A Thoughtful Transformation
Architect Andrew Waller has always been a planner. Before purchasing this two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s east, he had already created detailed blueprints outlining how he would renovate it into his ideal home. “I measured the entire space and developed concept plans before I even had the keys,” he explains.
Andrew was confident in the potential of the property as the basic structure was solid. Located on the top floor of a 1930s Art Deco building, the apartment offered north and west aspects with direct views into a tree canopy. Features such as high ceilings and architectural details like cornicing added to its immediate charm.
“Having grown up in a red-brick home from the same interwar era in the UK, there was a sense of nostalgia for me,” Andrew says. “I’m always drawn to this style of building. The architectural and hardware details create a subconscious sense of comfort. Plus, my childhood home backed onto woods, so the leafy surroundings here are particularly appealing.”
When he signed the contract in 2019, the apartment had a laminate kitchen and a half-renovated bathroom, making it a mix of styles that lacked the Waller touch. He didn’t waste any time in shaping the space according to his vision.
“I never buy renovated homes because I want to add my own style, reflecting my personal interests,” he says. His goal was to create a space that was “light and airy, an oasis of calm, with refined materiality and a sense of quiet luxury.” He also aimed to make the most of the 79sqm floor area.
“I wanted a lot of negative space with a tranquil feeling. With my work, I am constantly surrounded by interiors, so I sought something quite muted for my own home,” he explains.
He drew inspiration from modernism and Japanese design but approached them in a more relaxed way than he would for a client. This is evident in some of the furnishings, like the Parker sofa, and in the pared-back details throughout the space.
Before anything else, the layout needed some adjustments. Most notably, the previously separate galley kitchen was reconfigured by partially removing a wall and installing an archway to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living areas. In the living room, he upgraded the fireplace to serve as a focal point, using an arch motif for a sense of gravitas. In the newly light-filled kitchen, the smart new joinery was designed to be clear of the ceiling, allowing it to read as furniture rather than overwhelming the space. He also included a banquette, a simple yet effective space-saver that anchors a second, more informal dining area.
“I love banquettes—they’re halfway between a chair and a sofa. They feel so relaxed, and I always find myself gravitating towards them in cafes,” he says.
Meanwhile, Andrew completely stripped out the bathroom, replacing the bath with a large walk-in shower and moving the toilet out of sight behind a door. In the second bedroom, he installed custom joinery, transforming it into both a study and a guest space.
The colour palette is entirely neutral, with whites and sandy hues expressed through natural materials like oaks and stone, complemented by classic black contrasts. Instead of simple painted plasterboard, the walls feature brush marks for a textured, eggshell finish. Charcoal and bronze hardware adds warmth and tactility.
Artworks play a significant role in the space, mostly in monochromes. Notably, the Craig Ruddy piece above the banquette in the kitchen features swirling patterns that echo the Thonet bentwood chairs below. “It’s loose and scratchy. I love graphic forms and shapes,” he says.
“The Debra Dawes artwork in the main bedroom is like camouflage, and the artworks rotate from my office.”
Renovation Recap
Architect Andrew Waller transformed a modest interwar apartment into “a light and airy oasis of calm, with a sense of quiet luxury.”
Biggest splurges?
Custom joinery and furniture. The bespoke option ensures the pieces match the style and proportions of the room.
Biggest saving?
Doing all the design myself.
Best win?
How it all came together and the overall spacious, layered feeling, but with a tight palette to ensure it remains calming.
Favourite spot?
The kitchen, including its banquette. It’s like an anti-kitchen, with its freestanding cupboards and all that lovely daylight. And I love that handsome artwork above it.
Surprise bonus?
That second bedroom, with its custom joinery and beautiful curved headboard—they have invigorated my interest in that space.
Glad I didn’t…
I thought of swapping over the kitchen and the second bedroom beside it to make full use of the bedroom’s balcony. But it would have created a galley kitchen and not the generous space it is now.
Any advice?
Spend time living in the property before renovating to understand how light moves, where warmth gathers, and how rooms are used throughout the day.
Final thoughts?
Focus on details that shape daily life. Prioritise joinery, openings, lighting, hardware, and surfaces—elements you touch and move past constantly. Resolved with care, they bring ease and longevity.
While this space serves as a sanctuary from the pressures of his demanding job, his professional life finds its way into the home in unexpected ways. The custom coffee table, made from a decommissioned ironwork bridge, has been recycled twice. It first served as a table for a client, but when she downsized, it found its way here. And it looks tailor-made. It’s a fortuitous finishing touch.
The Designer
Mr. Waller:
mrwaller.com
