Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Bondi Bachelor Pad
Sophistication mixed with masculinity are just two of the essential ingredients that made this cool 'bachie pad' work
Perfectly located near the world-famous Bondi Beach, this bachelor pad has been designed to make living as a single gent very easy going. Daniel Defino was the interior stylist behind this two-bedroom apartment, and worked closely with the homeowner and Alex Phegan of architecture firm ess, who also did the interior design, to ensure it met expectations.
This small outdoor area sits outside the living room on the ground floor of the residence, as an added benefit for the homeowner. Once you pass this area, and from the moment you enter the home, it’s easy to see the masculine influence in the decor. Exposed brick, quality marble and metal align with the darker toned fabrics to created an elementally masculine appeal.
An open-plan living area includes the kitchen, dining and living area. Defino and the homeowner are both fans of mid-century modern mixed with industrial style, and this has been reflected in the choice of furnishings. The grey felt sofa by Jonathan Adler is referred to as the ‘relax chair’, by Defino. This, together with an original Tessa T21 Swivel – which he had re-upholstered in a single piece of tan leather – and the Arco floor lamp, perfectly represents the style of the mid-century era.
The artwork above the couch is from Aquabumps, and Defino says “the colour palette used in the rest of the apartment is inspired by this piece, with greys, browns, greens and blues popping up around the home.”
Coffee table: Bludot
The artwork above the couch is from Aquabumps, and Defino says “the colour palette used in the rest of the apartment is inspired by this piece, with greys, browns, greens and blues popping up around the home.”
Coffee table: Bludot
One of the biggest challenges Defino faced with the styling was finding the right dining table for the homeowner. It was harder than anticipated to find a simple marble-top table. “We came up with the idea of having a beautiful elliptical Carrara marble tabletop sitting on copper legs,” he says.
He bought a 4 metre x 3 metre slab of Carrara marble, which was then cut perfectly into shape and finished with a fine pencil edge. Defino also used this slab for the bedside tables in the guest bedroom, and the powder station in the main bedroom.
He bought a 4 metre x 3 metre slab of Carrara marble, which was then cut perfectly into shape and finished with a fine pencil edge. Defino also used this slab for the bedside tables in the guest bedroom, and the powder station in the main bedroom.
“The issue was that we needed legs strong enough to hold the 100kg of stone above it,” Defino continues. “I ended up finding a pair of 1960s Australian made commercial steel table legs in a small metalwork factory in Sydenham.
“Next step was to get the legs electroplated in copper and put it all together. This was a true labour of love, with the finished product being a unique bespoke piece that I wanted to keep for myself,” he says. He matched it with 1960s Danish parker chairs, re-upholstered in grey felt.
“Next step was to get the legs electroplated in copper and put it all together. This was a true labour of love, with the finished product being a unique bespoke piece that I wanted to keep for myself,” he says. He matched it with 1960s Danish parker chairs, re-upholstered in grey felt.
Down the hall, the guest bedroom is bright and open with built-in cupboards and a generously-sized window. Funky artwork is hung on the wall to inject some personality into the space without being overpowering.
One of Defino’s favourite pieces in here is the bedside lamp by artist Vincent Buret, which sits on top of the table he designed. “Using copper piping bent into shape, the lamps have a real industrial feel about them, and the tables use the same copper piping and are set into a triangular top,” Defino says.
This powder station was incorporated into the built-in wardrobe joinery by ess. It provides an extra space to get ready when the bathroom is otherwise occupied.
An alligator print fur blanket from Ivy Lane adds soft, warm texture to the king-size bed. Defino custom-designed the bedhead and rug.
Pops of colour are found in the row of beachside photos by Aqubumps, which sit above the bed. The artworks remind the homeowner of the natural beauty that lies just down the road.
Pops of colour are found in the row of beachside photos by Aqubumps, which sit above the bed. The artworks remind the homeowner of the natural beauty that lies just down the road.
The contemporary bathroom features two wall-mounted units – one is fitted with a basin and tap and the other provides extra storage and a benchtop for the soap and hand towels.
“The home suits the owner to a T,” Defino says. “It’s cool, contemporary and clutter-free, allowing for a relaxed lifestyle while being a great place to entertain and chill.”
TELL US
What do you think of this cooler than cool man cave? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
TELL US
What do you think of this cooler than cool man cave? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Who lives here: A single gentleman in his mid-30s
Location: Bondi, Sydney
Size: 107 square metres; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
The design process commenced in November 2014, and was completed in 2015. This was Defino’s first styling project and one which is he very proud of.