Limited edition

Often, simple ideas are the most effective. With a strictly limited colour palette and a few carefully selected classic pieces of furniture, the resulting interior can be distinctive and original.

Interior designer Christine Tsingelidis of Jado Decor has recently completely renovated a 130m² city apartment for its bachelor owner. Comprising a combined kitchen and living room, separate dining area, two bedrooms and bathroom, the apartment is very compact.

"The owner asked Jado to create a clean-lined, uncluttered, sophisticated New York look. He likes to throw parties, and his brief was to renovate the space primarily to look good. Issues of practicality and function were secondary," the designer says.

The owner's preference was to have as little colour as possible in the apartment, so Tsingelidis opted for a monochromatic interior scheme, with most furnishings and surfaces finished in variations of black, silver and grey.

"Because space was fairly restricted, we decided to paint all the walls, doors, ceilings and architraves in a brilliant white. The effect of this is to make the whole apartment appear larger, and to create an airy, breezy atmosphere. It also provided us with a very simple but effective background to decorate against," says Tsingelidis.

To create layers of interest within each area, the designer has introduced furniture and fabrics in a variety of styles and textures all in the same three or four shades selected from the black, silver or grey spectrum of colours. Even the artworks on the walls feature these tones.

Furniture, in a combination of both modern and classic styles, reflects the taste and interests of the client, says the designer.

Two classic Louis-period chairs in the living area have been given a modern twist: the legs are finished in a high-gloss black lacquer, and the seat backs and cushions are upholstered in a self-striped velvet fabric. A glass-topped coffee table helps the living space appear spacious and uncluttered, and ensures that the animal print rug under it can be seen easily. Chrome-dipped legs on the table introduce a contemporary note.

A sumptuous-looking, feather-filled sofa has been upholstered in a charcoal velvet fabric. Exposed legs add to the clean lines and uncluttered appearance of the living space.

In the living area, black, grey and pale silver-striped satin curtains provide another element that adds richness and depth to the interior.

In keeping with the monochromatic theme, the kitchen cabinetry is finished in a high-gloss black lacquer and teamed with stainless steel appliances. White-veined, black marquina marble benchtops also have a glossy, highly polished finish.

A small, separate dining room opens off the kitchen. To make the dining area seem as spacious as possible, furnishings have been limited to a round, glass-topped dining table partnered with extra-large camel-backed chairs and a huge mirror covering one wall of the room. The chairs have black lacquered legs and are upholstered in black velvet to match seating in the living room.

Large 30cm x 30cm dark charcoal porcelain tiles cover the floors in most of the apartment. A single surface throughout helps to keep the interior uncomplicated, and ensures the spaces flow better. The bathroom floor also features this tile but, as a variation, it has been laid in a brick pattern on the walls and bath surround.

Dominating the bedroom is a Christopher Guy bed with a black velvet-padded bedhead. A specially designed bold black-and-white striped carpet draws attention away from its size, while mirrored panels on the wardrobe doors reflect the room, making it appear larger and more open.

Story by: Mary Webb