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Bohemian spirit infused in art-filled St Kilda apartment reno

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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“Moving from a sprawling modernist house to an apartment would normally be a difficult adjustment, but after a substantial cull, it was a surprisingly smooth transition,” says Kate Cowen of her charming beachfront mansion apartment that’s located inside an historic 1861 St Kilda building.

Lounge room

Kate made the decision to downsize due to the changing dynamics of her family – her two daughters are now adults, and she doesn’t need so many rooms. Having engaged Bower Architecture and Interiors on her previous home, Kate entrusted the practice again with the interior refurbishment of the apartment that had been home to the previous owners for the past 30 years.

Kitchen
The kitchen cabinetry was designed to appear like beautifully crafted furniture pieces

“Kate’s brief to us was to transform the existing dark spaces into a refuge that she would love spending time in. It was to be unapologetically a space for her and the rich and joyful life she leads as a fabulously single woman,” says Anna Dutton, co-director at Bower Architecture and Interiors. A frequent entertainer, the home also gracefully adapts to host large and small groups of family and friends with the interiors providing a canvas for Kate’s large collection of artwork and sculptures.

The view to the ocean

“Kate is a collector of magical objects and art, frequently finding curios in auction houses, second hand store or even left by the side of the road, restoring them and giving them a second life. Artworks have been selected with passion over time with many of them reminiscent of different eras throughout Kate’s life,” says Anna. Rather than compete with the collection, the refurbishment features pared back, timeless lines and finishes that also celebrate the existing character of the Victorian interior.

Kate
Kate Cowen

The spaces were reconfigured to subtly conceal the more private areas of the home from the first floor living and entertainment zone. “There are few rooms, but the volumes are breathtaking. The four metre ceilings and living area overlooking the beach are gob-smacking – everyone who visits has the same reaction,” says Kate.

Living area
Living room

A refined steel staircase connects to the lower level of the apartment where the master bedroom, second bedroom, retreat/third bedroom and bathroom are now situated in what was originally two voluminous Victorian spaces complete with ornate cornices and fireplaces.

Staircase

“Rather than break the majesty of the original spaces, we carefully introduced walls which are separated from the ornate ceilings by fine steel framed windows which allow the lines of the original rooms to flow through them. In addition, they spread natural light throughout the spaces,” says Anna.

Bedroom
Bedroom

And while many of the finishes are on the neutral side, there’s an explosion of colour in the powder room and bathroom where saturated turquoise Moroccan Zellige tiles are combined with a curved tiled ceiling in a nod to St Kilda’s colourful bathhouse history.

Bathroom
Bathroom

Photography: Shannon McGrath | Styling: Kate Cowen

For more on Bower Architecture & Interiors

AFTER kitchen
Minimalist makeover gives dark Melbourne terrace a light new look
Another project by the talented Melbourne architect Bonnie Mills, this Richmond home was renovated recently with a clean, minimalist design…

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November 14, 2022

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Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

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GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

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A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

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Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

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Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

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Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
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The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

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My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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