Designer Kate Stokes and her architect husband Haslett Grounds have been living in their bright and enviably spacious Fitzroy apartment for just one year. They’re renting, so haven’t made any permanent changes – though when they found out they were expecting, they did build a mini cubby-house inspired bedroom for Kiko in the living space! (Genius!). They’ve also softened the space with the most impressive collection of indoor plants – it makes such a difference in a lofty space like this!
As is evident in these pics, despite having only one bedroom, Kate and Haslett’s apartment is of rather EPIC proportions. The building is a beautifully converted multi-level Victorian warehouse, designed by respected local architecture firm Kerstin Thompson Architecture in 1996. The resulting layout is a generous open plan design which optimises natural light and city views, and provides the perfect backdrop for Kate and Haslett’s pared back, scandi-inspired interior elements, and that incredible indoor jungle.
Amongst treasured furniture pieces from Grandfather’s Axe and Kate’s own studio Coco Flip, and a much loved rug from Loom, the space is also dotted with artworks and handcrafted elements by the couples’ many creative friends. Favourite pieces include the hanging woven sculpture by their friend Sophie Moorhouse Morris, as well as the Safari chairs by Australian furniture designer Michael Hirst, which were inherited from Haslett’s grandparents. The rope weaving on the wall in the lounge room is another treasured piece by the couple’s Danish friend Hanne Ibach – a gift for their wedding. ‘Hanne collects all of the rope she weaves from on beaches in Western Australia’ says Kate.
Both Kate and Haslett are originally from Perth, thought they’re very much permanent fixtures of Melbourne’s Northside now! With Kate’s business based in Collingwood, and a new bub at home, the central location suits them perfectly. They love a morning stroll down Gertrude street with Kiko in tow, and they can’t get enough of the incredible views from their rooftop, across Fitzroy and the city. ‘We especially love waking up to the sunrise and watching the hot air balloons drifting by overhead’ says Kate.
