Tender Is the Stay

Architecture Residential Glenelg South, South Australia, Australia

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1. Living Area

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2. Living Area

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3. Living Area

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4. Dining

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5. Bedroom 2

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6. Bedroom 2

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7. Master Bedroom

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8. Bedroom 2

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9. Living Area

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11.

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12.

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13.

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14. Exterior

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15. Bathroom- Custom Vanity

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16. Kitchen - Bar Cabinet

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17. Design Team

Left To Right - Ben Ramsey (Creative Lead) , Greg Bond (Director - AtelierBond) Airlie Lang (Interior Designer).

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18. Kitchen - Island Detail

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19. Bathroom - Hob Detail

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20. Kitchen - Bar Cabinet

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21. Master Bedroom

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22. Laundry

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23. Lobby

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24. Living Area

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25. Entry Lobby - Study Nook

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26. Dining Space

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27. Dining Space

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28. Bathroom

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29. Bathroom

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30. Master Bedroom

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31. Bedroom 2

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32. Island Bench Details

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33. Bedroom Joinery

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34. Kitchen

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Description

Every detail, from the finishes to the appliances, had to contribute to its cohesive aesthetic, with innovative custom-built storage solutions essential to enhance the kitchen’s function and keep it safe from clutter.
Colour was also required; no safe white marble countertops were wanted here. The final palette needed to give a gentle nod to the apartment’s ocean locale and its Art Deco roots, but the clients were firm that this was not to be a kitsch beachside escape.
Above all, they required the central counter to be a visual spectacle that induced awe while cleverly maximising the small footprint of the apartment’s previous kitchen. They wanted to avoid a significant structural overhaul but remove an existing in-built laundry. Quartzite was explicitly chosen to answer the clients’ need for durability in what’s ultimately a practical space.
Our studio drew inspiration from the timeless elements of the 1930s Art Deco style, including streamlined geometry, opulent materiality, and romantic extravagance. Period-appropriate finishes had to be layered with specialty-sourced lighting pieces and artworks that enhanced the luxury and refinement of the natural materials. The result is a kitchen that’s a jewel in a loving restoration with only the best hallmarks of a bygone era.

Questions and Answers

What inspired the creation of 'Tender Is the Stay' and what is the overarching vision for this project?

"Tender Is the Stay" (completed in 2023), is an apartment renovation in Glenelg South, South Australia. This project uniquely blends Art Deco glamour with a contemporary twist. It pays homage to the era's elegance while offering the practicality and sophistication of modern living, creating an intriguing blend. This project is a playful nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night. Our clients envisioned an immersive apartment experience that evokes the charm and grace of a time when people dressed up for dinner and savoured authentic cocktails.

Inspired by the quote, "Actually, that's my secret—I can't even talk about you to anybody because I don't want any more people to know how wonderful you are," we sought to create an extraordinary space—a place worthy of characters like Zelda, Daisy, or even Gatsby himself. We were tasked with balancing visual drama and practicality in a compact kitchen layout. Every element was designed with intention, from luxurious finishes to custom-built storage solutions. The colour palette subtly reflects the apartment's seaside location and Art Deco heritage, steering away from kitsch in favour of timeless elegance. The central counter is a visual centrepiece and a functional workspace. At the same time, materials like hand-selected quartzite, bespoke lighting, and curated artwork add to the sense of luxury, making the audience feel indulged and pampered.

Can you describe the architectural style and design elements that are unique to 'Tender Is the Stay'?

The clients desired an immersive kitchen experience which captured the glamour and ornamental elegance of the Art Deco era, with a contemporary twist. They asked for sophistication and practicality so family meals could be prepped with the same ease as the nightly cocktail. Every detail, from the finishes to the appliances, had to contribute to its cohesive aesthetic, with innovative custom-built storage solutions essential to enhance the kitchen’s function and safe keep it from clutter.
Colour was also required; no safe white marble countertops were wanted here. The final palette needed to give a gentle nod to the apartment’s ocean locale as well as its Art Deco roots, but the clients were firm that this was not to be a kitsch beachside escape.

Details

Project size 65 m2
Project Budget AUD 300,000
Completion date 2021