South Yarra Art Deco Apartment
Located in the heart of South Yarra, this gorgeous Interwar Art Deco apartment underwent a full renovation followed by a complete styling makeover in preparation for use as a short-stay Airbnb and weekend retreat for the owners.
The apartment already had beautiful bones, hardwood floors, ornate cornices, steel-framed doors opening to a leafy balcony and a beautiful fireplace as the feature of the living room — so the focus was on updating the kitchen and bathroom, along with styling that would enhance the character of the home while introducing a refined, contemporary feel.
The Styling Direction - My vision for this project was to create a look that felt effortlessly elegant and welcoming, drawing inspiration from the sophistication of a Parisian apartment blended with the character of a Brooklyn townhouse.
The palette was kept modern and neutral, allowing texture, shape and carefully chosen furniture pieces to do the talking. Warm timbers, soft linens and sculptural lighting were layered throughout the apartment to create a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Because the property would be used as Airbnb accommodation, it was important that every room felt visually appealing while also being practical for guests.
Living & Dining The living room centres around the apartment’s original fireplace and beautiful cornices, which naturally anchor the space. Soft sheers filter the natural light and add a sense of softness to the room. A mix of contemporary furniture and sculptural pieces were introduced to create visual interest while still allowing the architecture to remain the hero.
The dining nook proved to be a challenge, measuring just 1.6m x 2.8m, but we were determined to make a dining area work within the space. A round timber pedestal table paired with upholstered ottomans creates an intimate dining setting that works beautifully within the apartment’s compact footprint.
Bedroom, Kitchen & Bathroom The bedroom was designed to feel calm and inviting, almost like a boutique hotel suite.
Following the renovation, both the kitchen and bathroom already had strong finishes in place. The styling here was kept simple and refined, incorporating natural textures, greenery and subtle decorative pieces to add warmth and personality without overwhelming the spaces.
The Result
The finished apartment feels elevated yet relaxed — a space that reflects the charm of the original Art Deco architecture while offering a modern, welcoming environment for guests.
It’s now a beautiful South Yarra city escape, perfectly suited to Airbnb stays and weekend visits.
photography by : @lukehemersportsphoto
