This was published 2 years ago
An artist’s former loft is transformed into an urban jungle
Art and greenery everywhere make this warehouse the perfect place to call home.
By Jennifer Soo
David Nakhla at the street entrance. A 1987 BMW motorcycle, his brother Andrew’s passion project, is an unorthodox centrepiece.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The home
The building, in Newtown in Sydney’s inner west, is an early 20th-century warehouse with soaring ceilings, exposed rafters and no dividing walls. With a floor space of only 60 square metres, it is a unique and compact “New-York style” loft dwelling for one.
Who lives here
David Nakhla, a compliance officer.
What we did
David’s brother Andrew lived here before him, and David basically inherited the home complete with furnishings and artworks. He added more plants to the existing greenery.
My favourite room
The second storey, which is essentially the bedroom. “It’s a tranquil place, a bit of a jungle oasis with all the plants,” says David. “I find it easy to decompress there.”
The ’hood
“I really resonate with Newtown. Everyone here is super friendly and it has everything you need for food and general shopping. It’s got an amazing vibe that is difficult to find in other suburbs.”
Future plans
“Exposed beams and exposed bricks are my favourite things in the house,” says David. “They are so beautiful I don’t think I can improve on them.”
Best advice
“Be more creative and don’t feel restricted to conventional ways of decorating.”
The dining room, with its “industrial vibe”, is a great place for people to gather. The table is a modified IKEA shelving unit. Paintings by Andrew Nakhla. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The “jungle oasis” consists of plants collected by David and his brother Andrew, who lived here before him. The painting over the bed is the first Andrew ever did.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The absence of storage fits with David’s minimalist philosophy. “Everything is conspicuous,” says David of his belongings. Credit: Jennifer soo
One of the inner-city warehouse’s previous tenants tiled the bathroom using an eclectic and characterful selection of vintage tiles.Credit: Jennifer Soo
This wall is where Andrew would stretch his canvases and paint. Paintings would hang on chains while they dried. Credit: Jennifer Soo
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