YSG Studio Transforms Sydney Apartment with Art Deco Inspired Design
In a striking fusion of historical charm and contemporary refinement, YSG Studio has masterfully reimagined a Sydney apartment, dubbed "The Gentleman." This ambitious project breathes new life into a 95-square-meter residence nestled within a distinguished 1929 Art Deco structure in Redfern. The design elegantly marries chamfered lines, an inviting warm color scheme, and meticulously restored Art Deco details, creating a sophisticated sanctuary that also boasts panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Opera House.
YSG Studio Unveils "The Gentleman" Apartment: A Symphony of Art Deco and Modernity in Sydney
In a vibrant corner of Sydney's Redfern suburb, a significant architectural transformation has recently concluded. YSG Studio, a renowned local interiors firm, has proudly unveiled its latest project, "The Gentleman," a complete overhaul of a high-ceilinged apartment dating back to 1929. The residence, set within a historic Art Deco building, now stands as a testament to thoughtful design, blending its rich past with a luxurious present. The design philosophy behind "The Gentleman" was deeply rooted in honoring the clients' cultured tastes and refining the apartment's intrinsic sophistication.
Led by YSG director Yasmine Ghoniem, the renovation focused on stripping away prior haphazard modifications to reveal and accentuate the original Art Deco framework. A key challenge, and a unique request from the clients—both over two meters tall—was the elevation of all doorways. This involved temporarily removing nearly century-old architraves and doors, raising them with thick Australian Red Cedar skirtings at the base, and customizing door shutters to fit the new dimensions, ensuring comfortable passage while preserving historical integrity. The apartment's layout, characterized by a linear arrangement, strategically places the main entrance and dining area centrally, flanked by bedrooms on one side and a bathroom, kitchen, and living room on the other. This configuration promotes a harmonious flow throughout the home.
The interior aesthetics are a vibrant homage to Art Deco, interspersed with personal touches. Chamfered surfaces are a recurring motif, complemented by geometric patterns inspired by Balkan cilim textiles, a nod to one of the client's Bosnian-Croatian heritage. A creatively angled wall, accommodating a laundry space within the bathroom, extends into the corridor and dining area, its form echoed by a timber banquette and a custom "angled halo" light fixture above the dining table. Ghoniem elaborated on the lighting design, stating, "Inspired by our clients' admiration for Vermeer's mastery of light and shade in his paintings, we specified a lead white shade to tonally expand and unify the apartment's walls." This artistic consideration imbues the space with a nuanced interplay of light and shadow, enhancing its visual depth.
Color and texture play a crucial role in the apartment's allure. Art Deco-style stepped cornices and skirtings adorn the walls, notably in the living room, which is bathed in a rich yellow ochre. Amber sconces, reminiscent of the original front door's tinted panels, are thoughtfully placed throughout, alongside ochre yellow, chocolate brown, and toffee-hued textures and upholstery, creating a cohesive and warm ambiance. The galley kitchen is a study in contrasting materials, featuring sleek stainless steel surfaces alongside a commanding monolithic Lauriana quartzite chimney hood and splashback. Stainless steel accents continue throughout the residence, harmoniously paired with American Oak surfaces, underscoring a balance between industrial chic and natural warmth.
The bathroom is a statement piece, featuring a monolithic vanity with a distinctive sloped face. Amber glass panels in the window introduce a sepia tone, enveloping the space in a dramatic, intimate glow. Ghoniem summarized the project's success by stating, "Despite the apartment's intimate scale, each room possesses a special moment that somehow emboldens it which is something we were conscious of achieving at concept stage – from the kitchen's boldly patterned stone to the futuristic angled dining banquette." This sentiment encapsulates the studio's dedication to crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly personal and impactful.
The transformation of "The Gentleman" apartment by YSG Studio offers a compelling blueprint for how historical properties can be sensitively modernized while honoring their legacy. The meticulous attention to detail, from raising door heights for comfort to integrating diverse cultural influences, demonstrates a profound respect for both the building's past and its occupants' present. This project is a powerful reminder that interior design, at its best, transcends mere decoration; it is about creating living narratives that resonate with the people who inhabit them. The blend of Art Deco elegance with contemporary functionality, all while celebrating the individual personalities of the residents, sets a high standard for future renovations. It encourages us to look beyond superficial changes and delve into designs that are deeply personal, historically aware, and structurally innovative.
