Potts Point Apartment

The owners of this apartment in the iconic 17 Wylde Street building in Potts Point, Sydney engaged Brooke Aitken Design to provide them with an apartment that referenced the historic nature of the apartment building.

But it also had to be upgraded to provide a workable kitchen, two bathrooms, and a walk-in robe; elements that weren’t part of the original layout.

The clients wanted to start afresh with all new furniture, artwork, and lighting so it was a complete refurbishment.

Architect Ross Harmston was engaged to create the initial layout and secure approvals.

The project was then handed to Brooke Aitken Design once the building’s Owners Corporation had approved the design.

17 Wylde Street is an endearing building because of its curved façade and its historic design.

Built in 1951 by Aaron M Bolot on a triangular site, this is an exceptional modernist building that is Heritage Listed in New South Wales.

Bolot was inspired by 20s deco and many of the original details in the building still remain in the public spaces that show a European finesse and flair.

However, the beautiful curved façade translates internally into no straight walls.

That made planning difficult.

The apartment had only one bathroom, and a tiny unconnected kitchen within angled walls.

Electricity supply and plumbing was also historic, so appliances were minimal (including needing to specify a gas oven), and lighting points are set to only a few locations in the concrete walls and ceilings.

So running pipes to a second bathroom was particularly difficult.

With this project, the Brooke Aitken Design team aspired to introduce a little bit of European soft modernism into the heart of Potts Point, seeking a balance of refinement, relaxation, and referencing the past in both the interior works and the furnishings.

It is now a place to easily entertain in, but also be a warm and inviting home to live in.

The use of linens and jute, mirror and glass set upon the base of the original parquet floor was key to this aesthetic.

The new kitchen is a notable element of the refurbishment. Brooke Aitken Design opened up the wall and appropriated the corridor space for seating.

That meant the kitchen was no longer a secondary utility space and now has direct views through to the dining table.

A wonderful opportunity arose with a building façade renovation that allowed the closed in balcony to be opened again.

All doors open onto this space and allow air flow throughout the apartment.

The soft modernism vibe was reflected in the interior design, down to the decorative items.

One of the first pieces that was agreed upon was a vintage Fortuny standing lamp bought at auction.

This piece directed the choice of other items.

The chevron stone flooring for the balcony and bathrooms was again a reference to the original chevron pattern in the timber floor and a nod to the decorative nature of the original building.

Furniture was selected for comfort, light, and space.

Nearly every piece of art was purchased for the apartment and Brooke Aitken Design and their clients both felt that it was important to use contemporary Australian artists.

This led to the acquisition of fine art photography pieces – Petrina Hicks, Nasim Nasr, and Samantha Everton – for their deeply moving imagery.

The abstracted musical note sculpture over the bed is by Vicky Browne, acquired through Pompom Galleries, which spoke directly to the client who was previously a music journalist.

Brooke Aitken Design’s clients and their cats love the apartment and feel very at home in it.

They gravitate to the balcony often as it is a sun trap.

But in the evenings, they are able to lounge comfortably in the living room with a martini in hand.

The apartment has retained a sense of the past whilst becoming a contemporary space.