Ahead of the curve Learn from grand ideas that turned a tired and compact apartment into a striking home

You can learn much from observing how grand ideas can turn a once tired and compact apartment into a striking home that rejoices in, and further reinforces, its architectural style

could there be anything more quintessentially Australian than enjoying a panoramic outlook over Sydney’s CBD skyline in one direction and a view of inner-city life with its tree- and terrace-lined streets in the other? While we might not all be so lucky as to own an apartment with views to die for, we can still learn from it. Good design principles can reinterpret a tired and outdated space and rewrite its story, as was the case here. Over time, the original refurbishment of the St Margaret’s Hospital for Women into apartments became lacklustre, to say the least. But a good eye and beautifully choreographed design moves made it possible to identify and reinforce its unique features. Now it’s modern and spacious with abundant storage, is easy to navigate and has windows left bare to drink in the views.

Geometry rules, so play it up to the max! Think a round table as a nod to the architecture, herringbone timber flooring throughout and arched mirrors.

1 TAKE IN THE VIEW When your floor area is limited, look to practical solutions. Tuck a 1200mm circular table into a corner where it doesn’t cause traffic chaos but does offer benefits such as a view. It may not be a city skyline, but you can trick up the outlook outside your window with plants, outdoor panels and lighting for a pleasurable vista. It’s not nearly as wide as a traditional window seat, but having somewhere to perch for gatherings is but a stone slab away!

2, 3 LIVING LARGE With neat box-like rooms in short supply, creativity was called for to help ‘straighten’ angled walls and zone the open-plan layout. Look closely and you’ll notice the curvilinear cabinet is narrower at one end, thereby visually straightening the wall. The rug takes its cue from the cabinet for placement, making it less of a dilemma if a empting to arrange a sofa, art or television. And, if you’re dealing with a tight floor plan, don’t fill it with oversized furniture. Make stools and occasional chairs your go-to for extra seating instead.

4 CURVES TO COVET Repetition is the golden rule of design. It pulls a scheme together with seeming ease, no ma er the initial limitations. Custom joinery echoes this unit’s structural curves and, in tandem with timber veneer, helps so en and bring a natural element to hard surfaces.

Add a splash of green with easy-to-grow house plants that thrive indoors. 5, 6 SPACE RACE Prior, a part wall socially distanced the kitchen. But opening it up to the living room allows interaction while the newly built L-shape layout offers a wealth of storage. Satin-finish cabinetry and flat walls are the same shade, yet add subtle variation.

Build on clean lines with gentle curves, the warmth and texture of limestone and timber, and a so pale e. Details such as a stone benchtop cu ing through the timber veneer cabinet can offer sneaky storage for in-use appliances or a bar.

A shower door that swings in and out increases the floor area, protects the vanity from water spray and allows for ease of navigation in a space-challenged and elevated area.

Distinguish the bench from the wall and floor tiles with a seamless stone slab – a le over from when the sink was cut out from the kitchen worktop. 7 BENCH PRESS There are good reasons to have a built-in seat in the ensuite – a footrest for ease with washing/ shaving and keeping toiletries in reach, as well as having a spot to sit down and unwind in proximity to hand-held sprays. Pop it in a niche with towel hooks si ing conveniently close but far from over-spray.

9, 10 SUPER SOAKER When embarking on a reno, make a list of your priorities and know where you can save and where you want to splurge. So if a bespoke luxe timber Japanese soaker tub is high on your wish list, indulge! Or, if your budget won’t stretch that far, clad a regular rectangular tub with timber for a similar effect. You could also look to appeal with well-priced stone-look tiles giving a high-end appearance, as here.

8 SPLASH OUT Bringing a modern and sophisticated aesthetic to your bathroom, this rounded waterfall spout’s design lies horizontal to the wall, taking up less room than most. Position it higher than normal so you can luxuriate under the relaxing flow of water over your head and shoulders.

Subtle nods to the architecture continue in the bedroom – note the interplay between art and lamp. 11 SERENITY FOUND Providing an essential connection with nature, the bedroom plays up its full-height heritage sash windows, which enhance the unit’s historic origins. And why hide their glory behind drapes when you can fit minimalist privacy blinds! A restful pale e of greys makes for an oasis of calm that belies its bustling inner-city location.

12, 13 TERRACE TIME So en the hardscape of your terrace with plant life suitable for balconies. Take the time to understand the orientation so your plants thrive under the prevailing conditions. You might also like to divvy the space up between solo and entertaining zones. Then, as an optional extra, consider modern glass balustrading.