Step by Step is the blog of Kate Kerin Interiors. In addition to following some of my clients’ projects, I examine some of the latest issues of interest in the world of interior design.

This month my Glebe apartment project has moved ahead in leaps and bounds. Downsizers Christine and Larry are transitioning from a three-level townhouse to a harbourside apartment that will undergo a full renovation before they settle in. Our first focus is the kitchen, and Christine and I have been working through the layout, finishes, stone selection and overall functionality of the space. It’s an energising stage of the project, full of ideas and inspiration, and I’ve enjoyed creating detailed SketchUp drawings to help Christine and Larry clearly envisage their new kitchen.

Apartment living is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many Sydneysiders, whether you are downsizing from a large family home or embracing a low-maintenance lifestyle that frees up time for work, travel or family. The shift can feel liberating, but it also brings new design considerations. Scale changes, storage becomes top of mind and the architecture itself often demands a more tailored, thoughtful approach to make the most of every square metre.

Over the past few years I have worked with a wide range of clients creating elegant, functional and deeply personal apartment interiors. While every home is different, certain design principles apply across almost all apartment projects. When these principles are carefully considered, an apartment can feel just as spacious, inviting and luxurious as a freestanding home. In fact, many clients find they enjoy their apartment more, precisely because it has been so intentionally designed.

This month’s Step by Step explores the design secrets that help apartments feel refined, welcoming and beautifully resolved.

A long view of a dining and living room, with bush flowers in the foreground — Greenwich downsizer apartment

Image: @kathatfieldcreative

Start with the Architecture

The architecture of an apartment dictates much about how the interior will function. Ceiling heights, natural light, window orientation and the shape of rooms all influence the choices a designer makes. Unlike new houses, where you often have the chance to reconfigure layouts or add natural light, apartments require a more strategic approach. You are working within fixed parameters, so the job becomes one of refinement rather than reinvention.

I begin by understanding how each room currently works, then identifying what is needed to support the client’s lifestyle. In an apartment, small adjustments can make a large difference. Angling a sofa to improve circulation, choosing a dining table that visually lightens a room or extending a curtain track beyond the window to give the illusion of width are all subtle but effective strategies. Thinking carefully about proportion and flow is essential, particularly in open plan living where zones need to be clearly defined but still connected.

Consider the Volume of the Space

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving into an apartment is assuming they must scale everything down. In fact, undersized furniture can make a room feel smaller. A generous sofa, a substantial dining table or a statement rug can anchor a space and create a sense of intention. The key is choosing pieces that are visually appropriate rather than simply compact.

Equally important is the vertical plane. Ceiling height has a significant impact on the feeling of spaciousness. Where ceilings are low, low-profile furniture and horizontal lines can draw the eye outwards rather than upwards. Where ceilings are higher, adding tall joinery, full height curtains or large-scale art can make the most of the volume.

These decisions are particularly important in Sydney apartments, which often vary widely in ceiling height from room to room. A thoughtful furniture plan ensures each space feels balanced.

A bedroom with lush bedding in pale pink, a rug across the bed and a calm painting above the bed. — Window treatments and bedding can add to the feeling of coziness in an apartment.

Image: @kathatfieldcreative

Sound, Acoustics and Comfort

Apartments come with unique acoustic considerations. Hard flooring, concrete ceilings and close proximity to neighbours can create echo and noise transfer. Adding layers of softness makes an enormous difference to comfort. Rugs, upholstered furniture, heavy curtains and wall hangings all help moderate sound. Even a single large rug can transform the feeling of a room, softening footsteps, absorbing echo and creating a calmer atmosphere.

Good acoustics also contribute to a sense of privacy, which is especially important when spaces are compact. A living room that feels comfortable and cocooned is far more pleasant to spend time in, particularly for clients who entertain or work from home.

Make Light Work for You

Natural light in apartments can range from abundant to almost non-existent. Whatever the starting point, lighting design becomes a major part of the solution. Artificial lighting in apartments should always be layered. Relying solely on overhead lighting tends to flatten a space, whereas combining ambient, task and accent lighting creates warmth and depth.

Floor and table lamps are particularly useful in apartments because they can be moved or adapted as your needs evolve. They also create pockets of atmosphere in the evenings when harsh overhead lighting would feel too stark. Wall sconces, where approved by strata, are wonderful for introducing mood without sacrificing floor space.

