Kate Riordan

Spacial Dwellers

Teneriffe, QLD, Australia

+ What is the most important space/room to you?

Definitely the balcony and the plunge pool.

+ How much time do you spend in this space daily?

I used to spend every morning out on the balcony, eating breakfast, before I started my day. Now, the space has become a sanctuary for midday retreats in the pool or late night conversations with Jacksen; the space illuminated only by the lights of the city skyline beyond.

+ How do you use this space & is there multiple functions?

I’ve used it for a number of different purposes, everything from eating breakfast to using the pool day or night, entertaining every now and then but essentially I have my best memories of this space is having breakfast and watching the world come alive around me.

+ What’s a specific feeling you get from this space?

The first thing that comes to mind is tranquility. So that goes back to when I’d eat my breakfast at 6AM, to coming here in the afternoon or night and sitting in the pool surrounded by these trees and you don’t feel like you’re in the city. Instantly that makes me feel calm and at ease.

+ How would you describe this space to someone who hasn’t seen it?

First and foremost, the balcony overlooks everywhere from the airport to the city and considering where we are that is incredible. So you can wake up in the morning and see everything. It kind of sets you up for the day.

In its simplest form, its a large space with an awesome pool. To go a bit more in depth though it’s almost like a separate room. Its large enough to hold any use. It almost feels like an extension from the living room and it is an added bonus having the plunge pool on the side to open it up a bit more. The plunge pool is just big enough to you can relax in it, and small enough to feel intimate. When you look out over the trees next door, it makes you feel further from the city than you actually are.

+ Do you have a favorite time of day to be in this space?

If I had to choose between one of three periods I would spend out there, it would have to be at night. Many a time we’ve cooled off on a summer’s night in the neon blue pool, just talking or listening to relaxing beats.

+ Do you listen to any music or audio in this space? If so, what genre & out loud or in private?

Depending on what time of day it is or how long I’ve got to spend there, I’ll usually opt for something casual and chilled out. I’m a sucker for Sticky Fingers, who have a knack for sucking their listeners into this state of euphoria and overall bliss. Otherwise, if we’re entertaining, we’re playing some deep house that will be blasted from our indoor speakers.

+ Are you open to share this space with others or are you tentative about inviting people in?

As it is technically a communal space, I’m used to other’s using it throughout the day, however I enjoy keeping it as private as possible at night so that we can relax and enjoy each other’s company.

+ How often do you allow this space to get messy, if ever?

Jacksen (partner) would never allow it to get messy! I’ve watched him picking up every single leaf while on his hands and knees before, so it’s safe to say it would never become messier than that.

+ Is there anything forbidden in this space?

..Nudity, obviously. Because we’re so high up on the hill and have a hundred other residences looking up at our balcony, it’s probably not recommended.

+ Whats your favorite item, furniture or feature in this space?

Definitely the pool. It’s kind of secluded. When your sitting in the plunge pool you’re looking out to the trees and depending on the time of day and the light it transports you to a whole new place.

+ Does every piece of furniture and items need to cohere with one another or can they be random and irrational?

There isn’t much room for movement on the balcony in terms of furniture selection. I had looked high and low for a table that would suit the space but I couldn’t find anything that fit the budget or aesthetic, so I designed my own! Our custom stained teak table with black powder coated aluminium square set legs is my pride and joy. As a designer myself, I wanted to ensure it would suit the space, so the black legs tie in with the black balustrade and the timber reflects the floorboards inside. I’d love to construct a day bed out of the same timber and artificial grass down the track though.

+ How have you given your character to this space?

I designed the table on the balcony. It got to the point where everyone who lives here needed it for work but also to have as an entertaining space. There was nothing out there. So I took on the responsibility to design the table that can used for entertaining or work. It definitely opens up a lot of possibilities for the space to be used.

Then adding elements such as the plants, even though they were here before I got here, I just arranged them in a way to soften the space a little bit.

+ What’s one piece of design advice you could offer to someone who wants to get creative about the design of their space?

Look at your lifestyle, personal style and how you would use the space. I also firmly believe that “less is more”..so take into account the previous points and choose pieces that really mean something to you, and the character will show!

+ Complete this phrase: This space is my . . .

Getaway in the (semi) concrete jungle that is Newstead/Teneriffe/Fortitude Valley.

DESIGN TAKEAWAY

+ A pivotal phrase/theory, borrowed by the heavyweight architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was used as a precept for Minimalist design and architecture. The intention of this concept is to achieve simplicity by stripping a design to its bare essentials. While easier said than done, The idea is to consider deliberate ornamentation to the point where All the parts can no longer be reduced (or even moved) to improve the design.

+ The process of reducing ornaments can be a sorrowing endeavor, especially if there is an attached sentimental value. However if the time comes to simplify, consider exercising the thought of how meaningful each piece is to you. This can be done by distinguishing if each item brings you an honest emotional reaction. Perhaps begin by asking do I love this or can I live without this. Aim to reduce the total amount of items to it’s bare (functional) minimum as this may reveal your true character.