college street apartment renovation

Creating a calming retreat in the heart of the city

This renovation transformed a contemporary inner-city apartment into a cohesive, peaceful and inviting home, reflecting the client’s vision for a relaxing and functional space.

After moving from their family home in Khandallah, Penny and Jason sought to create a warm, welcoming retreat in their modern, three-bedroom inner-city apartment. Though the structural layout was already optimised, the space needed thoughtful upgrades to flooring, paint, furniture, and joinery to achieve their vision of a calm and relaxing nest.

The design focused on efficient furniture planning and smart joinery to maximise the apartment’s small footprint, ensuring every piece served both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Soft textures, layered colours, and natural materials were integrated throughout, creating an inviting atmosphere that perfectly balanced comfort and style.

Through personalised touches and a harmonious use of materials, the apartment now feels both functional and deeply personal—a true reflection of its owners.

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“With downsizing the suburban family home to an inner city apartment—Frances helped us find balance in establishing a new space and way of living. Our goal was to create a calm and relaxing nest with a sense of Hygge through colours, furnishings and use of texture.

In a small space, everything has be symbiotic but also fill a purpose. Frances has amazing vision and ability to deliver this through suppliers and vendors. She established confidence and trust—which enabled us to be brave when outside our comfort zone.”

— PENNY & JASON MCDONALD, APARTMENT OWNERS