Apartment in Double Bay II by Architect George

Originally built as a display suite for a 1970s residential block on heritage-listed grounds, this considered renovation accentuates the apartment’s nostalgic charm while creating easier connections for modern living.

There are many fond memories ensconced in the walls of this apartment in Double Bay, with the homeowners having made their life here since the building was constructed some 45 years ago. The history of the building, both personal and in terms of heritage, was an important consideration for Architect George, which aimed to pull back some of the apartment’s excess adornments without losing its original style. Structurally, this meant demolishing a handful of non-load-bearing walls to open the plan and allow better sightlines through to leafy views. In terms of interior design, the architects took their cues from the original material and colour palette, choosing flooring, furnishings and finishes that reflect its history.

The history of the building, both personal and in terms of heritage, was an important consideration for Architect George, which aimed to pull back some of the apartment’s excess adornments without losing its original style.

Bold choices elevate the floors throughout the apartment, with the architects selecting velvety, dappled carpets in soft shades of plum and grey for the living room, bedrooms and office. This retro look is accentuated and juxtaposed by two-toned tiles in the hallway, kitchen and dining areas, laid in an off-set, elongated check pattern. Furthering the heightened level of texture seen throughout the apartment, the bathroom features a combination of tumbled Palissandro Mista and Calacatta Gold tiling, which, alongside the Rocaro Granite bathtub and vanity tops, forms an engaging blue-grey colour scheme in the space.

The same Rocaro Granite is key to the design of the kitchen, adorning walls, splashbacks, countertops and toe kicks, as well as being used for tiled flooring details in the threshold between this space and the adjacent living room. For the kitchen cabinetry, a warm, grainy timber is used, with handleless joinery adding a sleek look that also helps maximise space. A curved breakfast bar in the same timber extends into the dining area, where it references the colour and form of the Capellini 01 dining chairs, with a lux 1969 Dux Karin 69 armchair placed in the light-filled spot between. The striking, deeply veined stone dining table is a hero piece that the homeowners purchased when they first moved in, and fortuitously fits right in with the new interior.

Timber panelling is repeated throughout the home, with a sleek media cabinet in the living room balanced by a combination of authentically styled furnishings.

Timber panelling is repeated throughout the home, with a sleek media cabinet in the living room balanced by a combination of authentically styled furnishings. In the master dressing room, timber panelling creates a classic look that is warmed by a deep red, cork-shaped pouffe, which references the double curve of the dark timber headboard and gold-veined bedside cabinets. A curved desk in the study is joined by a pale grey swivel chair, giving this room a calm look that is in keeping with the lush greenery seen through the windows.

Combined with the homeowners’ collection of artworks and pottery pieces, there is a sense of history as well as a lush notion of comfort in this renovated apartment. Familiar objects merge with modern classics to tell the story of a life well lived.

Architecture by Architect George. Build by King Renovation and Building. Artwork from Curatorial and Co.