Apartment Renovations: Designing the Ultimate Weekender

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Apartment renovations require a different mindset when to freestanding homes — particularly when the brief is centred around entertaining, escapism and effortless holiday living. Projects like our Anchorage Residence demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform an apartment into a refined weekender retreat, even within the realities of strata regulations and existing building constraints.

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Apartment renovations require a different mindset when to freestanding homes — particularly when the brief is centred around entertaining, escapism and effortless holiday living. Projects like our Anchorage Residence demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform an apartment into a refined weekender retreat, even within the realities of strata regulations and existing building constraints.

Designing Within Strata Constraints

Strata approvals are a defining factor in apartment renovations. Permission is needed for kitchen & bathroom changes, structural changes, waterproofing, acoustic requirements and service modifications often requiring formal approvals, influencing both scope and timelines. (always review your strata scheme’s rules before starting)

Rather than viewing strata as a limitation, successful apartment design works within these parameters from the outset. Early coordination allows the design to evolve confidently — reducing risk, avoiding costly revisions and ensuring the renovation progresses smoothly.

As part of our service we provide you (and strata) with the clarity and confidence of detailed documentation - plans highlighting all proposed changes, and comphrehensive imagery - 3D renders of the design. (compare the below renders of the proposed design with the finished project)

3D render of the Main Bathroom. Completed in house.

Anchorage. 3D visualisation of the new kitchen & island

Anchorage. 3D visualisation of the new kitchen island & bar area joinery

Cost-Conscious Planning with Existing Plumbing

One of the most significant cost drivers in apartment renovations is plumbing relocation. Moving kitchens, laundries or bathrooms can quickly escalate costs due to slab penetrations, engineering requirements and strata involvement.

Where possible, working with existing plumbing layouts allows greater investment in elements that elevate daily living — bespoke joinery, considered lighting and high-quality finishes. This strategic approach delivers a space that feels elevated and resolved without unnecessary complexity.

Entertaining-Focused Apartment Living - Case Study at The Anchorage

For many clients, apartments serve as weekend escapes — spaces designed for hosting, relaxing and reconnecting. Entertaining-led layouts prioritise flow between kitchen, dining and living zones, allowing spaces to feel open yet intentional. Integrated bar joinery, generous island benches and flexible dining solutions create an environment that transitions seamlessly from day to night, from quiet weekends to social gatherings.

Purchased off the plan over 15 years ago as a family weekend escape from Sydney life, the apartment’s interiors had begun to feel dated. The Anchorage transformation in Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast re-defines the space with a renewed focus on functionality, entertaining and relaxed coastal living.

We have rejuvenated the existing travertine flooring and worked with the existing plumbing and services location to deliver an elevated-coastal luxe aesthetic. Calm, inviting and refined a palette of layered neutrals and cohesive connection across all spaces combined with customised joinery - a bank of full height storage alongside the kitchen connecting it to a new entertaining bar zone and outdoor kitchen. Beautiful natural stone has been chosen for its elegance in both the kitchen and bathrooms, complimented by the warmth of living brass tapware.

A handmade clay basin by Robert Gordon is paired with bronze tapware and natural stone for an elevated bathroom space

A freestanding bath features alongside natural stone tiles and a bronze floor mounted bathfiller. The elongated wall niche allows for lighting.

Coastal luxury. Limewash oak cabinetary compliments the beautiful natural stone island.

Luxury kitchen renovation featuring warm limewash oak and Celine Dolomite natural stone. Curved elements in the island are echoed in the feautre rangehood

Innovative Storage That Supports Escape

Storage is essential in apartment living, but it should never dominate the aesthetic. Custom joinery allows storage to be integrated seamlessly into the architecture of the space — maintaining calm, uncluttered interiors that feel considered and effortless.

In holiday apartments especially, smart storage preserves the sense of escape by keeping everyday items discreetly out of sight.

Designing for Ease, Not Excess

A successful apartment renovation is not about maximising everything — it’s about design restraint and lifestyle clarity. By respecting building constraints, working strategically with existing layouts and designing around how the space will truly be used, apartments can feel welcoming, refined and quietly luxurious.

Projects like The Anchorage demonstrate how apartment living can feel expansive, relaxed and deeply personal — the ultimate weekender retreat.