ISSUE NO. 26 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU 109
away from home with /LYNDA GARDENER of THE APARTMENT ST KILDA
DESIGN NOTES /
LYNDA GARDENER /
The overall vision for
The Apartment St Kilda was to
create a very bright, light, white,
fresh, simple interior with a
curated mix of old and new finds
such as artworks in every room,
vases and personal collections
that I hand-sourced with this
overall airy space in mind.
I also knew this place – being set
on the top floor overlooking
the tree tops – was going to be
a haven for greenery, so created
a sanctuary with lots of foliage
and indoor plants.
The Apartment St Kilda has
original high ceilings, old
floorboards and old sash windows...
I wanted to take nothing away
from its grand feel, only beautify
it by painting it white and
accentuating the details.
OPPOSITE PAGE- A bright bedroom, fitted with white wooden
shutters, old oil paintings/sketches and
artworks that adorn the walls. Pure linen
assorted sheeting and collections by the
bed all hand-selected over many months
for The Apartment St Kilda. Rope chandelier
and crotchet rug both from HK Living.
Original photographic artwork by Sheena Boys
and black cane chair by HK Living.
HOW DOES DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
ENHANCE YOUR GUESTS' STAY?
I feel it is so very important to have a
space that feels serene, with beautiful
textures and tones that instantly make you
feel rested and ready to relax. Particularly
as this is accommodation, I truly focus on
comfort for my guests. The moment you
walk through the door, there is a sense
of calm, particularly as it's in the inner-
city, filled with noisy roads and people, to
walk into this space you can feel almost
transported to somewhere else. The
apartment includes lots of indoor plants
and details that have been totally thought
through and considered, making sure all
our guests have the most enjoyable and
relaxing time possible. It also helps that
all the windows look over a manicured
private communal garden. I design all my
spaces with the ethos of simple, beautiful,
thoughtful considered interiors that you
never really want to leave!WHAT ELEMENTS OF THE APARTMENT ST
KILDA SUPPORT A SIMPLE LIVING ETHOS?
The light, the flow, the all-white simple
detail, which for me can never go wrong,
always feels fresh and light and happy.
The rooms all have the same
monochromatic tone therefore having
a constancy all the way through.HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE
THE APARTMENT ST KILDA'S AESTHETIC?
A little bit modern Nordic with a little bit
of old and new mixed in which I guess is
a signature throughout all my properties.
I love to mix it up... The Apartment St Kilda
has this fresh white feel, complemented by
old oil paintings and many new artworks
thrown in the mix.WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM IN
THE APARTMENT ST KILDA AND WHY?
I would have to say the lounge room as
it is filled with beautiful morning light,
windows and views of the treetops. It's a
relaxing room with views through into the
kitchen which feature beautiful Art Deco
features such as the huge half-circular
windows which feature predominantly
through the entire building. We also
installed a Sonos sound system in each
room (all hidden to the naked eye) which
allows you walk through the entire
apartment listening to your favourite
music, room to room, one of the most
wonderful new additions to the apartment,
music flowing from every room.WHICH FEATURES DO YOU BELIEVE
ARE MOST IMPORTANT IN A HOME AWAY
FROM HOME?
The feeling of calm, serenity, comfort,
warmth, cosiness and a style you
potentially don’t live with at home...
nothing better than waking up in a
space that inspires you!WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE
LOCAL AREA?
The easy walk to the foreshore, knowing
you are so close to the city, a quick tram
ride and you are central. The Albert Park
lake is also close by and just lovely to walk
around as are the Botanic Gardens.
Baker D Chirico for bread and pastries,
Scout House for homewares and vintage
finds. A drink at Circa – Prince Hotel – and
an old favourite and institution in St Kilda,
the delicious Italian food at Ciccolina.