Complete Apartment Renovation

Designing for apartment living often presents challenges that are seldom found in houses, such as accommodating services in compact spaces, as well as having to serve a variety of functions.

In this delightful apartment renovation in Fairlight, it was necessary to create a neat way to hide the instant gas hot water system, the gas meter, and the clothes dryer and washing machine. In a addition, the kitchen area needed to also double up as a dining area, blend in with the surrounding living area, and not detract from the spectacular views.

Our designer accomplished all this with the use of special mechanisms such as bi-fold doors and pocket-doors, as well as a creative way with the island. The hot water system is neatly located in the corner bi-fold, with the laundry appliances hidden from view behind pocket-doors. These allow the use of the machines to be unimpeded by the doors, and were the perfect solution for this space.

The choice of a pull-out pantry, being less wide than a conventional pantry, meant that there was enough space to allow for a generous fridge, an oven/microwave tower, and ample drawers to be housed along the rear wall. Part of the plan also required the gas meter to be moved, so as to allow for the drawers.

A double bin in a dedicated bin drawer takes care of the waste and recycling storage. Blum Orgaline drawer organising systems were used to efficiently sort kitchen cutlery, utensils and gadgets.

The beautiful island provides generous prep space as well as seating for several guests. The choice of Corian Glacier White makes a for not only an attractive benchtop, it also makes for a more comfortable dining table top, as acrylic benchtops are not as cold as stone. Using a timber-look laminate for the supports coordinates well with the timber floor and makes them look less intrusive. This is then balanced by the use of the same laminate for the wall and tall units. The addition of the timber also adds warmth and interest, as opposed to all white. The warmth is further enhanced by the choice of timber seating, which in turn resonates with other furniture in the larger living space.

Naturally, the mirror splashback was a must, and also has the effect of adding depth and light to the space. The pendant lights over the island echo the water from the views perfectly.

The bathrooms were designed to continue the same soothing theme, with the discrete use of the same accent colours of blue and orange. It is these colours that add interest, and are cleverly selected, as they subtly echo colours in the amazing views.

The scope of the works was extensive, requiring not only moving services, but also the demolition and reconstruction of walls, replacing windows and doors, preparing the floor for the installation of the new flooring, impeccable site management, as well as liaising and complying with Strata and other third parties.

Having a team of well-managed, experienced and knowledgeable trades and personnel, meant all this was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency.

In the words of the owners:
“Nouvelle did a substantial renovation of our entire apartment including demolishing the old fit-out. This was a challenging job in many respects. From the design and planning phases through to execution and handover, the team did top quality work and performed on schedule. Very professional and communicative throughout the process. I highly recommend Nouvelle and would not hesitate to use them again.”