Artistic and contemporary interior design for a luxury riverside home

A neutral colour palette plus some added “drama” was the savvy approach interior designer Christopher Gyzemyter from CG Design Studio took to this complex project. “We wanted to create a welcoming vibe in which all felt at home – both the couple who lives here and their adult children who visit often,” says Christopher. “It also had to serve as a backdrop to the couple’s modern art collection. They have a fantastic eye for art, and we wanted to highlight these special pieces, as they reflect their personalities.”

CG Design Studio became involved with the project after the client completed a significant renovation, engaging the design team to decorate their fresh new living spaces. As the relationship evolved, Christopher says they were also tasked with designing the areas that were not addressed in the first renovation.

“The brief to us was to provide a contemporary and modern interior throughout the home while incorporating several existing pieces owned by the client, which had sentimental value,” shares Christopher. “The couple regularly entertain, and it was important for them that we factored this into the design. However, they also wanted their quiet areas, such as bedrooms and private living areas, kept separate from the entertaining zones.”

Split over three levels, the main living, entertaining and bedroom all open out to the Brisbane River. Although this didn’t dictate the aesthetic, it encourages how the spaces are used.

“We have defined the separation between the entertaining areas and private spaces by segmenting the property into zones – entertaining, quiet family and sleeping zones, which met the couple’s needs and also improved the functionality of the individual spaces,” explains
Christopher.

“The property is large and spread over three levels, with each level requiring a different look and feel,” he adds. “The challenge for us as designers was to highlight the personality and function of each level while ensuring that it worked harmoniously with the rest of the home.”

In the lounge room, a mix of soft and sleek includes a contemporary sofa and coffee table from Jardan, plush armchairs from Boyd Blue, a touch of rawness from the sisal rug from International Floorcoverings Australia and elegant Designers Guild wallpaper.

The client’s own French dining table remains a feature piece in the dining room, with CG Design Studio adding some custom-designed upholstered dining chairs to update its appeal. The artwork by Jodie Wells adds that desired element of drama.

Given that the lower level is the main entertaining space, CG Design Studio went for a fun, layered and relaxed character. “Materials were kept natural through the use of grass weave wallpaper, timber and cane, and accented by tan leather and cowhide,” describes Christopher. “It’s a combination that creates a chilled atmosphere that works equally well on a summer’s day when the space is open to the river, or of an evening when the bar is in full swing.”

Products were sourced by CG Design Studio locally and internationally, with fabrics and wallpapers from Europe and locally crafted furniture and lighting. “To ensure the end result was unique and highly individualised, we included customised and bespoke pieces throughout the interior as well,” says Christopher.

Every piece has been chosen carefully and with thoughtful consideration of the couple’s life and style. The Cole & Son Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper that Christopher selected for the bedroom was coincidentally in the hotel the couple stayed at in Paris on their honeymoon, so it was a perfect fit.

“We love the bedroom suite. It is the right combination of sophistication, luxury and the client’s vibrant personality. With bespoke detailing, the robe feels more like a luxury boutique, and the fireplace creates relaxing refuge to unwind with the river in view,” says Christopher. “The cream palette is soft and sophisticated. Thick loop carpet and Cole & Son billowing cloud wallpaper create a whimsical romance, teamed with fabrics by Kelly Wearstler and Kate Spade. The bedside pendants are the iconic Flos from Euroluce.”