SITCHU MAGAZINE Although renovating a smaller space may seem easier in theory, every decision carries more weight, and the stakes are higher. With limited room to work with, a clear vision is crucial. When Anouska Milstein, founder and creative director of interior design studio A.mi, first stepped into this one-bedroom apartment from the 1990s in Melbourne’s historic Mutual Store building on Degraves Street, she knew right away she needed a design that honoured its extraordinary surroundings while fully utilising the property’s layout. “With just 56 square meters to work with, every element had to be carefully considered to maximise flow and functionality while delivering a captivating aesthetic,” Anouska explains of the home, which has now been aptly dubbed the Pied-à-Terre apartment. With large windows framing the iconic domes and rooftops of Flinders Street Station, the apartment felt deeply connected to the city’s past. “You felt transported in time. With both a shell and a vista so steeped in history, the interior had to follow suit,” Anouska says. Drawing inspiration from Queen Anne-style interiors, French Art Deco, and the romantic charm of a classic Parisian pied-à-terre (which translates to a small lodging for occasional use), she transformed the CBD weekender into a sanctuary where rich textures, intricate detailing, and feminine energy reign supreme. First on the to-do list? Ditching the boxy, uninspired layout, favouring something more fluid and luxurious. While the apartment’s footprint mainly stayed the same, a few clever structural tweaks made all the difference. The precarious kitchen bulkhead came down, instantly opening the ceiling for an airier feel. Frosted glass panels separating the bedroom and kitchen were swapped for a reeded glass and steel-framed door; an effortlessly chic update that keeps the light flowing. The bathroom had its own challenges, including a chunky brick column. Anouska took this in her stride and clad it in plaster and tiles to create a cosy corridor leading to a spacious shower. She also carved out extra functionality by extending the wall, making room for a recessed washer, an in-wall toilet cistern, and hidden storage behind stylish wainscoting. Anouska also used refined elements, like ornate cornices, skirting, and detailed profiling on custom joinery, to give the space a sense of depth and opulence without overwhelming it. “Luxury isn’t just about materials; it’s about a sense of space,” says Anouska. Pied-à-Terre is a masterclass in creative styling, merging multiple themes into a cohesive aesthetic. “Floral curtains, a staple of Queen Anne interiors, became an unexpected design feature,” Anouska says. “It was a fun way to take something often seen as outdated and give it a fresh, modern twist.” Adding to the undeniably chic aesthetic is the chevron parquetry flooring, which has long been associated with 17th-century French luxury with warmth and movement, subtly shifting in tone as light dances across its angled planks. The client was initially drawn to a sleek blackand-grey palette, but Anouska wanted to dial up the warmth and create a more inviting space. Her solution? A perfect mix of warm and cool tones. “We introduced a silver-grey wash on the oak flooring, which subtly nods to the client’s original vision while maintaining warmth,” she explains. “From there, we layered powdery blues, mushroom-toned pinks, and muted neutrals to create a cohesive and sophisticated palette.” This tonal interplay gives the apartment an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. Anouska also curated gorgeous pieces of art that would inject the space with character and soul. “Artwork and décor are the finishing touches that make a home feel alive,” she says. “They add personality, history, and a tactile quality that makes a space feel truly lived in.” For this project, she pulled from a mix of local artists, vintage markets, and contemporary brands, creating an eclectic yet cohesive look. The dining area has a stunning piece by Sean Bailey, while vintage treasures from Gallery Midlandia add a sentimental touch. As for the client, they couldn’t be more delighted with the result. “She was thrilled,” Anouska shares. “She immediately understood how every design choice maximised the space while maintaining an atmosphere of undeniable luxury.” Photography: Tom Blachford @blachford Styling: A.mi @studio.a.mi Artworks and vintage pieces: Sean Bailey @order_ and_decay via Daine Singer @dainesinger, vintage from Gallery Midlandia @gallerymidlandia Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan Explore More Stylish Homes Peek inside exquisite properties and boutique accommodation across Australia and hear what inspired the architects, interior designers and homeowners. sitchu.com.au/home-tours “Luxury isn’t just about materials; it’s about a sense of space,” — Anouska Milstein
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