Art Deco apartment revival

The Metropolis apartments in Central Auckland were once a shining beacon of the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era. The high ceilings, pretty cornices and period details were as glamorous then as they are today. However, the layout of Art Deco era apartments was cramped compared to today’s standards and the rabbit warren of rooms often meant living and bedroom spaces failed to capture the light.

This was certainly the case for a corner apartment in the Metropolis building. Neglected for some years, it suffered all of the common 1920s design afflictions and was in dire need of a 21st century update. Fortunately, the apartment is orientated north, so it wasn’t difficult to reconfigure it to capture the light by reconsidering the floorplan completely. But the client, a young couple, wanted more than a light, modern landing pad, says interior designer Susan Lands from Stratford Interior Design.

“The brief was to create something that was modern, timeless, sophisticated and elegant and to reflect the Manhattan, New York vibe of the Art Deco era – but with a modern twist.”

The two-bedrooms were reduced to one bedroom so that both living and bedroom spaces were more generous and could make use of the available light. But the true key to the airy elegance of the apartment is the extensive use of glass and mirrored glass, which transformed the apartment from “dark and dingy” to bright, modern and timeless.

“The use of Image Glass mirrors in this apartment was fantastic – they give the illusion of more space,” says Susan.

In the redesign of the layout, the bathroom was extended from a pokey space into a modest size, and glass and mirrors were key to creating a feeling of spaciousness. The fittings were kept sleek and seamless by using predominantly marble, brass and glass.

 A round Image Glass mirror above a gold-gilded basin is backlit and appears to float on the large-format tiled wall; the curves of the mirror soften the angular, tiled space. The slick white marble vanity unit is juxtaposed against the reflective glass vanity doors also from Image Glass, which have the dual purpose as a reflective surface (suggesting a larger space) while also hiding away bathroom clutter.

Brass fittings were used throughout, which meant that even the mechanisms and hardware on the glass shower doors had to be specially coated in a brushed brass finish. The Image Glass shower doors were also custom designed to fit into the wall space, so that no framework can be seen.

Concealing the framework increases the sophistication of the space, says Susan. It also means the glamorous detailing is seamless and takes centre stage.

The kitchen is no exception: the white Corian countertops blend seamlessly into the moulded Corian sink, while the antiqued mirror splashback adds an Art Deco elegance as well as providing a reflective element that draws light into the kitchen.

“The antique finish is a little bit more forgiving than having a pristine mirror behind your cooktop,” says Susan. “But it also ties in beautifully with the gold metallic cupboards we did above.”

The bespoke antique mirror finish, custom created by Image Glass using an acid wash, brings out the honey tones in the Corian counter top and contrasts beautifully with the sophisticated dark oak cabinetry below.

In the large master bedroom, the redesign meant there was now space for extensive custom wardrobes. Sliding wardrobe doors were used to maximise the space and these were fitted with full length reflective mirrored glass from Image Glass, within a fine frame. The mirrors add a sense of sophistication, while also reflecting swathes of light into the bedroom space.

Indeed, the use of mirrors and glass mean light is now reflected into every corner of the once dimly-lit apartment, restoring it to the light-filled, glamorous space it was originally intended to be.

Want to know more about using glass and mirrors to enhance your design? Be sure to visit Image Glass on ArchiPro today or drop into their Auckland showroom to learn more.