Cooling Summer Layers
SHOP NOW
DESIGN | A Refined Apartment Renovation
DESIGN
A Refined Apartment Renovation
Step into a home where creativity, functionality, and style converge—in Sydney-based interior designer Natalie Johnson’s renovated 1940’s Art Deco apartment in Woollahra, Sydney, where she and partner Calum have reimagined the compact space taking inspiration from Japanese tranquility and Scandinavian simplicity. They blended custom joinery and smart storage solutions, carefully curated details and a soft calming palette and added the finishing touches of CULTIVER pieces to enhance the design. Conserving the character of the original space, every element—from the cool, calming tones to the meticulously selected fixtures and finishes —tells a story of redefined apartment living, where function takes center stage but form still shines.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I am an interior designer living in Sydney, currently working in hospitality design. It's exciting and dynamic and pushes me to constantly think outside the box.
As a side hustle, my partner Calum and I decided to renovate and flip our 1 bedroom apartment together. I'm extremely lucky as Cal is an incredibly talented joiner and we work really well together problem solving and designing functional spaces.
What does creativity mean to you, and where do you source your inspiration?
Creativity means connecting the dots in unexpected ways. Seeing beyond the obvious to create something unique that hasn't been seen or experienced before. I draw a lot of inspiration from film; set design, lighting, cinematography and composition. I also love flicking through a good vintage Interiors book from my local library!
How would you describe the aesthetic of your home?
I am drawn to Japanese interiors and chose to design the space using cool, calming tones to evoke a soft and tranquil aesthetic.
Who lives there?
Calum, my fiance and I.
Tell us about the renovation process, what design features you wish to incorporate?
It was exciting, but challenging! Calum built all the custom joinery himself which was extremely rewarding to see my designs come to life.
Our home is small, so our goal was to maximise the functionality of the space. Designing and incorporating smart storage solutions was key for us.
As it's a 1940's Art Deco apartment, we really wanted to keep the character of the original space whilst updating it to feel contemporary and fresh. We kept the original floors (stained them to brighten the space), reused the beautiful cornicing, door architraves and ceiling details.
What architecture and design styles are you inspired by?
I am inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design principles—simplicity, functionality, and a connection with nature.
What makes a house feel like a home to you?
A house feels like a home when it's filled with pieces that tell a story, personal and curated items that bring character to a space.
What does the term ‘luxury’ mean to you?
To me, luxury isn't about opulence or extravagance—it's about the experience of comfort and quality. It's found in the details, with beautiful texture and thoughtful design.
What are your daily rituals?
My daily rituals include a Pilates or Yoga class, getting inspired by music or a podcast and definitely coffee and/or matcha!
Shop the Story
MIRA LINEN THROW
ENZO
MIRA LUMBAR CUSHION
ANA
KITCHEN LINEN TOWELS
LINEN DUVET COVER SET
PENCIL STRIPE
HEAVYWEIGHT LINEN BEDCOVER
IVORY
HEAVYWEIGHT LINEN BEDCOVER
SAND
PURE LINEN TOWEL
NATURAL
FREYA LINEN THROW
MIST
Photography Nicola Sevitt
Designer Natalie Johnson
