The Design Files: The colour-rich renovation of a 1960s penthouse

By
Lucy Feagins
April 3, 2020
Ros Willett and Tess. SBW Halo sofas and chairs. Landscaping by WOWOWA, In Design Company, Cultivate Nursery & Gifts. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola.

Who: Rosalind Willett

What: The managing partner of Willett Marketing gives her 1960s penthouse a colour-rich renovation at the hands of Wowowa Architects

Where: St Kilda

Rug by Halcyon Lake. Sofa by Jardan. Coffee table and yellow chair by SBW. Original drawings by Virginia Hodgkinson. Vintage French lamp from Angelucci 20th Century. Tretford peacock carpet from Gibbon Group. The leather wingback is a vintage ’60s family hand me down that’s been reupholstered. Vintage Featherston Contour Chair purchased Luther & Co. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

Rosalind Willett has long called St Kilda home. The managing partner of Willett Marketing was living nearby when this apartment went up for sale and, despite not being in the market at the time, she was instantly taken with its sensational ’60s features.

“Our family was at a stage that living in an apartment close to the city and transport was very convenient, we couldn’t resist,” she says.

Tretford peacock carpet from Gibbon Group. H. W. Klein for Bramin vintage leather swivel chair by purchased by Modern Times. Portrait by Richard Glasson. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

Willett’s apartment is the penthouse of her block of 16, and was originally the builder’s own family home. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom haven with multiple living spaces even has a rooftop terrace.

They don’t make them like this any more.

Tessa the dog. SBW Halo sofas and chairs. Landscaping by WOWOWA, In Design Company, Cultivate Nursery & Gifts. Stylig: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

“It has a beautiful aspect across to the city and neighbouring rooftops, trees and the Sacred Heart Mission,” says Willett of her inner-city oasis.

“The bird life is spectacular – magpies, currawongs and parrots come to drink from a bird bath I have and they love the new flowering native trees.”

Wall light by Mondoluce. Figurative paintings by Virginia Hodgkinson. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

After living here for eight years, Willett set out to renovate with the team at Wowowa Architects.

The plan was to retain any original ’60s elements (such as the glass doors, windows and dividers throughout) but otherwise give the place a serious facelift.

Interior design and custom joinery design by WOWOWA. Joinery by Evolve Interiors. Falcon Chair from Modern Times. Sofa by Jardan, Loom rug, SBW ottoman and coffee table. Photo: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

The renovations saw new joinery, flooring, carpet, heating, cooling and lighting added to the apartment. The kitchen, bathroom, and terrace were completely renovated, while the upstairs living room was redesigned with joinery pieces, timber slats, and ceramic tiles on the chimney.

The architects encouraged Willett to experiment with colour to add some magic and zing.

Philippe Starck pendant. Interior design and custom joinery design by WOWOWA built by Evolve Interiors. Tretford peacock carpet from Gibbon Group. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

“They were an inspiration, and pushed me to go with things I wouldn’t have thought of, or ordinarily been brave enough to do,” she says. “Working with architects and interior designers brings magic to your home and the value of that can’t be measured.”

Among the many spectacular details are the superb green kitchen cabinets, the yellow striped awning over the terrace, and peacock-coloured carpet. Brass finishes in nearly every room provide a sophisticated touch, tying the entire space together.

Interior design and custom joinery design by WOWOWA built by Evolve Interiors. Crisp light by Rich Brilliant Willing from Koda Lighting. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel. Iriede tiles from Academy Tiles. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola

First, build a palette

When decorating or selecting new furnishings, think like an interior designer! Start with a base palette of key materials and colours, and let this inform the furniture, finishes and fabrics you choose.

Akoya 14 pendant light by Rich Brilliant Willing from Koda Lighting. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola
  • Start with references – collect photographs of spaces you’re inspired by, and study them carefully. What appeals to you about the space? What colours, materials and textures stand out for you?
  • Next, request samples of the tiles, fabrics and floor coverings you’re considering, alongside paint swatches and other finishes. Most suppliers can mail a single sample out to you. If that option isn’t available, print out a photograph of the sample instead.
  • As you pull together a samples mood board, you’ll quickly begin to see what works and what doesn’t. Use a process of elimination to refine the palette.
  • Finally, when shopping, stick to the plan. Be strategic – don’t get sidetracked by shiny, one-off pieces. Make your selections by continually referring to the mood board and the palette you’ve decided on.
‘Zeus’ artwork by Heather Stewart. Falcon Chair from Modern Times. Sofa by Jardan. Loom rug. Styling: Ruth Welsby. Photo: Martina Gemmola
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