Crafting Character – JFORM Transforms a Surry Hills Warehouse

JFORM, the esteemed commercial design outfit led by Jonathan Friend, has brought its creative touch to a remarkable apartment in the vibrant Sydney neighbourhood of Surry Hills. Through an ambitious renovation, JFORM seamlessly blends modern design with the authentic character of the building, transforming it into a personalised and captivating home.

Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, a suburb known for its New York-style warehouse conversions and creative appeal, this apartment transformation is a testament to JFORM’s artistry, expertise and attention to detail. Jonathan’s background in crafting exceptional retail, hospitality and public spaces — namely The Shop and Wine Bar in Bondi and Fella Swim in Paddington — has influenced his approach to this residential renovation, infusing every element with his signature style. From the furniture that elegantly follows the contours of the rooms to the thoughtfully curated décor, each detail bears the unmistakable mark of JFORM’s ingenuity.

From the furniture that elegantly follows the contours of the rooms to the thoughtfully curated décor, each detail bears the unmistakable mark of JFORM’s ingenuity.

One of the defining characteristics of the warehouse apartment is the exquisitely handcrafted joinery that graces the space. Timber takes centre stage, with American oak ribbed doors adorning the kitchen cabinets and warm mahogany display shelving among the compelling features. Jonathan’s journey as a craftsman began with a carpentry apprenticeship at a young age, and his affinity for working with wood is evident in the meticulously crafted details found throughout the apartment.

In this beautifully executed warehouse conversion, the preservation of architectural details harmonises with the bespoke elements to create a space that exudes both familiarity and a strong sense of identity. The preserved warehouse openings and lofty five-metre-high ceilings provide a canvas for more extravagant details to shine, such as the striking green and black slab benchtops that extend from the dine-in island to the sideboard. Accentuated by handcrafted tiling on the vertical feature column, these elements add an extra layer of allure to the space.

Timber takes centre stage, with American oak ribbed doors adorning the kitchen cabinets and warm mahogany display shelving among the compelling features.

Jonathan Friend’s visionary refurbishment of this warehouse apartment in Surry Hills stands as a testament to the power of creative design and JFORM’s craft. By infusing his personal touch into every corner, Jonathan has transformed this warehouse conversion into an exceptional and captivating living space. Combining authentic architectural elements and meticulous craftsmanship has resulted in an extraordinary home that seamlessly marries artistic expression with functional design.