Selling In The City Season 1

Selling In The City S1 Episode 1: Heritage Apartment in Fitzroy Victoria

19/10/2022

The transformation of a dreary, heritage listed dwelling into a prestige, design-forward apartment – as seen on Selling in the City – is testament to the creative skills of resident design duo Rosie and Paddy. 

The flat sits atop what was the Champion Hotel in Fitzroy which, during the late 70s and 80s, was a gritty music venue, attracting large audiences with headline acts such as Nick Cave. 

The flat is owned by former professional basket baller, Wheels, who, after 20 years, wants to head north to be closer to his work with the communities of the Top End.  While the two-storey dwelling is currently valued at $1M, Wheels is hoping for $1.2M so he can achieve his dream of owning a piece of land in the desert, closer to his work.   

With a budget of $125K, Rosie and Paddy are intent on bringing new life to the abode, while capturing the ambience of Fitzroy and reflecting some of the history of the Champion Hotel.  

Rosie and Paddy immerse themselves in some of the local haunts of Fitzroy, visiting the many pubs and music venues, chatting to the locals and generally getting a feel for the cultural vibrancy of what is Melbourne’s oldest suburb.   

Their vision for the transformation of Wheel’s flat centres on colour, curves, textures and light to create a one-of-a-kind apartment, awash with natural light, spatial integrity and a character all of its own. 

One aspect of the original unit that they intend to maximise is the turret – which forms the master bedroom!  Painted throughout in a warm white – Wattyl Calcium – to maximise the sense of space and light, the space is given a shot of colour in the form of an upholstered bed in warm ochres dressed with deep rust coloured bedding.  The strong lines of the exterior of the turret are further accentuated with the distinguished steel grey of Wattyl Solagard Metro. 

The triple-barrel kitchen, entered via a dark entranceway, is the main focus of the renovation, exuding saturated colour and tactile textures.  Walls, bulkhead and trims are finished in Wattyl I.D. Advanced Enigma, a deep, deep blue, with statement curved island bench and cabinetry in the warm steel, blue-grey of Wattyl Metro.  And cleverly, the rangehood is concealed in a curved cupboard, painted in the luxurious coppery hues of Wattyl Flying Fox.  Stone benchtops and splashback provide the perfect textural contrast. 

The large multi-function living space is a showstopper!  A high, vaulted ceiling, with a wall of glass from ceiling to floor, floods the space with natural light, which is perfectly reflected in the neutral white walls of Wattyl Calcium.  This colour is carried through to the adjoining dining and entertaining areas. The original stained glass alcove provides the perfect ambience for an intimate cocktail area, while the Juliette balconies and lush plantings provide a virtual beer-garden experience from which to enjoy the bustle of Brunswick Street below. 

There is a clever change of pace when moving through to the lounge area – calming, nude-coloured walls, courtesy of Wattyl Copra, create a sense of comfort and serenity, with pops of colour introduced via soft furnishings such as richly embroidered cushions and an upholstered bench seat.   

Colour again plays a striking role in creating visual interest in this apartment, with the hallway leading off the lounge area being finished in the deep ocean blue hues of Wattyl Enigma. 

Paddy creates a lush, indoor greenhouse effect throughout the apartment with an abundance of plants in a variety of shapes, sizes and shades of green.  These foliage displays not only enhance the spaces – and improve air quality – but they add perspective and intimacy to the different areas. 

The interior styling, inspired by the 70s era of artistic expression and lush, saturated colours and pattern, connect the various spaces and ensure a sense of cohesion throughout. 

If you love the idea of bringing colour into your home interior, book in a colour consultation and get started on your next paint project with Wattyl.

BOOK HERE


Featured Products

Interior Paint

Before and After

 

Kitchen

Ceiling: Wattyl I.D Advanced Low SheenEnigma

Kitchen Trims: Wattyl Aqua Trim Satin – Enigma

Kitchen Rangehood Cabinetry: Wattyl I.D Advanced Semi Gloss – Flying Fox

Before and After

 

Staircase Walls

Wattyl I.D Advanced Low Sheen – Calcium

Staircase Trims

Wattyl Aqua Trim Satin – Calcium

Entry Left Wall To Kitchen

Wattyl Solagard Low Sheen – Metro

Before and After

 

Powder Room, Doors and Trims

Wattyl Solagard Semi Gloss – Metro

Before and After

Living Room

Wattyl I.D Advanced Low Sheen – Copra

Living Room, Study

Wattyl Aqua Trim Satin – Copra

Before and After

Bathroom

Wattyl I.D Advanced Low Sheen – Enigma

Entrance Hall and Bathroom Skirting Architraves

Wattyl Aqua Trim Satin – Enigma

Before and After

Watch or stream the new episode of Foxtel Original #sellinginthecity Wednesdays at 8.30pm on @lifestyleau or On Demand

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