the green room
2006
I initially took on my current property as an artist’s studio and workshop, transforming it over the years into a highly individual living space.
This room happened when a friend mentioned to me that many homes in his country have bars and why didn’t I build one.
I have to admit that at first it sounded pretty kitsch, a slice of life not seen since the 70s. But then he told me that if I built it, he would stock it…
The first step was to strip the room back and make it light, white and clean. Removal of a revolting brown carpet revealed original floorboards which were stripped and varnished but not made pristine. I wanted to retain their rough character which would contrast well with the sharp, modern furniture I intended to use.
As I had recently completed my Gradation of Green piece which contrasted green and white, I decided to use that as the starting point and inspiration for the rest of the room.
Green is also a very calming, meditative colour and so I created a feature wall of horizontal stripes in sharp, citrus shades. A complementary effect was created on the opposite wall with a solid block of colour with a reclaimed desk finished in two shades of green.
I use mirrors in both interior and exterior spaces to create a feeling of space – they serve as windows where windows can’t be. Correctly positioned they also create interest by altering people’s perspectives as they move through a space and reveal objects – sculpture, plants, light and shadow – from different angles.
The bar provides the final flourish to the room and facilitates the passage from calming day space to evening party place. As night falls, people naturally gravitate towards it.
I designed it on a curve to make it less obtrusive and give it a more ergonomic, welcoming shape. This was cut and sanded by hand and painted in a two pack epoxy coating to give it longevity. The curved base was constructed from timber uprights with 3mm MDR cladding. I decided that I would give a nod to the kitsch history of the home bar and had it upholstered in retro-feeling but still sharp and cool fabric. This was lit by a series of five halogen downlights mounted under the lip of the bar counter.
The stools used my tripod design in reclaimed reobar painted in two pack white and, to add another touch of 70s style ‘glamour, upholstered in white leather. Every bar needs a mirror behind it and I designed my own bespoke cabinet with built-in downlighters and shelving for the booze I had been promised.
The bar is the social focus of any party; people congregate round it in the same way that they end up in the kitchen at most house parties.
The space became known as the party place where people would drop into either before or after a night out, often both. I think thousands of people in Sydney must have fond, if hazy, memories of this place and I’m very proud of that.