In rooms with low light, choosing the right paint colour is essential. Soft neutrals or warm tones often work better than bright whites, which can look grey or flat without natural daylight. Conversely, rooms drenched in northern sun can benefit from cooler neutrals that balance the intensity of the light. Colour can still be introduced through window treatments, furniture, artworks and accessories.

A kitchen and living space with pendant lighting over the kitchen island. — Pendant lighting over an island can be a show-stopper:

Collaroy Kitchen project

Storage: The Apartment Superpower

One of the most consistent concerns for downsizers and apartment dwellers is storage. Well designed storage dramatically improves daily life and reduces visual clutter, which is vital in smaller homes. Built-in joinery is often the most effective solution, because it maximises every available centimetre and creates a calm, unified look.

Joinery can also add beauty and character. A custom media unit, display shelf or wardrobe elevates a room far beyond what flat-pack furniture can achieve. The most successful joinery blends functionality with aesthetics, offering both concealed storage and open display areas for treasured items. This is particularly important for those downsizing from large homes, who want to keep select meaningful pieces without overwhelming the space.

Even bathrooms and laundries in apartments can benefit from custom solutions. Recessed shaving cabinets, full height linen cupboards and thoughtful laundry joinery can transform the function of these compact rooms.

Flow and Zoning in Open Plan Spaces

Many apartments feature open plan living areas where living, dining and kitchen zones share one footprint. Without thoughtful zoning, these spaces can feel either too empty or too busy. Rugs, lighting and furniture arrangement help differentiate areas while maintaining a cohesive whole.

A dining table placed too close to the kitchen can feel cramped. A sofa that floats in the middle of the room can create awkward walkways. Conversely, when the arrangement is right, the space feels effortless. Creating a sense of flow often comes down to small adjustments such as aligning furniture with architectural lines, choosing a rug that grounds the dining area or adding a console table behind a sofa to define a boundary.

Beautiful sheer curtains in our North Sydney penthouse project

Image: @kathatfieldcreative

Window Treatments That Work Hard

Window treatments are a crucial element in apartment design. They soften acoustics, control glare, frame views and contribute to privacy. In high rise apartments, sheer curtains are often an effective choice, filtering light while maintaining a sense of openness. In bedrooms, blockout treatments deliver the comfort required for quality sleep.

Full height curtains particularly add elegance and help emphasise vertical space. They can make even a modestly sized living room feel luxurious. Well hung curtains also hide awkward window proportions, something many apartments struggle with.

Outdoor Spaces: Small but Mighty

Many apartments come with balconies or terraces that, although compact, can be transformed into beautiful extensions of the interior. Selecting the right outdoor furniture is key. Opt for pieces that can withstand the elements without compromising on comfort.

Outdoor rugs, potted plants and soft lighting can turn even the smallest balcony into an inviting area for morning coffee or evening drinks. Thoughtfully styling these areas also helps blur the line between inside and out, which enhances the sense of space.

A lovely outdoor furniture setting with green cushions and black frames — Stylish outdoor furniture, North Sydney penthouse

Image: @kathatfieldcreative

Curation Over Clutter

Because apartments have fewer surfaces and tighter sightlines, curation becomes particularly important. A carefully selected collection of objects, art and greenery tells a personal story without overwhelming the space. Too many small decorative items can make a room feel crowded, whereas fewer, larger pieces create impact and clarity.

This is where styling makes a significant difference. The right coffee table arrangement, a well-chosen cushion combination or a harmonised colour palette can completely change the mood of a room. Apartment living rewards restraint and intentionality.

Final Thoughts

Apartment living offers convenience, comfort and an opportunity to live with greater intention. When thoughtfully designed, an apartment becomes a highly functional sanctuary that perfectly reflects its owner’s style and priorities. Far from being a compromise, many people discover that apartment living simplifies life and elevates their everyday experience.

If you’re moving into an apartment, considering downsizing or simply want to refresh your existing space, thoughtful design can make all the difference. The most successful apartment interiors balance comfort, function and personality, creating homes that are elegant, welcoming and a pleasure to live in.

Kate sits with her legs crossed, in front of a dining area and kitchen in the background. She is waring glasses and a neutral, geometric top and is reading a book. — Greenwich downsizer project

Image: @kathatfieldcreative

Kate Kerin Interiors works with discerning Sydney clients who value quality, elegance and a seamless design experience, whether you’re downsizing, furnishing a new home or planning a major change. If you’d like to discuss your project, get in touch to book an initial consultation.

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STEP BY STEP: The Secret to Beautiful Apartment Living