Bagnall Design Office balances maximalism and minimalism in a penthouse apartment in Rose Bay, Sydney.
Bagnall Design Office’s latest project is a lesson in downsizing as an alternative upgrade rather than a compromise. When designer Hayden Bagnall’s clients sold their large family home, the couple purchased a dual-level penthouse to accommodate their new lifestyle in Sydney’s Rose Bay. The apartment features a wrap-around terrace with harbour views and a combined floor space measuring 500m2.
Bagnall says that the penthouse interiors were inspired by the client’s Italian flair. “It was crucial that the home made a striking impression,” he says. “They wanted to feel a buzz of excitement each time they walked into the home. The motto was ‘more is more’, with no room for anything too boring.”
The kitchen features the VOLA KV1/250 kitchen mixer and Fisher & Paykel appliances.
The green-veined Artedomus Cristanza quartzite takes centre stage in the kitchen and living room against the weight of the Evenex Burnished oak joinery.
The maximalist expression in the home is formed through the rich materials that command attention throughout. The luscious green veined Cristanza quartzite takes centre stage in the kitchen and living room; its striking appearance is enriched against the weight of the Burnished oak joinery and then accentuated with brass accents found throughout. Stone also makes a statement in the three bathrooms, ranging from Titanium grey, Tiberio, to Cote D’Azur. The textured walls, combined with sculptural lighting, amplify and illuminate the maximalist raw quartz, marble and brass.
The Christopher Boots Abacus 1800 pendant amplifies the maximalist gestures in the kitchen and dining room.
The living area features an integrated Escea DS1400 fireplace.
While the herringbone timber floors add to the layered manner of the home, the blonde oak simultaneously reigns in the rich materials, allowing the elements to breathe, creating space and opportunity for the client’s personal art collections. “The key to this project was balancing the couple’s desire for both maximalist and minimalist elements,” Bagnall says. “The client also had so many beautiful objects and sculptures— all of which we wanted to see highlighted and thoughtfully placed to add drama and interest without overwhelming the space.”
In the private living quarters, Bagnall has employed a softer tone of theatrics through details such as fabric panelling on the walls, abstract-patterned curtains, and a custom headboard.
While the owners of this penthouse may have negotiated their square meterage, this project exhibits how downsizing can be a perfect contradiction.
The Lakes coffee tables designed by Studio Klass in the living area.
The Covenant sconces by Lost Profile Studio in the hallway.
The Graffito fabric by Kelly Wearstler and bright blue Tacchini A.D.A table lamp in the guest room.
The powder room features Artedomus Tiberio stone, which is illuminated by the abstract Arizona mirror by Insidherland.
Miramar Accent lamps by Kelly Wearstler sit above the Norris nightstand by Theodore Alexander.
The ensuite features Cote D’Azur stone by Avante Stone.
