Photography: Pablo Veiga
Good things do come in small packages, particularly when they’re given the Graham Simmonds treatment. The interior designer and founder of Gray & Co, along with his partner Cody, a chiropractor, reimagined their compact Sydney apartment as a modern marvel with a style that spans decades. Every square metre counts in this home, courtesy of deft spatial planning, stylish finishes and curated vintage furniture.
The couple came across the apartment in 2024, drawn to its unbeatable location in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Perched on the first floor of a small block of Art Deco units, the apartment overlooks Rushcutters Park. “In summer, the building is protected by foliage – like a private tree house – but in winter, the trees drop their leaves and you can see across to the harbour,” says Graham.
Sadly, the interiors didn’t match the beauty beyond. Not a couple to shirk a challenge, Graham and Cody had a distinct vision for the renovation, which became their third house flip together, and Graham’s sixth overall.
Change of plan
Graham and Cody removed a load-bearing wall between the sunroom and the lounge to create one open-plan living, dining and kitchen zone. This required a structural beam and an engineer’s sign-off, but the resulting park views were worth the extra effort. They weren’t the only benefit, either. Gutting and relocating the original kitchen from the front of the apartment, which was uncomfortably close to the bathroom, also allowed Graham to eke out a second bedroom. “It was common in Art Deco apartments to position the kitchen away from the living area, but that’s not conducive to modern-day living,” he explains. In the bathroom, “nothing was in the right spot”, recalls Graham, so he removed the bathtub and reconfigured the shower, toilet and vanity, making it more efficient and spacious.
More with less
While these structural changes maximised the floor plan, they also aligned with contemporary sensibilities. Still, Graham sought to respect and honour the home’s heritage. As such, subtle Art Deco influences are dotted throughout, from the gently curved kitchen joinery to the freestanding bathroom vanity. As with the structural changes, these traditional touches serve a dual purpose. The freestanding vanity is less obtrusive in the humble space, while in the kitchen, Graham says, “The curves are also practical; they allowed us to fit more joinery into a tight space. You don’t want to walk into a hard edge when you enter the kitchen!” The cooking zone conceals a European-style combined washer and dryer and showcases a built-in wine rack, thus proving that with clever design you can save and splurge.
Good vintage
Inspired by the “quiet elegance of classic Art Deco New York”, treasure hunter Graham sourced and revived items from Facebook Marketplace – and from his own well-curated design store, Gray & Co. He reupholstered the vintage wingback in Wortley ‘Madison’ fabric in Neptune – a blue velvet better suited to the calm scheme than the chair’s original red hue.
Smart switches
Don’t overcapitalise, Graham warns, but don’t skimp on luxe finishes, either. “It’s important to make the home feel special and tasteful,” he says, adding that the limestone is a good compromise, as it’s a quality material that “looks like Taj Mahal quartzite but is less expensive”.
Touchy feely
Tactile touches can cosy up a small space without adding excess layers, which can leave a room feeling cluttered. In the main bedroom, a vintage rug from Etsy adds texture, along with the Ellison Studios ‘Swell’ occasional chair. Ikea curtains, draped from a Pottery Barn rod, complete the welcoming yet unfussy furnishings.
SOURCE BOOK
Interior design Gray & Co, grayandco.com.au
Joinery Kitchen Complex, kitchencomplex.com.au.
