Altitude Remodel Project Detail
A glamourous sub-penthouse with touches of southern California charm is not something you would expect to find in Townsville. Pam Ellis did just that on this CBD renovation project — her 23rd to be exact.
Pam Ellis studied interior design in California, so she wanted something completely different that no one would expect when they enter an apartment in Australia — let alone Townsville!
And different it is.
Before: The original kitchen
After: The kitchen post-renovation with special order imported marble slabs.
The Bones
Initially attracted to the outlook the apartment provided, Pam Ellis bought the apartment in Townsville’s CBD in 2017.
“It’s literally the most breathtaking view, and reinforces the wonderful lifestyle north Queensland offers, and why we love being here,” she said.
“There was nothing wrong with the original apartment — it was clean and tidy and reasonably modern, just not my style.”
“Aesthetically there was nothing here previously I wanted to keep,” she said.
“Secondly, in all of my projects, it’s not just about design aesthetics and colours for me … I truly believe the energy in a property needs to be right.”
“That’s why I only employ tradespeople whom I enjoy working with.”
“I only purchase from suppliers who are helpful and positive, and artisans I enjoy designing custom pieces with … all the negativity can go somewhere else — and I truly believe that delivers good energy for a home moving forward, coupled with amazing design.”
BEFORE: Ensuite Master Bathroom
AFTER: Master Ensuite featuring custom 1-piece SOLID marble sink that was custom designed to Pam’s specification. It weighed a tonne and took 6 tradesmen to lift it into position on top of reinforced custom cabinetry.
International Sourcing
The entire apartment was stripped back to bare concrete. Even the original electrics, plumbing, floor coverings and tiles were removed and replaced. But being a strict recycler, Pam Ellis sold everything online.
From there, every minute detail was re-imagined, the floor plan slightly changed and interiors — including slabs of marble — imported specifically for the project.
Container loads of items were imported from the USA and Europe to make this a very unique apartment in Townsville, Australia.
The hero piece in the apartment is the original Beverly Hills Hotel ‘Martinique’ wallpaper from the 1950s in the dining area imported from the USA.
From the custom American Oak flooring and solid marble bathroom vanities to the antique Californian bedhead and the 1950s Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper, the sub-penthouse has a very international feel.
Even the door handles were hand-made in Paris from ceramics, shipped to Australia and then custom fitted.
Pams favourite ‘Hero piece’? An emerald green velvet sofa which was custom-made to measure so it just fit inside the apartment buildings lift - it measures over 3 metres in length and took 4 tradespeople to move into place, but definitely anchors the room.
BEFORE: Master bedroom
AFTER: Master bedroom
Design Inspiration
The wallpaper formed the basis for the colour palette in the living areas. We introduced darker shades you would not expect in the tropics, however, the dark walls become the frames for the glorious Great Barrier Reef views, and by marrying it with white contrast walls, I was able to keep the apartment light and energising.
Natural fabrics were used throughout to create an earthy feeling, despite the property being on the 15th floor of an apartment building in the CBD. The main flooring was American Oak, manufactured to my specific design you will not see anywhere else. A mix of chevron and herringbone designed to my specification and colour.
The introduction of natural marble, linen, wool, leather and cottons to build the layers of the design, to give balance, harmony and all together good energy, which you feel the moment you enter the home.
From my overseas artisans, right through to my tradespeople here in Townsville — the design process needs to be communicated in the utmost detail, and then some,” she said.
“It’s the feeling I get every time I open the front door and have a smile on my face,” Ms Ellis said.
“All-in-all, my husband and I are delighted with the result — it speaks volumes about our personality and how we love to live — not how people expect us to live — and that’s the best part about doing custom interiors. Your home reflects you — not what’s on-trend, nor what your peers expect. It’s your home and it’s important for your overall well being to love where you live.”
Time taken: 18 months
Total spend: $250,000
