Before & After: Chatswood
Transforming A Chatswood Apartment
Every home has a story, and for this Chatswood apartment, it was time for a fresh chapter. My client was downsizing from their long-time family home into this centrally located apartment.
Built 20 years ago, the space was beginning to feel outdated, dark, and lacking in functionality. With a daughter still living at home while attending university, the goal was to create a bright, inviting, and practical home that suited their new lifestyle.
Use the sliders on each image to view the stunning transformations we achieved.
The Before: Outdated and In Need of Light
When I first saw the apartment, it felt dark and closed-in. The combination of an old paint colour and dark grey carpet gave it a gloomy feel. Storage was also a challenge—moving from a larger home meant they needed smart solutions to maximise space.
The client had never thought much about interior design before and was still using furniture and decor from when they first got married. They wanted a complete fresh start but weren’t sure where to begin.
The Vision: Functional Yet Beautiful
My mission was clear: brighten the space, improve functionality, and introduce beautiful, timeless design elements. I didn’t go too avant-garde, but I also wanted to push them slightly outside their comfort zone to create a space that felt unique and exciting.
The Transformation: Key Changes
We approached the project holistically, updating every aspect of the apartment to create a cohesive, refreshed look.
✨ Fresh Paint & Light Carpets: The biggest impact came from switching to pure white paint and light-coloured carpet. This instantly made the home feel brighter and more spacious.
✨ Sheer Curtains: These added softness and a magical, airy quality to the space, completely transforming the way the rooms felt.
✨ Smart Storage Solutions: To address the client’s storage concerns, we installed two gas-lift storage beds and added custom storage solutions throughout the apartment.
✨ Kitchen Facelift: Instead of a full kitchen renovation, we updated the facades, increased storage, and expanded the bench space. The original servery window to the living room and patio access remained, keeping the space open and functional.
✨ Custom Joinery & Built-In Office: A previously empty office nook was transformed with bespoke built-in joinery, making it a highly functional workspace.
✨ New Lighting & Finishes: The apartment received a full update with new lighting, window furnishings, and decor, ensuring every detail contributed to the fresh new look.
One of the biggest structural changes was adding a new wall between the kitchen and living room. This provided better separation between the spaces, improved noise control, and created the perfect spot for the client’s dream massive television!
The After: A Light-Filled Oasis
The result? A beautifully light and airy home that serves as an oasis in the middle of a busy urban location. The living room, the first thing you see when entering, is now a welcoming and stylish space designed for relaxation.
The kitchen, despite keeping much of its original structure, now feels completely new, proving that you don’t always need to rip everything out to achieve a stunning transformation.
The Takeaway: Small Changes, Big Impact
This project proves that you don’t always have to start from scratch. A well-planned update can breathe new life into a home without unnecessary waste or expense. Refreshing your paint, flooring, window furnishings, and lighting can make a massive difference—and these are updates that should be done regularly to keep your home feeling fresh and modern.
If you’re ready to refresh your space, I’d love to help. Whether it’s a full interior design service or bespoke home styling, I can create a home that feels beautiful, functional, and uniquely you.
Let’s chat about your home!
