It’s not every day you can say you live in a (former) brewery. But that’s exactly where this luxurious urban retreat is housed — and we can’t wait to show you around.
Nicole Rutherford, Interior Designer at The Stylesmiths takes us inside the contemporary industrial Tribeca Brewery apartment.
Related article: The Georgian style home given a lockdown makeover: A tour around Belle Vue Apartment
Related article: Step inside this Art Deco apartment renovation by Studio Quarters
Housed in the stylish East Melbourne district, this apartment was once home to the Victoria Bitters Brewery.
“This apartment was once an outdated apartment within the illustrious Tribeca building complex,” Nicole tells us.
“The prestigious East Melbourne district is known for its historic charm. The apartment was once the Victoria Bitters Brewery. The cellars and middle tower buildings were converted into apartments in the 1990s, while the old brew tower, which still holds a significant amount of its brewing equipment, is now mixed use and a museum space.
The apartment interiors were originally designed by design icon, Philippe Starck [a French industrial architect and designer].
This luxurious urban retreat blends contemporary design with the building’s rich history.
“The Stylesmiths were brought on board to transform the outdated, 1990s apartment. We blended contemporary materials and finishes together with the building’s storied past.
“It was once a modest, two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence,” says Nicole. “We reimagined the space and turned it into an expansive, luxurious one-bedroom sanctuary.”
“The design choices we made transformed the apartment into a tranquil yet luxurious urban retreat. It respects the property’s historical significance, while delivering the contemporary comforts.
“Every material and texture was selected to reflect the couple’s refined tastes, blending a rich sense of history with a calm, minimalist elegance.”
The property features some glorious textural materials like raw brick, fluted glass and travertine.
“The exposed brick wall is a nod to the Tribeca building’s industrial origins as the former Victoria Bitters Brewery. The rich reds and earthy tones of the brick inject warmth and authenticity into the space, adding character and grounding the design in the property’s past,” Nicole explains.
“The engineered travertine used in the kitchen and bathroom provides a subtle touch of luxury. Its delicate veining and refined texture lend a sense of opulence while also enhancing the minimalist, light-filled aesthetic of the home.
“In the bathroom, the fluted glass partition in the walk-in shower serves a dual purpose. Not only does it provide privacy, but it also allows light to filter through, creating an ethereal, glowing effect.
“The dark oak floors throughout the residence, provides a solid foundation that adds depth and a hint of drama to the otherwise light, airy palette. The wide planks also lend a timeless appeal, grounding the open-plan design and connecting different areas seamlessly.”
The home might be small in size, but it certainly makes up for it in the style stakes.
“We went for a neutral base in the main areas, as it creates a versatile and timeless canvas. Neutrals allow for flexibility, making it easier to update the space over time with different accents and pops of colour through furnishings and decor, as seen in this project,” says Nicole.
“The neutral foundation enhances the natural light and highlights the architectural details of the space, such as the exposed brick and travertine. The muted palette also harmonises with the building’s industrial history, giving the interiors a sophisticated, understated elegance.
Pops of colour, like the teal chairs, botanical cushions, and autumnal hues, bring in energy and warmth without overwhelming the cohesive, calming atmosphere.
“For anyone considering a similar approach, starting with a neutral base in main areas can be both practical and stylish. It allows the freedom to introduce personality through interchangeable accents and furnishings, which can be updated easily to reflect seasonal trends or personal tastes.
“This approach balances longevity with a touch of vibrancy, creating a grounded yet dynamic environment that adapts with the homeowner’s evolving style.”
The exposed brick wall gives this home it’s industrial edge.
“A key feature in this urban retreat is the exposed brick wall,” smiles Nicole.
“We found this during the demo, and it was a very welcomed surprise. It’s the original wall within the brewery that also shows the arched walkway through the corridors (now bricked up).
“This feature pays homage to the building’s industrial roots. Its rich reds and browns infuse warmth and history into the space. These contrast beautifully with the sleek, modern finishes surrounding it.
“The bricks rugged texture is complemented by the smooth, polished surfaces of the kitchen cabinetry and countertops, finished in a muted cream hue. This choice not only enhances natural light, but also serves as a neutral backdrop for other design elements.”
Credits
Interior design: Nicole Rutherford, The Stylesmiths
Photography: Gus MacDonald
Thank you to Nicole for taking us on a tour of this fabulous urban retreat apartment. With so many beautiful textural elements, it’s sure to bring inspiration and ideas.
You can see more projects from The Stylesmiths on their website, Instagram, or take a look through all their homes we’ve featured here on Style Curator.
More home tours here
