Glittering prize

Penthouse apartments invariably have great views, but this can prove a challenge for designers. While there's an obvious need to maximise the outlook, this shouldn't be at the expense of the interior.

Designer Anita Fijn says this penthouse apartment interior needed to be a strong backdrop for a panoramic city and harbour view.

"It was important to ensure the apartment would make a statement in its own right," she says. "The last thing we wanted was an all-white interior that could have been in an office high-rise. But at the same time, the view still needed to be the main focus."

In providing a solution, Fijn borrowed from the design of traditional Japanese lacquer boxes, creating a dark-walled interior with a black lacquered ceiling that effectively frames the view.

"At night it almost feels as though you are floating you can't see where the ceiling ends and the sky begins. The eye is automatically drawn to the view rather than the ceiling. The black also helps bring out the colour of the furnishings and art."

A floor-to-ceiling mirrored fire surround is another device that helps to maximise the view it can be glimpsed from everywhere in the open-plan living area. Reflecting the lights, both inside and out, the mirror also adds to the shimmer and sparkle of the interior at night.

A glass staircase on the perimeter of the building was designed by Foster Architects to enhance a floating illusion.

"Walking on the glass treads, with the floor-to-ceiling curtain wall in front, is somewhat disconcerting," says Fijn. "But it fits with the desire to create an element of wonder and surprise."

The high-gloss surfaces are balanced by textured furniture and furnishings. The walls, for example, are covered in a charcoal-coloured grass cloth, which provides a strong textural contrast.

The furniture includes a treasured black leather sofa from Eileen Gray one of the most influential architects and furniture designers of the early 20th century. Fijn says Gray's furniture design, including the lacquered sides of the sofa in the apartment, helped influence the design of the interior. Another key influence was the owners' interest in Oriental interiors, which was also an inspiration for Gray. Fijn wanted to incorporate items collected by the owners during their travels.

"The furniture is a mix of interesting pieces," she says. "The pieces are from all eras and styles, which creates an eclectic look. The black leather sofa, for example, is contrasted by a light-toned sofa upholstered in a woven Vivace fabric, with cushions featuring a very decorative antique African textile."

A large, dark-stained wood shelving unit on hidden castors adorns one wall of the living area. The unit incorporates display boxes of varying shapes and sizes to best display collectables. Built-in cabinetry at one end of the unit conceals a drinks centre.

"This is another hidden surprise element," says Fijn. "The doors open to reveal a brightly lit drinks cabinet with a mirrored lining bottles are stored on the insides of the doors. The shelving unit also conceals a secret it hides a second stairway to bedrooms on the lower level."

Fijn says the key design challenge was providing a sense of intimacy in the upper level the 270° windows, seen from all angles, could have been overwhelming. For this reason, an island scullery was created to separate the kitchen and dining rooms. A large cut-out in the wall ensures that while there is a sense of separation, there is still a strong visual link between the two spaces. It also maximises the view from the dining space.

Walnut parquet flooring in the living room helps define the seating area. For continuity, the rest of the flooring features a brown-toned marble tile.

In keeping with the desire for an eclectic look, Fijn provided banquette seating on one side of the dining table. Additional chairs can be pulled up when needed.

The kitchen, which can be separated from the living areas by a sliding door, is positioned at one end of the space. Its material palette echoes that of the living area a mirrored splashback contrasts dark-stained ash cabinetry. And, in keeping with the concept of a Japanese lacquer box, the cabinet interiors are lacquered an unexpected bright red.

Not surprisingly, the master suite on the lower level also maximises the view a mirrored wall in the bathroom ensures it's always visible. This room features contemporary fittings, including a rain shower inset in the ceiling, and a cantilevered Carrara marble basin. Other walls are clad in custom-designed, handmade tiles.

Story by: Trendsideas