The interior of this light-filled Auckland apartment is deliberately tone-on-tone, enhancing its bright and airy vibe<\/p>\n
Designed to maximise views from its top-floor position, this award-winning apartment\u2019s open-plan living space has been divided into three distinct yet flexible zones. <\/p>\n
\n The palette is confined to natural, timeless materials of stone,
\n timber, steel, alabaster and marble, and lots of white, to make things bright and airy, teamed with velvet accents for softness.\n <\/p>\n
Living and dining with engineered oak flooring. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel<\/p>\n
\u201cThe brief was for a luxurious resort-style apartment, a flowing, well-appointed space that would enjoy a beautiful connection with the panoramic views of the Waitemat\u0101 Harbour,\u201d spatial designer Jennie Dunlop, of Dunlop Design, says. <\/p>\n
The apartment has views on three sides, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors and a large north-facing, covered loggia designed for entertaining.<\/p>\n
The designer kitchen. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel<\/p>\n
The kitchen and scullery have been positioned to the rear of the living room, allowing for several options for the placement of the furniture. <\/p>\n
The kitchen\u2019s mix of lacquered oak and black-stained cabinetry acts as an anchor for the generous-sized room. Central to the space is the large-scale island, incorporating warm-toned marble benchtops, and housing ample storage on one side and bar seating on the other. <\/p>\n
Rangitoto reflected in the black mirrored splashback creates the perfect view to admire while enjoying a drink at the bar.<\/p>\n
To ensure the open-plan layout feels spacious and social, but with a sense of cohesion between the different eating, living and cooking zones, Dunlop has opted for a consistency in colours and materiality.<\/p>\n
The working side of the underlit island. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel<\/p>\n
On entry to the apartment, oak flooring flows right through the generous hallway into the open-plan area. She has used textured rugs to further define the spaces designated for gathering.<\/p>\n
The interior finishes and furnishings have an aesthetic that is calming and comfortable but also sophisticated and elegant. Dunlop says her aim was to create a space that was designed for sharing with others, as well as being visually pleasing. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you have a calm, pulled-together house, it makes life more enjoyable,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
The living area. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel<\/p>\n
Close to the kitchen, the natural hub of the home, are two distinct lounging spaces. The large communal room has seating around a gas fire for relaxed gatherings. <\/p>\n
Dunlop chose generous tone-on-tone sofas to enhance the importance of comfort in both the main living space and the adjoining media room. <\/p>\n
She opted for glass over solid walls to partition the media room off from the open-plan area. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis allows people to watch something on TV, yet still be able to enjoy the harbour views,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
The lovely dining area and outdoor space make the most of the north-facing aspect.<\/p>\n
Breakfast seating. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel
Dining looking to generous al fresco lounging. Photo \/ Jamie Cobel<\/p>\n
Dunlop has enhanced the outdoor area by furnishing it in similar monochromatic tones to the interior. It\u2019s transformed the loggia into an outdoor room \u2013 a sun-catcher for coffee and conversation during the day, and perfect for drinks and nibbles at night. True to the overall style of the apartment, it too has a modern luxe vibe. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has a lovely relaxed feel, but in an elevated way,\u201d Dunlop says. \u201cI\u2019m very happy with how it\u2019s turned out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The apartment was a winner in the Trends International Design Awards (TIDA).<\/p>\n
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