News

August 8, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 3 min read 

An expert in crafting sophisticated, high-end, and user-friendly designs in retirement, residential, and commercial spaces, Arkee CEO Paula Bowen is the mastermind behind Vantage by AVID’s community spaces. 

Leading the team of highly qualified design professionals at the Melbourne-based design house, Paula shares her insights into the inspiration behind some of our most coveted communities and how everyone can bring their own unique flair and sophistication to the home.

Immaculate Inspiration

When it comes to the design inspiration behind the interiors of Vantage’s shared spaces, Paula and her team worked collaboratively with AVID to craft truly unique places.

“Within the Vantage community spaces, absolutely everything has been considered. Each community has its own unique feel, but they share the same elevated, resort style themes.”

“Across the board, we’ve focussed on designing spaces where people can gather or just enjoy life – it was important to maintain the highest standards of design and delivery in both the larger, open function areas and more intimate spaces for residents to connect with each other.”

Paula and the Arkee team were careful to entrench a sense of homeliness and familiarity in the interior design across the Vantage properties, with the utmost consideration being taken in the communal areas.

“We want residents to think of these shared spaces as an extension of their own homes. Everything is situated in the way it would within a private residence, like the private dining room flowing into the games area and lounge, whilst the wellness and cinema rooms are more private and removed.”

Enviable Amenities

Reflecting AVID’s vision of resort-style enclaves, Vantage communities house numerous luxurious and enviable shared amenities behind their gates.

“My personal favourite features have to be the entertaining spaces such as the bar and kitchen. It’s quite amazing how they’re going to operate, and the kitchen is completely fitted out to have a restaurant-like back of house.”

“There’s not a moment that Vantage residents could be left wanting for an activity or amenity. Between the luxe cinemas, spa spaces, bowling greens, private parklands, games rooms, libraries and more, not a thought has been spared when it comes to making the community amenities the best possible.”

DIY Design – Interiors in your own spaces

Paula’s expert eye doesn’t stop at the shared community amenities.

“In your own sanctuary spaces, be sure to really curate what you put in. There’s something very freeing about only keeping objects and knick-knacks that are truly beautiful and suit the space.”

“Scale is also something that is so important, but often overlooked. Smaller pieces aren’t always the answer in a smaller space – thinking about how different textures, shapes, colours and sizes will work in tandem with each other is one of my tricks of the trade.”

With four land lease neighbourhoods now selling across Queensland and Victoria and many more to come, be sure to book a Discovery Tour at your nearest Vantage location.