This harbourside apartment went from shabby ’80s to contemporary chic.
The logistics of renovating a home can be difficult at the best of times, with the removal of waste and delivery of new materials requiring careful management and planning. Renovating a 1980s space 27 floors above The Rocks in Sydney’s CBD is another challenge entirely.
The original apartment space was congested and restricted the stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The owners of the apartment were looking for a contemporary change, and this provided an opportunity for a start-over approach to the refurbishment of the apartment. Many of the walls and all of the existing furnishings and fixtures were removed and updated with contemporary alternatives. By removing walls that restricted sight lines, an open-plan layout was achieved.
The location, in The Rocks area of Sydney, is central and stunning, with views over Sydney Harbour and out to North Sydney and the dramatic entry headlands from the Pacific Ocean. It was important to create a functional living space while creating a contemporary interior that reflected the location.
The apartment has two bedrooms and a study/guest bedroom, all very spacious. A balcony off the master bedroom and large ensuite provides a comfortable retreat. Fabric feature walls act as bed heads in all rooms, with beautiful and decorative fabric from Jim Thompson. All of the bedrooms have been decorated in individual colour schemes, not only reflecting the personality of the client but the water and harbour life below. Down lights in these areas have also been utilised to create a romantic and soft look.
The main living area incorporates a very unique design and combines the kitchen, living and dining area all in one fluid space. The kitchen itself features a CaesarStone benchtop and streamlined cabinetry. All surfaces are immaculate, in clean, neutral colours, with stainless-steel appliances and accents adding a glam touch. Floor coverings to the living area include a custom-made designer carpet in combination with Crema Marfil marble flooring.
Flowing off the kitchen bench is the dining table, which curves towards the Harbour Bridge below to give guests a fabulous view no matter where they are sitting. This feature also acts as an ingenious space-saving measure, creating an eating space that feels like it is separate, without actually sacrificing the room for a totally new dining area. The living space is minimally furnished with enough room to enjoy the views.
Despite the logistic challenges, the completed project is a stunning example of what can be achieved by updating a living space to reflect its surrounds and utilising contemporary design elements and fixtures. Enormous windows and endless views of one of the most famous harbours in the world is certainly the focal point in the apartment, but it is the open-plan design and carefully placed interior elements which make it easy to simply enjoy the lush surrounds.
Project Particulars:
Designed and built by: Gremmo Homes
First Floor, Unit 1, 7-13 Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill NSW 2154.
02 9894 1633
www.gremmohomes.com.au/
Interior Design by: KW Interiors
02 9792 3700
info@kwinteriors.com.au
www.kwinteriors.com.au
Flooring: Crema Marfil Marble, Designer Rugs custom carpet
Walls: CSR Hebel / CSR Soundcheck Gyprock
Air-conditioning: Griffin Air Conditioning
Kitchen: A&B Joinery
Benchtop: CaesarStone
Cabinetry: A&B Joinery
Rangehood: Miele
Cooktop: Miele
Sanitary fixtures + bathroom fittings: Villeroy & Boch + Various
Lighting: Aussie Electrical & Data Supplies
