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I think you could take it as a given that a woman who has raised six children and overseen the expansion of a family business into a thriving corporate entity - by herself, after the premature death of her husband, would be pretty well able to do anything.

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But one of the many things that Marlene has learned in her life’s journey is to delegate, to let those who excel in a particular field do what they do best. So when she moved out of a much-loved inner suburban home and into a unit she had just bought, she contacted John Croft of John Croft Design to help renovate and decorate what would become her new home.

She had used John before on several occasions and she knew that with his intuitiveness and creativity, he would transform what was a really rather ugly, dark space into something light, bright and sunny.

With a stunning river and city view outlook and a grandstand view of Southbank gardens, the location was perfect, and certainly the unit was big - so big in fact that Marlene and John think that originally it was actually two units bought off the plan and merged into one. It had been decorated with dark wallpapers, blue/grey industrial tiles on the floor and a huge central bar - but on the plus side, with the master bedroom, ensuite and study all located on one side of the space and three bedrooms, bathrooms and a television area on the other, separated by the open plan kitchen/dining/ and living area, it meant that Marlene could have interstate family to stay without compromising her privacy or theirs. And with a generously proportioned balcony running the full length of the unit, there are heaps of outdoor places from which to enjoy the constantly entertaining view.

With senior designer Kylie Mann, John began the renovation by replacing the existing flooring with light coloured Travertine-look tiles in a satin finish, and painting throughout in a soft neutral shade. White painted timber shutters add to the effect and by sheeting the columns with panels of mirror, even more light was introduced to this one huge room - a bonus is the reflection of the city views.

As with many projects of this type, Marlene asked that certain pieces of furniture from her previous home be integrated into the new decorating scheme, and by re-upholstering the old to coordinate with the new, the whole comes together harmoniously. Using mainly Designers Guild fabrics which are famous for their saturated colours, John and Kylie have combined stripes, patterns, florals and plain colours in a joyful celebration of the power of colour. The scheme is anchored by a custom designed pure wool rug which continues the theme and defines the sitting room space.

As the kitchen was in very good condition, and in neutral colours, it integrated well with the new scheme and apart from a minor upgrade remained largely as it was. Not so Malene’s ensuite where the ubiquitous blue/grey tiles were also a feature - up they came to be replaced in with beautiful marble floor tiles and an upgrade which has delivered a luxurious place to bathe.

“It was essential that I have an office in this unit, as I am still involved in the family business” said Marlene, “and fortuitously, just to one side of my bedroom is a compact space which is absolutely perfect. The bonus is a gorgeous view of the river and the city - it makes working there a pleasure.” John

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and Kylie designed the space for maximum efficiency with plenty of storage and a comfortable, efficient work space.

Marlene’s bedroom is pretty and feminine - Designers Guild fabrics feature again in the bed cover and combined with a lively green in bed cushions and on the vibrant pink chair make this an inviting place to lay one’s head. John’s signature, six prints of antique shoes, adds interest to the blank space above the bed, and a gorgeous pink light fitting completes the scheme.

Another of Marlene’s ‘must have’ requests was for plenty of dining space to accommodate her extended and large family. The dining room features a new setting - a timber table with white legs is teamed with white painted dining chairs upholstered in Designers Guild fabric. John says the white legs of the table and the white

chairs balance the timber display cabinet, allowing the timber to feature, but not dominate.

And while the table seats ten, that is not enough for the large gatherings of family and friends which Marlene likes to host, so the balcony doubles as an additional and very pleasant dining area. With three outdoor settings on this generously proportioned area, up to 24 people can dine in comfort, and with spectacular views - at night, the city glows and is reflected in the waters of the river.

This home is a triumph of light and gaiety, an uplifting and elegant home for a very elegant woman.

Text Margaret McGuire Photography John Downs