Toby Scott and Laura Molloy purchased their art deco Brisbane apartment in 2015, and spent the first year updating the two bedroom property. In addition to his successful career as a photographer, Toby is currently studying architecture, and partner Laura works as an interior designer.  With their powers combined, this dream team were perfectly placed to roll up their sleeves and self manage their renovation.

The bathroom and kitchen were the first items on the renovation agenda, before Toby and Laura turned their attention to new lighting and electrics, introducing floor-to-ceiling curtains in the main bedroom, and a new moody colour scheme on the walls. Toby used a ¼ strength Dulux Timeless Grey on the walls, against White on White ceiling, to create a ‘crisp contrast and allow the original ceilings to speak for themselves.’

Nestled amongst surrounding trees, the apartment has leafy views through almost every window. Toby describes the location as an ideal spot, close to the city, yet up on the hill, where being ‘tucked away in the trees in pretty special.’ He enthuses ‘when inside, we are in our own world surrounded by trees and the dappled light that finds its way through the windows.’ Dreamy!

For Toby and Laura, thought compact in size, the user-friendly layout of the apartment is perfectly designed to allow for varied uses in the one space. One person in the kitchen making dinner, and one lounging on the couch, for instance. Toby describes, ‘the way the kitchen and lounge connect through the archway means that we can still chit chat between rooms.’

After three years in their Bowen Hills nest, the couple are moving out – so if moody walls, leafy surrounds, and ideal apartment layout are your vibe, this might be for you!