Designtank has transformed a 30-year-old apartment into a sophisticated and inviting home that balances function and style.
The redesign focused on underutilised spaces in the kitchen and living areas, each carefully considered to create a seamless open-plan environment while creating distinct zones within the shared living space.
Urban elegance
The kitchen is designed as a true cook’s haven, with an island positioned to face the city view. The island incorporates a raised bar section, providing visual separation from the dining area while discreetly concealing the sink. A generous workspace along the rear wall houses appliances and prep benches, complemented by a dedicated pantry room for extra storage.
Natural stone, timber finishes, and warm neutral paint colours are layered together, creating a palette that feels both modern and welcoming. Two intrusive concrete columns within the kitchen have been hidden within the splashback and cabinetry, ensuring a clean and streamlined appearance. The new cooktop features a built-in downdraft extractor that eliminates the need for overhead cabinetry and enhances the sense of openness.
The sitting area introduces a distinct yet connected retreat, anchored by a double-sided ethanol fireplace set between two structural columns. This clever positioning not only assigns purpose to the concrete forms, but also allows uninterrupted views through the flames. Surrounding the fireplace, warm grey tiles are paired with small pale-blue accents, bringing texture and tonal consistency with the finishes used in the kitchen. A former solid dividing wall has been replaced with a steel balustrade, creating definition while maintaining visual flow.
The wine room completes the trio of feature spaces. Enclosed in glass and designed to echo the feel of a cellar, it showcases one of the apartment’s concrete columns as a striking feature. Porcelain travertine-look tiles line the floors and walls, with finishes from the kitchen repeated for cohesion. Designed to hold more than 450 bottles along with shelving for glasses and spirits, the space is a showpiece that highlights the owners’ love of entertaining.
Sanctuary ensuite
The transformation of an unused entryway into a light-filled ensuite has created a true parents’ retreat. Designtank reimagined the once-neglected space, originally used for storage, into a calming bathroom sanctuary that embraces natural light, airflow, and a relaxed coastal aesthetic.
The design began by closing off the original access point to the second bedroom and establishing a seamless entry from the main suite. To maximise light and connection with the outdoors, the existing balcony was carefully integrated into the new layout. A glass sliding door opens to the refreshed outdoor space, where the open balustrade was replaced with a solid wall and plantation shutters. This detail allows sunlight and breezes to filter through while giving the option of privacy. Potted greenery and a comfortable chair on the balcony further extend the spa-like atmosphere, offering a private escape that still feels part of the bathroom.
Natural light was enhanced with the introduction of a skylight and a dramatic angled ceiling lifted to the roofline. Exposed rafters with a VJ finish add textural charm while amplifying the sense of openness. Privacy in the space was addressed with the addtion of a nib wall that separates the vanity and toilet from the shower and bath. This wall sits beneath the highest point of the ceiling, allowing airflow and daylight to circulate freely.
The material palette leans into coastal calm with textured neutrals and natural finishes. Travertine mosaic tiles add warmth and movement while round forms, seen in the basin, bathtub, mirror and shell-inspired wall light, reinforce a soft and organic feel. White paint paired with natural tones creates a bright yet grounded atmosphere, while gold tapware injects subtle luxury.
During the build, details were fine-tuned, including reshaping the tub and repositioning its spout and replacing two small street-facing windows with louvres to improve ventilation. These adjustments contributed to the success of the design, ensuring both practicality and beauty.
Together, these elements present a home that is bright, layered and elegantly modern, with each space complementing the next while celebrating the apartment’s views and structural character.
Designer: Estelle Cameron
Build: Style Kitchens by Design (Kitchen) & Clem Carpentry (Ensuite)
KBDi – awards category: KITCHEN PLUS QLD
Photography: Elouise Van Riet-Gray
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