The Nevada Inn: Inside Singer-Songwriter Lily Papas’ Palm Springs-Inspired Apartment Renovation

Perched amongst the lush gardens and waterways of Broadbeach Waters on the Gold Coast, The Nevada Inn channels the effortless warmth and sun-drenched calm of a Palm Springs escape. 

Renovated by singer-songwriter Lily Papas and her producer husband, Ike Campbell, this two-bedroom apartment blends mid-century-inspired design with modern touches, creating a space that feels timeless, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish.

“We drew a lot of inspiration from our recent trip to America,” says Ike. “We saw a lot of render there, and it inspired us to do the same here.”

The couple’s creative journey is reflected in the space itself. During a recording session in LA, they wrote Nevada High, a song inspired by their travels and their love story. That same sense of openness and storytelling influenced the apartment renovation, creating a home that’s both a sanctuary and a space for creativity.

“We carried that forward into this renovation because we wanted this to be like our happy place, and a place where we felt at home creating,” Lily explains.

Inside, a calm, neutral palette is layered with tactile finishes that nod to desert landscapes and Palm Springs interior design. 

“We absolutely fell in love with the travertine range. Two of the key design elements we wanted in this space were travertine and walnut,” says Lily.

“They are two things that I think are quite timeless but also on trend at the moment — and I feel like they will never date.”

The custom microcement kitchen island, wrapped in ABI’s Ravenna Travertine Rounded Finger Mosaic Tiles, anchors the open-plan living and dining area, making it ideal for relaxed mornings or entertaining friends over golden-hour cocktails.

“We really wanted to create warmth because there is such a neutral palette, so we went with brushed copper for our tapware,” says Lily.

Enveloped in milky microcement, the main bathroom exudes understated elegance. Brushed copper fixtures — from tapware through to cabinet handles and towel hooks — warm the surfaces with a soft, sun-kissed glow, while walnut timber cabinetry adds a touch of mid-century, desert-inspired sophistication.

The apartment’s open-plan layout spills onto a full-length balcony, its east-facing aspect capturing the soft morning sun and the sparkling lights of Surfers Paradise at night.

Two generous bedrooms, a study nook, and an internal laundry complete the home, but it’s the thoughtfulness of the design that defines the space.

Every surface, every fixture, and every corner has been curated with intention, resulting in a space that’s elegant yet approachable, inspiring yet effortlessly livable.

The Nevada Inn is more than a showcase of materials and finishes; it’s a home that embodies Lily and Ike’s creative spirit, their love story, and their vision for everyday living. 

“I think the biggest thing The Nevada Inn has changed for us in terms of the way we live is that living in an apartment, you realise you don't actually need a lot to be happy,” says Lily.

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