contemporary reflective element to contrast with the textural furniture. It is also in keeping with the clean lines of a double-sided fireplace, which serves as a divider between the living and dining rooms.

Robertson says she wanted the furniture in the dining room to make a strong design statement. Consequently, she specified imported, fully upholstered high-back chairs in a cream linen with silver studding. The host chairs at either end have loose covers in a patterned Robert Allen fabric. The Ralph Lauren table has a 20mm glass top supported by easel stands.

"We commissioned the painting of the bull, says the designer. "It has a real wow factor, but doesn't detract from the view."

Wallpaper is also used to good effect, on a long wall beside the key circulation area, and in the master bedroom. Here a dramatic silver-grey wallpaper introduces a trellis pattern in colours that complement the bed, which is upholstered in a heavy waxed linen.

Oversized mirrored chests either side of the bed add a glittering reflective quality to contrast with the textural elements. A custom silk shag rug picks up the silvery charcoal tones.

"Most of the furniture is big and slightly overscale," says Robertson. "This creates visual of drama and reinforces the sense of luxury."

Story by: Colleen Hawkes