The young Sydney designer banishing beige
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The young Sydney designer banishing beige

Jewel-like colours add depth and personality to this architect-designed inner city apartment

By Robyn Willis
Fri, Jul 21, 2023 9:43amGrey Clock 4 min

T here are people who enjoy living in gallery-inspired, zen-like spaces in shades of antique white and linen finished with layers of soft grey and beige materials.

And then there’s Nic Kaiko.

The young interior designer burst onto the Sydney market more than a decade ago with a thirst for colour and a love of ‘dynamic eclecticism’, a style he describes as a mix of contemporary and timeless design. Since then, he has created his own signature style based on rich colour skilfully imbued with pattern, working across residential and hotel environments.

A crimson red velvet lounge from Arpège anchors the living space. Photo: Fiona Susanto

But despite his experience in hospitality and hotel interior design, when he had the opportunity to create his own space to call home in Sydney’s Waterloo, Kaiko paused.

“Working for myself, I knew I could be a little more flexible but it’s tricky being your own client,” he said. “You can’t just pick up things you like and hope they work together. There needs to be a rationale behind your choices. You can’t have too many ideas.”

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Kaiko had wanted to buy into the Casba building in Waterloo’s Danks Street precinct since it opened almost 10 years ago. A collaboration between architects BLP and SJB, and interior designers BKH, the building is defined by its access to two parallel streets, linked by a central courtyard with a reflection pool at its heart. At street level, it is host to a suite of high end retailers, including  the new Winnings Appliances showroom, now also home to Spence & Lyda and Rogerseller, in the heart of the popular food and art precinct.

“It has beautiful public spaces and it was really activated on the ground floor,” Kaiko says. “The architecture and build was really high quality.”

Apartments were well thought out, with careful consideration given to light, ventilation and the natural flow between spaces. After securing an apartment in the building, he set to work. Because the execution of the design and build was so well done, Kaiko says there was not a lot that needed to change with the floorplan.

“The layout is perfect,” he says. “The bedrooms face east and the two bathrooms and the kitchen are really well planned. In terms of adjustments, which is tricky in apartments, it wasn’t necessary.”

The apartment in inner Sydney has a leafy aspect and enjoys abundant natural light. Image: Fiona Susanto

Taking inspiration from the silver travertine floor tiles and drawing on his experience in hotel design, Kaiko opted to paint the walls in soft grey tones, separated by a thin black line at picture rail height.

“The stripe on the walls came from when I used to do hotel work,” he says. “The bedroom particularly feels like a hotel and the layout lends itself to having that hotel feel.” 

Floor-to-ceiling semi sheer curtains in the bedroom continue the sophisticated hotel vibe, borrowing an old design technique of extending the curtains beyond the window frame to make the room feel larger.

The foundation materials were already decidedly neutral when he bought the apartment, which Kaiko decided to work with, including the flooring.

“The floors are beautiful. The travertine is cross cut and they are laid in that chateau style with big and small pieces,” Kaiko says. “They were fit for purpose and they continue from the public spaces into the bedrooms and then onto the balcony. 

“We always try to make the existing work.” 

To bring some personality into living spaces, the apartment is punctuated by rich tones of cobalt, forest green and a deep crimson, including an Arpège sofa in a colour reminiscent of the 2023 Pantone Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta.

“Cobalt is my favourite colour and I wanted to make that work. In terms of the concept, it was really more about colour blocking and keeping the background palette pretty neutral,” Kaiko says.

An abstract artwork in gradient colour by Brisbane-based artist Andy Harwood plays a central role in the living space, providing depth to the room and drawing together the equally intense shades of cobalt and deep pink. 

Nic has used an artwork by Brisbane-based artist Andy Harwood as the focal point in his living room. Image: Fiona Susanto

A veined marble coffee table from Zuster provides a visual link between the stronger crimson and the quieter neutrals while a touch of rattan in the kitchen pendant lights and the Thonet dining chairs lighten the mood. 

