​The foyers and common areas at Promontory Apartments felt stark, uncomfortable, and disconnected from their prestigious riverside location under the Story Bridge. The ground floor entrance, with its fin‑like wall panels running floor to ceiling, created an office‑like atmosphere. The choice of outdoor rattan furniture indoors was impractical and uncomfortable, while the overall palette lacked warmth and cohesion. For residents entering from Yungaba Gardens or the Brisbane River, the interiors did not reflect the quality or setting of the building.

 

Design Approach

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My vision was to soften the interiors, introduce elegance, and create a stronger connection to place. I wanted the foyers and hallways to feel welcoming and refined, complementing the exterior gardens and the architectural character of the apartments.

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Budget constraints shaped the process: the budget was unknown at the outset and later reduced due to unforeseen expenses. This required the project to be delivered in segments, with each stage revisited when funds were available. My initial concepts explored more bespoke finishes and creative materials, but these had to be scaled back to achieve a balance of elegance, practicality, and cost‑effectiveness.

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Solution / Interventions

• Colour palette: Adjusted tones to replicate the natural stone outside, creating harmony between interior and exterior. Introduced soft gold accents to add elegance and balance, working seamlessly with the stoney colours, the black‑and‑white historical photographs, and the ottoman fabrics.

• Wall treatments: Removed harsh wall panels and installed enlarged historical photographs of Kangaroo Point and Brisbane City, printed on ACM boards and permanently adhered to the walls.

• Furniture: Replaced the unsuitable outdoor rattan seating with ottomans, offering a simpler, more comfortable, and appropriate solution for interiors.

• Lighting: Installed a new chandelier in the entrance foyer to create a sense of elegance, added extra downlights for warmth, and introduced LED ring lighting highlighted with gold accents.

• Ground floor panels: Removed fin‑like dividers (approximately 100mm wide, floor‑to‑ceiling) that contributed to the office‑like feel.

• Parcel shelving: Designed and installed shelving in an unused niche, providing a practical space for parcel deliveries away from the entrance and seating.

• Plants: A few plant pots were added to soften both entrance foyers to bring life and freshness. In time when budget allows, I have suggested some wall plants and more planters on the other levels.

• Floor numbers: Finished in soft gold for a refined touch.

 

Budget & Phasing

The budget was unknown at the outset and later reduced due to unforeseen expenses. As a result, the project was delivered in segments, with each stage revisited when funds were available. My initial concepts included more bespoke finishes and creative materials, but these had to be scaled back. The final design achieved a balance — elegant, complementary, and contextually aligned with the gardens and the prestige of the building’s location — while remaining cost‑effective.

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Outcome

The foyers and common areas were transformed into spaces that feel welcoming, refined, and contextually grounded. Historical imagery connects residents to Brisbane’s heritage, while lighting and gold accents elevate the atmosphere. Practical interventions — from parcel shelving to simplified furniture — improved usability.

What was once stark and hostel‑like is now a series of interiors that reflect the building’s riverside setting, complement the exterior gardens, and enhance the daily experience of residents and visitors.

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If you have a commercial space that needs updating, then I'd love to chat with you about your ideas and help you achieve the new look for your business and building. 

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