Emma Blomfield’s Sydney apartment renovation perfectly balances modern practicalities with a stylistic nod to the building’s 1930s heritage
Emma Blomfield, Director and Principal Designer at Emma Blomfield Studio, is a firm believer in practicality without compromising on style. Her latest personal renovation project is a true testament to this approach, with Phoenix welcomed on the journey to help make it happen.
Located on Sydney’s lower North Shore, Emma purchased this run-down apartment in May 2022. Originally built in 1933, Emma says “there were signs of some art deco features within the home, but a lot had been covered up or removed, so I wanted to bring some character back and be true to the age of the property.”
The transformation is quite astounding, with every element elevated in its own way. From the beige wall colour changing to a crisp cream, and the drab grey floor tiles replaced with patterned mosaic marble, every detail has been considered, and all the once-hidden clues of heritage have been revived. The 1930s details are evident in subtle ways throughout, and a consistency is present that neatly links all areas of the home together.
Interior Designer Emma Blomfield with her Mini Schnauzer, Louis, in their beautiful new apartment home
When asked about the process for this renovation project, Emma says she ‘ummed’ and ‘ahhed’ a lot more than she would on client projects, “but my ultimate goal was to create a space for myself that I’d never created before for someone else.”
Choosing tapware, showers and other fixtures is one of the earliest things Emma does in her design process.
“I knew I wanted something timeless and classic to suit the heritage of the house, so when it came to choosing tapware, I couldn’t go past the beautiful Brushed Gold Cromford Collection from Phoenix.”
The Cromford Hand Towel Holder, Vessel Mixer and Twin Shower in Brushed Gold
Equally placed in a modern farmhouse, as it is in an industrial warehouse, the Cromford Collection pays homage to the innovations of the past. Phoenix’s in-house design team thoughtfully crafted the collection to reflect modern day sensibilities, pared-back and uncomplicated in design, yet with a nod to history in their finer detail. Available in multiple finishes and boasting an international iF design award for innovation and design excellence in 2023, Cromford truly makes the old new again.
“The silhouettes and contemporary design of the Cromford Collection were the perfect match to reflect the art deco heritage of the apartment” says Emma, “and the Brushed Gold finish brought that luxe look I was aiming for”. Having specified Phoenix product in many client projects over the years, Emma points to the quality, the design selections, and the colour range as what she appreciates most. “I also love the Phoenix SwitchMix® technology, that means I can easily swap out my tapware choices in the future.”
When describing the bathroom design, Emma says “the Art Deco style features a lot of curves and fluting so it was a no brainer for me to incorporate these elements into the bathroom. I had my heart set on a curved fluted shower screen from the start, and I never wavered on it.”
Emma’s bathroom featuring the Cromford Twin Shower
As for choosing a shower, the hand piece on the flexible hose on the Cromford Twin Shower really appealed to Emma, “I got a puppy earlier in the year and the old bathroom had a horrible little bath that I never used apart from washing the dog… the shower hose is great for washing Louis, but also to hose down and clean the shower easily.”
Her kitchen, set-out in a simple L-shape plan, features a cream base palette, with a gorgeous taj green fluted marble tile splashback, and accents of wood and brushed gold. The chequered floor pattern in neutral tones, and the Cromford Sink Mixer in Brushed Gold eloquently bring in those signs of the past. Emma says, “I wanted to incorporate some beautiful modern farmhouse textures into this project as the colour palette was remaining quite neutral and needed striking textures to make it pop.”
The kitchen featuring the Cromford Sink Mixer in Brushed Gold
Itching to do her next renovation, Emma’s advice to those about to embark on their own is, “Plan your layout first… pick out your finishes and fixtures early on and then work out your tiles last. Also, plan for things to go wrong, you won’t know what they are but no reno is a smooth ride. If you’re prepared for a couple of things to mess with your timeframe or schedule, then you won’t be disappointed when they ultimately do.”
The enhanced architectural detail in Emma’s new living room
Deservingly proud of the result, Emma is enjoying the rewards of her newly renovated home. “My front door opens into a little reception hallway with all the rooms coming off this section… when I come home from a full day at work, I stand in the front doorway and look into all of the rooms and can’t believe I get to live in a space so beautiful.”
Photography – Joe Cheng
Designer – Emma Blomfield
