Crystal at 231 Napier Street, Fitzroy
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/6e85547160-1716428331/frame-1442-800x.jpg)
Photography by Derek Swalwell
Please tell us about yourself, your background and how you first found out about Milieu?
Crystal: I'm a first-generation, mixed-race Australian with a Chinese Malaysian dad and an English-Scandinavian mum. I was born in Australia and spent my formative years living in the Malaysian jungle. I'm curious and motivated by connection, ideas, human nature and our wild and built environments. Professionally, I ran a copywriting agency between Melbourne and LA for ten years (apostrophe.xyz). I still identify as a creative director and copywriter, but these days, I funnel most of my professional energy into studying psychology, in particular, psychedelic-assisted therapy. It's one of the few industries where science and spirituality come together.
Milieu was an early client, but I learned about 231 Napier from a good friend. He was visiting from LA and wanted to see the work in progress, but it was a work site when we showed up. I took progress shots for him for a good year, not knowing I'd own a piece of the building one day.
What were your main considerations when finding your new home?
Crystal: Light. A unique layout. Safety. A lot of homes in the area had an abundance of light but also backed onto an alleyway so didn't feel super safe.
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/ec91b3b34f-1716427035/frame-1433-800x.jpg)
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/ca8c190a28-1716427410/frame-1436-800x.jpg)
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/fa79692dda-1716427422/frame-1439-800x.jpg)
Photography by Derek Swalwell
What do you like most about your apartment's design?
Crystal: The 6.5m ceiling, the light, the thoughtful curves throughout. It's basically a bunker and it's unlike anything I've seen before, at least in Australia.
What do you think defines good development and successful apartment living in Melbourne?
Crystal: A thoughtful, beautiful layout. Good light, lots of greenery and a good flow of air and energy.
"Napier Street is such a great blend of locals, visitors and cultural wisdom.
Was moving into 231 Napier Street a lifestyle change, what have you enjoyed, what has surprised you?
Crystal: I moved from an apartment 400m away so it hasn't been a huge lifestyle change. I adore Fitzroy and Napier Street is such a great blend of locals, visitors and cultural wisdom.
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/c4914a6f5e-1716427457/frame-1443-800x.jpg)
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/92731dfa77-1716428120/frame-1434-800x.jpg)
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/e8eaefe112-1716428101/frame-1437-800x.jpg)
Photography by Derek Swalwell
What does a night at home with friends around look like?
Crystal: A spicy meal, thoughtful conversation, eclectic tunes and a feeling of warmth.
How did you go about making your space your home, do you have any pieces that are particularly meaningful to you?
Crystal: Almost everything I own carries a memory and a story. I have a beautiful piece of artwork in the kitchen, imagined by my very talented friend Andrzej Nowicki.
![](https://milieuproperty.com.au/milieuproperty/media/pages/residents/crystal-at-231-napier-street-by-milieu/f5d8996da0-1716445826/skylight-h0a4827-exposure-800x.jpg)
Photography by Derek Swalwell