Decorating Guides
Curvy, Concealed Wall Storage in Sydney
Valuable storage space hides behind this stylish feature in the main living areas of this apartment
To provide for generous storage in the renovation of a Sydney apartment, architects Jemima Retallack and Mitchell Thompson designed a simple curving structure off the home’s entryway, which also helped to break up and define rooms within an open-plan layout. Hidden behind the curvaceous wall unit is a small bar and wine rack, a broom closet and shelving. “It was employed to unify previously awkward and poorly defined spaces by wrapping and distinguishing the living, kitchen and dining rooms,” Thompson says. “The wall is present in every room, yet never visible in its entirety.” Read more of what the architect has to say about this project.
What was the goal of this project, and the curved cupboard in particular?
The clients wanted a home cleared of everything but the essentials. Their old home had insufficient storage, and this renovation was an opportunity to engineer a place for everything and put everything in its place.
How did you achieve this?
A new curving wall rounded off some awkward existing angled walls, to make for a more legible living room space. The cavity that was formed became the storage unit. The profiled wood boards were chosen to both easily negotiate the curves of the wall and to conceal the door openings.
The clients wanted a home cleared of everything but the essentials. Their old home had insufficient storage, and this renovation was an opportunity to engineer a place for everything and put everything in its place.
How did you achieve this?
A new curving wall rounded off some awkward existing angled walls, to make for a more legible living room space. The cavity that was formed became the storage unit. The profiled wood boards were chosen to both easily negotiate the curves of the wall and to conceal the door openings.
What are the materials and color palette used?
We constructed the cupboard with simple wood lining boards and some lightweight wood framing, and then painted it in a white, low-sheen paint: Dulux’s Wairakei Quarter.
Tell us about the styling for the project as a whole.
The project used natural materials of wood, hard-set lime plaster and Tasmanian oak for the built-in [woodwork]. The kitchen was styled to feel like an extension of the living room rather than a utility area.
We constructed the cupboard with simple wood lining boards and some lightweight wood framing, and then painted it in a white, low-sheen paint: Dulux’s Wairakei Quarter.
Tell us about the styling for the project as a whole.
The project used natural materials of wood, hard-set lime plaster and Tasmanian oak for the built-in [woodwork]. The kitchen was styled to feel like an extension of the living room rather than a utility area.
What were the challenges associated with the feature of the curved cupboard?
We required special hinges in the cupboard that could be concealed in the framing and take the weight of the door, and these took time to track down in the United States. Luckily, we had a great carpenter that was as committed as we were to getting it right.
Describe the success of this storage design. What do you love about it?
The success of the cupboard is measured by its inconspicuous appeal — the fact you can’t see it [as an obvious cabinet] means it works. We love the surprise of guests when they realize the wall opens up and there is a drink waiting for them inside.
We required special hinges in the cupboard that could be concealed in the framing and take the weight of the door, and these took time to track down in the United States. Luckily, we had a great carpenter that was as committed as we were to getting it right.
Describe the success of this storage design. What do you love about it?
The success of the cupboard is measured by its inconspicuous appeal — the fact you can’t see it [as an obvious cabinet] means it works. We love the surprise of guests when they realize the wall opens up and there is a drink waiting for them inside.
What wasn’t working before this project was created?
This was an open-plan apartment, but open-plan done poorly creates zones with zero character. The existing entry, living and kitchen-dining spaces were poorly defined. This made furnishing each “room” difficult and contributed to an uncomfortable, uncozy feeling. There was also no storage space.
How does it work now?
By taking some of the unused space in the hallway, living and dining rooms and creating the deep storage wall, we were able to better define each area and hide clutter in the wall. Each room was then free to have its own character.
This was an open-plan apartment, but open-plan done poorly creates zones with zero character. The existing entry, living and kitchen-dining spaces were poorly defined. This made furnishing each “room” difficult and contributed to an uncomfortable, uncozy feeling. There was also no storage space.
How does it work now?
By taking some of the unused space in the hallway, living and dining rooms and creating the deep storage wall, we were able to better define each area and hide clutter in the wall. Each room was then free to have its own character.
How is the cupboard used?
The family find themselves gathering in the dining nook, which is shielded by the new curved wall — from the main entry mostly. From here, the [built-in] seating allows for conversation with those utilizing the kitchen, and provides a sheltered view to the garden terrace beyond.
Any surprises, secrets or tips discovered?
Simple curves can be complex things, so work with good [contractors] and trust their advice.
The family find themselves gathering in the dining nook, which is shielded by the new curved wall — from the main entry mostly. From here, the [built-in] seating allows for conversation with those utilizing the kitchen, and provides a sheltered view to the garden terrace beyond.
Any surprises, secrets or tips discovered?
Simple curves can be complex things, so work with good [contractors] and trust their advice.
Tell us: Does your home feature any kind of hidden treasure, such as this curvaceous cabinet? Tell us about it and share a photo in the Comments.
See more of this project
More: How to Get Curves in All the Right Spaces
See more of this project
More: How to Get Curves in All the Right Spaces
Who lives here: Downsizing parents
Location: Sydney
The feature we love: Curved storage wall
Architects: Retallack Thompson