Founded in 2011 by creative director Megan Brown, Penman Brown is known for its carefully curated approach to interior architecture, design and decoration. Each Penman Brown space is an authentic, intimate expression of the client, infused with a potent blend of Brown’s simple elegance, undercurrents of global adventures and an artist’s phenomenologically emotional sensibility. 

As part of our ongoing Designer Selects series, Brown shares her nuanced approach to amalgamating materials, colour palettes and furniture pieces to create authentic, timeless homes.   

Lantern sconce by Apparatus Studio

Apparatus is a New York-based interdisciplinary design studio known predominantly for its iconic lighting pieces. Their Lantern Sconce with its delicate bone porcelain shade and patinaed bronze detailing manages a deft balance between technology and the handmade. 

While graceful and romantic in spirit, the scale and form maintain a tension that is architectural and sophisticated. It was perfect for the ensuite of our award-winning Winden Estate project.

Phillip Jeffries speciality wall coverings

In each of the interior design projects we undertake, we consider every surface and its ability to contribute to the overall composition. 

Phillip Jeffries specialty wallcoverings are known for their natural textured grass weaves. We used Gallant Grasses in Clay Castle 9034 within oak-framed panels to line the walls at The Carlisle, Tamarama, adding depth and dimension while defining the formal lounge area in an open-plan layout.

Mokum fabrics

We are frequently asked to design both interior and exterior environments for our residential projects. Outdoor furnishing requires as much planning and consideration as our involvement in the hardscaping and planting. Mokum fabrics from James Dunlop Textiles are our primary supplier for outdoor fabrics. 

Made specifically for the harsh Australian climate, they outperform international offerings, with colours, textures and designs that are globally recognised. Elba in Rosa, a stone-coloured fabric with a subtle pink fleck as seen on the outdoor sofa at The Carlisle, Tamarama, is the studio’s top choice.

Utrecht Armchair, designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld

One of our earliest award-winning projects was Pacific House in 2019. The Utrecht Armchair, originally designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in 1935 and brought back into the spotlight by Cassina, was enjoying a popular resurgence. Five years later, it is still a chair we present to clients as a timeless, iconic piece for any interior. 

Camaleonda Sofa, designed by Mario Bellini 

Set on the cliffs overlooking Sydney’s Tamarama beach, The Carlisle was inspired by the cult classic film ‘American Gigolo’. In earthy khaki velvet, Mario Bellini’s iconic Camaleonda Sofa, designed for Italian furniture manufacturer B&B Italia, embodied the sexy, laid-back Californian vibes we were seeking for The Carlisle. 

Porter’s Paints

As the hub of most family homes, the kitchen concept and design are central to any of our residential projects. Materiality guided the brief for Winden Estate, with solid oak kitchen cabinetry hand-finished in Porter’s Paint Caraway in Aqua Satin Enamel, adding exceptional handle and tactility to this classic kitchen while maintaining a contemporary and sophisticated feel. 

CDK natural marble and stone 

We always encourage our clients to consider natural marble and stones for their kitchens, bathrooms and general interiors, because we aim to use authentic materials whenever possible. Specifying natural marble for kitchens and bathrooms is an obvious and appropriate way to add luxury and sophistication to an interior. We specify CDK Stone because, in our opinion, their stock is always exceptionally high quality. They have showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne, which makes the selection process efficient. 

We used CDK’s Palazzo Dolomite in the award-winning kitchen at The Carlisle. A studio favourite is Tamarama, for its moss green, lilac and caramels on a creamy white background.

All images supplied by Penman Brown.

For more inspiration, check out COLLA FEHÉR’s playful selection of covetable design.