A home high in drama: Inside an interior designer's Richmond apartment

If his transformation of a small Melbourne apartment is any indication, interior designer Nickolas Gurtler is something of an expert on decorating fiddly spaces.

The designer’s apartment sits in a quiet part of Richmond on the Yarra with views overlooking the water and church spires. While it may be small in size, it’s a home high in drama.

“I was attracted to its view, floor plan and capacity to create a home both chic and warm,” he says. “I wanted somewhere I could display my treasures, and a place to host friends for cocktails.”

On entering, a small study area leads to the main bedroom and bathroom. Nearby a galley kitchen, swathed in light oak veneer, stainless steel and black subway tiles, flows through to a living space and second bedroom repurposed as a dining space.

“There wasn’t sufficient living space for two people,” he says. “It’s a common mistake, thinking that additional bedrooms will make a property more valuable.

“Creating a dining space was the best decision I made.”

With just under four square metres at his disposal, Gurtler approached decorating his home strategically, though not sparingly.

Design decisions were influenced by personal nuances and a love of 1970s interiors. A strict palette of black and white is punctuated with metallics and pops of burnt orange, pink and red while a combined mix of luxurious textures like velvet, marble and lacquer mesh with linen, timber and aged metal.

“The ’70s was such a glamorous moment in design, and I wanted some of that spirit to infuse my apartment,” he says. “It’s that point of tension between full-on LA glamour and European minimalism.”

While apartment living might seem best suited for minimalists, Gurtler proves opulence can be equally at home here.

Infusing colour, pattern and texture through furniture and smaller sized objects meant precious square footage could be saved for larger items. Mixing high and low with ease, sculptural dining chairs are teamed with a simple table from Ikea.

In the living room, a bold striped rug anchors a richly upholstered sofa, graphic table lamp, lacquered side table, and vintage marble coffee table. A sideboard completes the space, housing artwork, glossy tomes and custom-designed crystal light.

In the bedroom, Gurtler has taken a minimalist approach for a contemporary spin that delivers raw glamour which further references the period. “I designed the bed years ago as a prototype,” he says. “It looks perfect beside the Calacatta marble plinth I use as a bedside table.”

Gurtler’s careful accumulation of objects not only plays with the contrast of light and dark, but creates a real sense of personality, experimentation and intrigue.

“Many of my pieces are vintage and prototypes I designed for projects, so they aren’t perfect, but I believe there is real beauty in imperfection,” he says. “I love curating bold pieces with personality and beauty and allowing them space to breathe and draw focus individually.”

Style notes

Dining chairs

Cleverly designed and crafted, these dining chairs are not only purposeful but also a work of art.

liammugavin.com

Sofa

A perfectly low-line style upholstered in a rusty hue makes the Agent 86 sofa both plush and chic.

graziaandco.com.au

Table lamp

This iconic 1970s table lamp is comprised of geometric shapes, making it a true statement piece.

oluce.com/en