See this article as published in Queensland Homes, Volume 22, No 94, Summer 2007 http://www.johncroftdesign.com.au/projects/classic-folio/river-apartment/

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I think you could take it as a given that a woman who has raised six children and
overseen the expansion of a family business into a thriving corporate entity - by herself,
after the premature death of her husband, would be pretty well able to do anything.

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But one of the many things that Marlene has learned
in her life’s journey is to delegate, to let those who excel in
a particular field do what they do best. So when she moved
out of a much-loved inner suburban home and into a unit
she had just bought, she contacted John Croft of John Croft
Design to help renovate and decorate what would become
her new home.
She had used John before on several occasions and she knew
that with his intuitiveness and creativity, he would transform
what was a really rather ugly, dark space into something light,
bright and sunny.
With a stunning river and city view outlook and a grandstand
view of Southbank gardens, the location was perfect, and
certainly the unit was big - so big in fact that Marlene and
John think that originally it was actually two units bought
off the plan and merged into one. It had been decorated with
dark wallpapers, blue/grey industrial tiles on the floor and
a huge central bar - but on the plus side, with the master
bedroom, ensuite and study all located on one side of the
space and three bedrooms, bathrooms and a television area
on the other, separated by the open plan kitchen/dining/ and
living area, it meant that Marlene could have interstate family
to stay without compromising her privacy or theirs. And with
a generously proportioned balcony running the full length of
the unit, there are heaps of outdoor places from which to
enjoy the constantly entertaining view.
With senior designer Kylie Mann, John began the renovation by
replacing the existing flooring with light coloured Travertine-
look tiles in a satin finish, and painting throughout in a soft
neutral shade. White painted timber shutters add to the effect
and by sheeting the columns with panels of mirror, even more
light was introduced to this one huge room - a bonus is the
reflection of the city views.
As with many projects of this type, Marlene asked that certain
pieces of furniture from her previous home be integrated
into the new decorating scheme, and by re-upholstering the
old to coordinate with the new, the whole comes together
harmoniously. Using mainly Designers Guild fabrics which
are famous for their saturated colours, John and Kylie have
combined stripes, patterns, florals and plain colours in a joyful
celebration of the power of colour. The scheme is anchored by
a custom designed pure wool rug which continues the theme
and defines the sitting room space.
As the kitchen was in very good condition, and in neutral
colours, it integrated well with the new scheme and apart
from a minor upgrade remained largely as it was. Not so
Malene’s ensuite where the ubiquitous blue/grey tiles were
also a feature - up they came to be replaced in with beautiful
marble floor tiles and an upgrade which has delivered a
luxurious place to bathe.
“It was essential that I have an office in this unit, as I am still
involved in the family business” said Marlene, “and fortuitously,
just to one side of my bedroom is a compact space which
is absolutely perfect. The bonus is a gorgeous view of the
river and the city - it makes working there a pleasure.” John

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and Kylie designed the space for maximum efficiency with plenty of
storage and a comfortable, efficient work space.
Marlene’s bedroom is pretty and feminine - Designers Guild fabrics
feature again in the bed cover and combined with a lively green in
bed cushions and on the vibrant pink chair make this an inviting
place to lay one’s head. John’s signature, six prints of antique shoes,
adds interest to the blank space above the bed, and a gorgeous pink
light fitting completes the scheme.
Another of Marlene’s ‘must have’ requests was for plenty of dining
space to accommodate her extended and large family. The dining
room features a new setting - a timber table with white legs is
teamed with white painted dining chairs upholstered in Designers
Guild fabric. John says the white legs of the table and the white
chairs balance the timber display cabinet, allowing the timber to
feature, but not dominate.
And while the table seats ten, that is not enough for the large
gatherings of family and friends which Marlene likes to host, so the
balcony doubles as an additional and very pleasant dining area. With
three outdoor settings on this generously proportioned area, up to
24 people can dine in comfort, and with spectacular views - at night,
the city glows and is reflected in the waters of the river.
This home is a triumph of light and gaiety, an uplifting and elegant
home for a very elegant woman.
Text Margaret McGuire Photography John Downs