Pinstriped black lines ensure the look is urbane and contemporary, without being too heavy.

For Kaiko, it’s not just a design statement. As all good interiors should, the apartment reveals the personality of its owner.

“This project gives people a good indication of my loves,” he says. “Some people think colour is not high end but some of the great designers across the world use colour.

“A lot of people are afraid of using it and have a tendency to think ‘If I do everything white, it will look more high end’ but it can look incredibly pedestrian.”

No chance of that happening here.



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11 ACRES ROAD, KELLYVILLE, NSW

This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan

35 North Street Windsor

Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.

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Property of the week: Pecan Manor Farm at 204 Tooheys Mill Rd, Nashua

A rural retreat with a side hustle opportunity, Pecan Manor Farm near Byron is an idyllic slice of the tree change pie.

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Fri, Feb 7, 2025 2 min

High in Byron Bay’s coveted hinterland there is a hidden estate with more than just a charming homestead on offer. Pecan Manor Farm is a 40ha parcel of lush rolling grounds with expansive grazing lands, a dam with a private pontoon – and a thriving pecan plantation.

The original homestead was first built and owned by the Toohey brothers, who later went on to establish the iconic Tooheys Beer Company. In 2013, the property was sold to the Hogan family, who significantly renovated the home. It changed hands again in 2021, with the current owners further transforming the property.

With sandstone features, manicured hedges and a meandering driveway through established trees, Pecan Manor Farm is, in a nut shell, an enviable tree change property only half an hour from one of Australia’s hottest beach getaways.

Listed with McGrath Byron Bay Agents Tezu Harrison and Nick Dunn, the unique property at 204 Tooheys Mills Rd, Nashua is on the market with price expectations of $8 million.

“It’s a beautiful pecan estate that is so private. You drive in through a pecan forest almost and arrive up to the top of the property to discover a completely renovated old school Federation home. It’s probably one of the most beautiful 99 acres I’ve ever seen, because there are so many different aspects to it,” Mr Harrison said.

Framed by some of the region’s most impressive scenery, the grand Nashua landholding is near Tintenbar, and is 18kms to Lennox Head or 25kms to the popular beaches of Byron.

Inside the large family-friendly home, the main wing houses a choice of everyday living spaces including an open plan dining and family room, the contemporary kitchen and a separate lounge or media room.

At the heart of the footprint, the kitchen has a suite of NEFF appliances and a freestanding island bench. Both the dining and lounge areas spill out onto a full-width deck, taking in the sweeping district views and pool.

While one bedroom has an ensuite and personal deck, it’s the main bedroom that is a retreat in every sense of the word. Separated via a gallery-style hallway, the primary suite is its own wing with a large deck, a bath ensuite overlooking the lush landscape, and a walk-in wardrobe.

Thanks to the multiple alfresco spaces, there is a place for everyone in all seasons, especially by the pool either on the timber sun deck or in the cosy cabana complete with its own fireplace.

Guests can stay with plenty of privacy in the freestanding barn, or the extra self-contained space could be used as a short term rental or office generating additional income. Aptly named The Barn, this bonus accommodation features a full kitchen with breakfast bar, a bathroom, living area and separate bedroom.

Throughout the home there are high ceilings, timber floors, intricate chandeliers, ducted air-conditioning. The property also has six large machinery sheds, offering ample scope for further agricultural pursuits.

Flowing along the property’s edge, Skinners Creek further sets the scene, while the location delivers the best of both worlds – Tintenbar General Store and local school are just 10 minutes away, while the popular Harvest Newrybar café is a 15-minute drive with Lennox Head and Ballina/Byron Airport also easily accessible.

Pecan Manor Estate is listed with Tezu Harrison on 0448 000 234 and Nick Dunn on 0448 301 111 of McGrath Estate Agents Byron Bay and is on the market with a price guide of $8 million.

MOST POPULAR
11 ACRES ROAD, KELLYVILLE, NSW

This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan

35 North Street Windsor

Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.

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