Designer Closeup: Paul Hecker

Paul Hecker is an Australian designer from the Melbourne firm Hecker Phelan & Guthrie (http://www.hpg.net.au/) . He was designer (along with Hugh Lane and the sister of the owner) of Ivy in Sydney, an entertainment centre featuring 18 bars, nine restaurants, a hotel and swimming pool - an 'urban playground'. For more information on Ivy (and more amazing photos) see their website http://www.merivale.com/.

The interiors are colourful, dramatic and creative while creating a feeling of comfort which comes from being in your own home. The various rooms and bars take on different characters from dark and moody to bright and cheerful.

The penthouse apartments are less flashy than the rest of the centre and are done in warm neutrals and natural materials.