This project is in the oldest apartment building in Canberra. Built in 1927, the apartment has some charming original deco features; dado rails, sash windows, plaster cornices and high ceilings.

The last refurbishment was done in the ‘80’s and was looking tired and shabby, dark and uninviting, lacking character.

The client’s brief was to bring the apartment into the 21st Century, whilst maintaining the authenticity of the era, thereby allowing her to incorporate the treasured pieces she has collected over the years.

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CID’s challenge was to successfully blend the old with the new, on a restricted budget. CID’s solution was to update cosmetically, working back to the original architecture of the building, retaining all the original features and strategically using colour and new joinery.

In the kitchen we achieved this by simply changing the joinery handles, tapware, installing a splashback more sympathetic to the era, painting the existing cupboard doors and installing a more practical benchtop with a thick, square profile.

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The bedroom had no robe space (the existing cupboards could not even fit a coathanger!) so we introduced extensive tall joinery for hanging and plenty of new drawers which is also a benchseat that sits beautifully underneath the existing window. We then converted the existing 2 tall cupboards to install appropriate shelving for shoes, bags and accessories. Linen curtains, velvet bedhead, storage ottoman at the end of the bed allowed for even more storage and new bedlinen & lamps completed the look.

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In the dining and living we introduced new wall colour, flat paneling, custom rug, furnishings, new lighting and some art pieces to achieve a more inviting location to dine.

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The living area incorporates a beautiful custom rug which in Canberra in necessary in Winter months, linen window coverings, custom soft furnishings and shop bought pieces pulled together by some flat paneling and more current yet classic wall colours & lighting.

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The final result is a modern, contemporary apartment which still retains the cosiness and ambience of a bygone era and reflects our client’s eclectic existing pieces and her individual style.

Check out the entire project here!