Kurt Falkenstein has lived in this spacious inner city pad for the past five years, right in the heart of Melbourne. He describes the Flinders Lane apartments as abundant in ‘size, drama and character’, where the huge 70-square-metre master bedroom and bathroom have been afflicted by ‘elephantitis!’
The fit-out of the apartment may be a little tired (Kurt hilariously describes it ‘as 1990s as Seinfeld on VHS’!) but the massive windows with views out to Flinders Lane more than compensate. The interiors are also enlivened by Kurt’s own aesthetic, which he describes as ‘intentionally vintage.’ He explains ‘unique and timeless design I prize more than being the first to own something. I buy things for looks, for sure, but I love that they have a bit of history when they arrive.’
The sweeping spaces necessitated some purchases when Kurt arrived, including an Eames chair from Smith Street Bazaar and a 1950s French lamp from Angelucci. Kurt say the spaciousness of his apartment has made him ‘more design aware’, though acknowledges that purchases have largely occurred from whims and flights of fancy – ‘nothing thought out, always spontaneous.’
The apartment is also home to a small jungle of plants, which were inherited after Jenna Holmes (aka Plant Mama) stayed while Kurt was overseas. He returned to an indoor jungle, which seems slightly incongruous to the CBD surrounds! Kurt explains ‘you could not be in a more urban space in Australia, but it feels lush and natural.’
This apartment is going to be difficult for Kurt to say goodbye to, as he describes ‘no matter what time, what day – I can eat, drink and make merry, knowing I have my own little oasis just nearby.’ But it has also taught him about the value of creating his own personal sanctuary, and says this is the first home which has made him ‘fall in love with decorating’. We are excited to see what Kurt, Dani, and the plants move onto next!
