The Apartment Series | Homes in the Sky
The Apartment Series | Homes in the Sky
Written by Aleesha Callan and Photography by Martina Gemmola
Over 34% of the dwellings in the Greater Melbourne area are medium or high density, according to the 2021 Census data. And as the population continues to grow, more people are opting to live in apartments. Yet the range and diversity on offer don’t make them appealing as a long-term place to live.
A recent article by the ABC drew attention to the fact that many developments across the city are not conducive for families, with small, cramped spaces and kitchen layouts that don’t encourage home cooking.
Given this distinct lack of diversity when it comes to apartment options in Australia, there is a growing need for alternative solutions, where spaces are personalised to the individual and created with quality craftsmanship. While renovating an apartment brings complexities, with an experienced team it can transform the space into a home that meets the needs of the occupants on a deeper level.
At Cantilever Interiors, we’ve spent years refining our approach to apartment renovations, developing strategies that allow us to work within the constraints and achieve outcomes that really can change how you use your home.
Having designed and delivered many apartment renovation projects, we’ve developed a structured, proactive approach to overcoming obstacles. Engaging with the body corporate early allows us to get approvals in place before construction begins. We also work closely with experienced trades who understand the unique logistics of apartment projects. Most importantly, we focus on designs that are as functional as they are beautiful, making the most of the space available while considering the day-to-day realities of apartment living.
These five apartment projects successfully tackled these challenges, delivering bespoke solutions for a range of modern apartment dwellers.
Inspired by Nature
For this South Yarra apartment, our goal was to create a kitchen that felt effortlessly cohesive within the wider home. Using our EDIT Kitchen System, we designed a space inspired by Australia’s beautiful, natural landscapes.
As an apartment renovation, there were a few key considerations. For instance, the homeowners were unable to install an overhead exhaust system due to ceiling and ventilation restrictions – common to apartments – so they opted for a downdraft exhaust.
The lighting in the apartment also needed to be factored because of the common issue of limited natural light. Collectively, this apartment integrates highly crafted joinery and design for a comfortable and timeless space.
Read more about Mark and Lyn’s apartment transformation.
Compact but Efficient
In a compact South Yarra apartment, designing a kitchen that met both spatial constraints and the high-performance needs of a professional chef was no small task. Functionality was paramount, requiring a layout that supported seamless workflow without compromising on storage or efficiency. Our Tableau Kitchen System provided the perfect foundation, offering smart storage solutions and a design tailored for ease of use.
As part of the transformation, the 2.6 x 2.3-square-metre kitchen was opened up to the new living area with a widened double-width wall opening, enhancing flow and connectivity.
Read more about this chef’s highly detailed kitchen.
A Simple Sanctuary
Set within an architecturally designed Carlton apartment, our K2 Kitchen System was selected for its clean, contemporary aesthetic and ability to integrate within a small footprint. The natural stone benchtops and earthy tones on the cabinetry reflect the client’s desire for a kitchen that feels connected to nature, proving that even within the constraints of an apartment, a sense of openness and warmth can be achieved.
Read more about this fresh update on a classic apartment.
Complex Reworking
For this East Brunswick apartment, the goal was to reconfigure the kitchen and living spaces to maximise the city views. Unlike many apartment projects where clients opt to replace rather than rethink, the homeowner approached the design with remarkable tenacity, determined to push the boundaries of what the space could offer. Prioritising the best possible outcome, they embraced the complexity of reworking key services rather than settling for a straightforward update.
Relocating plumbing and electrical systems within an apartment setting is no small feat, requiring negotiation with the body corporate, planning and patience. Every task took longer than expected, as the homeowner and their partner quickly realised that "everything is a little more complicated" in an apartment renovation. Differing service paths, work hour restrictions, and the challenges of transporting materials – sometimes dictated by lift sizes – added layers of complexity.
Despite these hurdles, the end result is a beautifully reimagined space, made possible through a combination of clever design and adaptive problem-solving. Our K3 Kitchen System provided the base, balancing a striking aesthetic with practical functionality to create a kitchen that integrates with the living area.
Go on the building journey for this family apartment.
Multi-level Living
In this Brunswick townhouse, we focused on enhancing space and light while strengthening the connection between the kitchen and living areas. Working within the existing footprint, our K3 Kitchen System provided an open, inviting feel despite the apartment-style constraints.
The transformation centred on three key investments: joinery, appliances and fittings, and build works. Instead of major structural changes, the refurbishment focused on reworking the ceiling, improving lighting, refinishing floors and updating essential plumbing and electrical work.
Read more about this townhouse with a new outlook.
At Cantilever Interiors, we love the challenge of apartment renovations and believe everyone deserves to have a home they love. With the right approach, even the most constrained spaces can be transformed into functional, beautiful and enduring homes.