Before & After.
Sophisticated Penthouse Transformation — Auckland.
This penthouse apartment, originally built in the early 2000s with sweeping 180-degree views of Auckland, hadn’t seen a renovation since its completion — and was well overdue for a refresh.
Having previously worked with the client, we were given complete creative freedom for the design. The only caveats: retain the existing kitchen tiling and work within the apartment’s existing footprint due to Body Corporate regulations.
As the before photos show, the interiors featured dark, dated cabinetry throughout the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas — while the rest of the home was a sea of beige.
An avid collector of Ron Sang pottery and artwork; the client’s collection became our design inspiration. We embraced bold colour, pattern, and texture throughout. The kitchen was the starting point — our anchor for the overall palette. We designed a sleek, contemporary space with striking blue cabinetry, pairing it with a patterned Corian Island that tied seamlessly with the existing tiles.
In the open-plan dining and living areas, we introduced a custom Mal Corboy “Lozza” dining table with comfortable seating for six. A bespoke credenza and matching doors, crafted a checkerboard-patterned veneer, added depth and visual interest. We echoed this motif in the living area’s custom cabinetry flanking the gas fireplace. Furniture and finishes all within a palette of greys, blues, and golds to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A curved wall in the entryway provided a natural opportunity for drama. We wrapped it in a bold blue wallpaper featuring a subtle curved motif — a striking focal point that mirrored the architecture.
The bathrooms were pared back to clean, elegant lines, using muted Dekton tops and custom Dekton handles, soft blue-hued cabinetry, and mosaic tiles for a refined finish.
In the master suite, we leaned into richness and luxury — strong blues and golds, a triple-height custom headboard, built-in make-up station, and generous use of antique mirror detailing brought a sense of opulence to the space.
