This was published 11 months ago
How this designer transformed a Kings Cross apartment into an impressive home
By Susan Redman
The home A two-bedroom flat in a graceful Kings Cross block built in 1929.
In the living room one wall displays 21 portraits of men dating from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Several pieces are designed by Longmuir, including the rug, standard lamp and table.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Who lives here
Ross Longmuir, furniture and homewares designer and owner of Planet, in Surry Hills. “I love living here by myself,” says Longmuir. “And because I have a guest room, I regularly enjoy quality time with friends and family.”
What I did
“At first I did nothing except painting, decorating, changing doorknobs and installing secondary glazing. Later, I developed detailed plans for a major renovation, though I’m unsure if I’ll proceed.”
Favourite room
“Definitely the living room,” says Longmuir. “I love the flow from my leafy carpet design on the floor through double doors to the balcony, from which I can enjoy district views with lots of trees and a huge sky.”
The ’hood
“My neighbourhood takes in Kings Cross,” says Longmuir. “There are great provedores and restaurants and beautiful harbourside parks. I can also walk to work, the Botanic Gardens and the CBD.”
Future plans
“As part of the renovation plan, I’d definitely knock out a few walls, install a new kitchen and bathroom, lay new floors, rebuild storage and reorient rooms,” says Longmuir. “I would like larger glass doors between the living and dining areas to keep the cooking smells, noise and heat in the kitchen.”
Best advice
“Look for things you love that others don’t value,” says Longmuir. “For me, that means recycled items, especially antiques, as older pieces are from times when craftsmanship and beautiful materials were everything. As you learn about what you love, you gravitate to a style and era and it works together. My background in contemporary furniture design also helps create a consistent backdrop.”
Ross Longmuir is a furniture and homewares designer and store owner of planet in Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. He decorated this home.
The hallway walls are painted a luscious tangerine and lined with portraiture featuring ornate gilt frames. Kilim runners from Turkey cover painted floorboards.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The spotted gum dining table is from Longmuir’s store, Planet, and the Georgian bronze candlesticks are from the UK. On the wall are antique artworks from India.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Longmuir sits on an 18th century mahogany chair next to French doors opening to his balcony. “I love the high ceilings and district views over Paddington.”Credit: Jennifer Soo
The bed from Planet features a hand-embroidered antique cover from India. The photograph is by Rosemary Laing and the mesh lamp is by Astrid Huwald.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Longmuir has used a German Biedermeier mahogany cabinet and lacquer wedding boxes from Japan as clever storage solutions.Credit: Jennifer Soo
In the living space, a wooden console holds various Australian ceramic works from Szlvia György, Kate Jones and Nicole Lister, among others. Credit: Jennifer Soo
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