It isn’t often I come across a bachelor pad that is primped and preened enough for a feature on The Design Files (!!) – but this beachside apartment in Newcastle, belonging to stylist Tim Neve, sure fits the bill! I have NEVER seen such a strict commitment to one muted colour palette! Impressive discipline Tim!
AMAZINGLY, Tim’s pad is a rental. This is even more impressive once you learn just how much TLC (and sheer elbow grease!) Tim has expended improving and renovating his much loved apartment. At the original ‘open for inspection’, Tim says hordes of people inspected the property for its amazing beachfront location, but most made a swift exit when they saw the condition of the interiors. Tim, on the other hand, was instantly smitten – ‘I saw nothing but potential!’ he says. He admits he’s no expert ‘tradie’, but he rolled his sleeves up and got to work, doing his best to patch and paint the walls, also removing the shag pile carpet and brown floral wallpaper over 3 – 4 weeks. Lucky landlord!
When asked why he chose such a limited neutral colour palette for his home (and how he managed to stick to it!), Tim says his main aim was to create the exact opposite of what he’s surrounded by at work. When working with clients and magazines, Tim is surrounded by with bold colour and pattern – ‘there’s always so much visually happening around me!’ he says. It was his goal to create a home that was a sanctuary – sticking to a restrained palette was his way of separating work life and home life. Yes, it’s an unmistakably ‘beach-inspired’ look… but Tim is quick to point out ‘there’s not a crafty seashell or nautical motif in sight!’. Ha ha – ok we get it Tim, it’s all in the details!
It’s no surprise Tim’s pad looks magazine-worthy – as a busy interiors stylist, Tim has contributed to many popular titles such as Real Living, Home Ideas Magazine, and Modern Home – you can learn a little more about his work over here. Huge thanks to Tim for sharing his home today! (Our first Newcastle pad!)