Dunne Kozlowski Designs An Artful Gold Coast Abode

By J.P. Anderson

After water damage forced them from their home, a Gold Coast family turns a stressful situation into a sensational new domicile with the help of Dunne Kozlowski.

The client’s extensive art collection is featured even in the primary kitchen, where Martin Whatson’s “Climber (Hand Finished)” and “One Small Step (Pink)” add colorful contrast to an Akoya linear chandelier and Difiniti quartz countertops in Pietrasanta Gold.

THE CLIENT

Sometimes disaster can lead to opportunity. Case in point: When a broken pipe damaged their Gold Coast high-rise condo beyond repair, one family seized the chance to build their dream home, purchasing the condo next door and strategizing how to meld the two into one seriously stunning space. Their first call was to Morris Gershengorin from Real Restoration Group, who ended up being the general contractor for the project. Their second? To interiors and architecture experts Dunne Kozlowski, who Gershengorin recommended as the ideal firm for the job. “We had worked with Morris before, and he knew we had the skills to navigate a challenging condo project,” explains Dunne Kozlowski owner and principal architect Corey Dunne. “He also had firsthand experience working with our team in creating a unifying space while meeting a client’s unique aesthetic preference and lifestyle.”

The primary living room wows with a Plinth coffee table and cubic side tables in rose Calacatta Viola marble by Audo Copenhagen from Lightology, as well as custom shelving backed with Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper from Cole & Son.

Highlights of the secondary dining room include a small Tilda chandelier by Arteriors, the Emerson rectangle table by Mitchell Gold Bob Williams and Kir black cowhide chairs by CB2.

THE PRIORITY

A hasty evacuation from the damaged condo—with two young children, no less—translated into a sense of urgency to complete a high-quality design as quickly as possible. Other top priorities: Combining the units to create a seamless space with both a private family living area and a space for entertaining guests (the client frequently hosts events), and ensuring that the client’s extensive modern art collection would be on full display. Says senior interior designer Luis Hernandez, “We embarked on creating a cohesive design joining two units with incredible city views while highlighting a serious art collection. We approached the design with a gallery-like palette that is punctuated with rich tones and texture to accentuate the dynamic art that will grace the walls of this warm familial home. I was humbled by the opportunity and trust to support our client with their very personal renovation.”

Off the secondary dining room, a deluxe wine room boasts a clear display window to showcase the client’s collection of fine spirits.

THE CHALLENGE

The project presented three primary obstacles, notes managing director Melissa Grovenburg. First was highlighting the art collection without making the home feel sterile or cold. “Our team didn’t want the clients to feel like they were living in a museum, but at the same time, showcasing their art in a way that aligned to their lifestyle and hosting gatherings.” Second, the two condos’ existing footprints limited the ability to customize, forcing the team to be extra-creative with the layout and flow of the spaces. Last? Ensuring that the two spaces would feel cohesive—but also be able to revert to two individual units if need be. Says Dunne, “If the client ever decides to sell either condo, future-proofing the integrity of both units was critical for retaining and growing value.”

The secondary kitchen pops with Martin Whatson’s artwork “Dancer,” a Beat Range round multi-light LED pendant light and Perkins bar and counter stools by Pottery Barn, with an original artwork by Onemizer visible in the hallway.

THE DETAILS

In a high-rise—where cookie-cutter layouts rule—it’s all about adding uniqueness to the space, and this home’s one-of-a-kind elements make it shine. Take the wine cellar, which boasts a chic porcelain tile interior that keeps the internal temperature cool, plus sophisticated lighting and a display window to the kitchen to maximize views of the client’s fine collection of spirits. “We achieved a high level of detail in several areas of the space by managing the entire process from the client’s vision through execution,” says Dunne. “Handling the procurement process created an elevated space beyond a typical high-rise condo.”

In the powder room, Rockart daisy flower marble mosaic tile by Roca Tile creates a meaningful design moment.

THE OUTCOME

With a strong working relationship between client and studio based on trust and collaboration, the project was completed in eight months. “The client trusted us to deliver on their vision and lifestyle,” sums up Hernandez. “Water damage had forced them out, and we were excited to give them their family home back.” Echoes the clients (who look forward to working with Dunne Kozlowski on a future project), “It felt amazing to be heard, have our vision become a reality, and instantly feel like we were (back) home.”

Fornasetti Nuvolette wallpaper from Cole & Son makes another appearance in the primary bedroom.