Max Factor

A minimalist Toorak penthouse has received a maximalist makeover in jewel-like tones and glittering finishes.

- CHRIS PEARSON

With seductive gemlike hues of ruby, sapphire and gold, and lashings of sheen, this multifaceted penthouse in Melbourne’s Toorak has all the alluring glamour and drama of a jewellery boutique. But perhaps that’s not surprising, as it is owned by James and Jaimee Belle Kennedy of Kennedy luxury jeweller fame.

The couple bought the three-bedroom apartment shiny new in 2020. Its then-minimalist design had been masterminded by Sue Carr of Carr interior designers and architects, so it had quality bones and the flow of the spaces worked smoothly but, seeking more exuberance and energy, they asked designer Greg Natale to add his maximalist magic. As if draping jewels on a classic outfit, the designer added layers of colour and texture to make the spaces glow. And with the couple being young and now having a two-year-old son, they asked the designer to make it fun and flamboyant – as they have plenty of time for the more serious stuff as they get older. “I love working with minimalist spaces,” Greg says, “because they are a blank slate and lend so much scope”.