The owners of this '90s, whole floor apartment in Manly loved the location, but not the dark unfriendly spaces. Annabelle Chapman Architect transformed the apartment so it now feels bright, spacious and oozing with coastal style...
The owners wanted to maximise sunlight in their apartment and create a coastal-style home to reflect their proximity to Manly Harbour and the beach. But renovating an apartment can be a challenge as you're very much constrained by the footprint and structural and services layout. Nonetheless, by gutting the apartment, and slightly reconfiguring the floorplan within the existing footprint and introducing neutral-toned natural materials, the whole space feels larger and brighter. Relocating some walls and doors has created more functional and light-filled spaces for the owners.
The architect was able to bring in new materials which bounce light around and brighten the space dramatically. New limestone floors throughout apart from the bedrooms unify the apartment and help to create that coastal vibe.
Marble has also been used in the kitchen and bathrooms to bring texture and pattern to the home with rich natural materials. A fish scale pattern for the ensuite and toilet and a smaller hexagonal pattern for the main bathroom in the same marble provides a cohesive look while still creating variety throughout the home.
Storage was an important consideration, ensuring everything has a place and can be tucked away neatly to make the apartment more functional and appear larger. Limed oak is used for much of the cabinetry which adds to the coastal look while also brightening and warming the spaces visually. Thoughtful touches like the mirrored back and glass shelves of the new bar are further ways to help the home feel lighter and brighter while still providing all the practical features the owners were after; who doesn't want a dedicated bar and wine fridge?
The lighting was also carefully chosen to uplight the ceiling while task lighting is directed exactly where it's needed. Illuminating the ceiling helps to lift it visually, making spaces feel higher.
The windowless spaces of the apartment have been put to good use as a media room, study and wine cellar, transforming a liability into an asset. Similarly, a small study space has been converted into a fabulous walk-in-robe, better suiting the owners' lifestyle and priorities.
A dark, dated apartment can be transformed with clever planning and material choices, even within the constraints of the existing footprint and layout. Annabelle Chapman Architect has given this apartment a new lease on life, now it's ready to enjoy its incredible location and support its owners' lifestyle.
