On the tenth floor of this Remuera penthouse, award winning designer Mal Corboy has worked his magic to bring this renovation to life. Having completed a kitchen makeover for these clients back in 2007, Mal was familiar with their eclectic taste in design, and knew exactly what they would love. They also share similar tastes and are not afraid to splash colour around – being lovers of art and pottery, there was a lot to co-ordinate However, the owners insisted on keeping the kitchen floor and wall tiles, but Mal made it work and gave him an idea of where he wanted to head with the project.
Using Dune Prima Corian for both benchtops – the product has a lovely marble effect and the military blue-grey Resene Bismark cabinetry is the perfect contrast. A custom-designed dining table from his ‘Lozza’ range also features in the apartment – Mal was once a cabinet maker in Perth in the 1970s. Storage is no problem in this abode – look around the fireplace and television surrounds to find large cabinets that tuck everything away neatly. Finished in negative detail, they also create the perfect feature wall, giving it real depth.
A large curved wall lined with 3D wallpaper that creates a stunning visual effect, greets you in the hallway, leading to the laundry in one direction and designer bathrooms in the other. “I liked how it has that organic flow and creates an optical illusion.” The distinctive his and hers bathrooms have their own desired personal flavour, with floating Dekton porcelain vanity tops in both, and a curved shower in one. Custom-designed handles for the cabinetry drawers finishes the look.
Mal lives by the mantra that passion for a project is never something forced. It just comes from within. And after almost 30 years in the industry, starting with kitchens and now branching into full interior design, he’s become a real brand name in New Zealand. His design style brings a good sense of proportion and balance into the mix and his clients have included Master chefs, both privately and commercially, with his work found worldwide. He has more than 56 awards to his name and this luxury apartment was a recent finalist in the SPID International Design awards 2022.