On Wharf Road, the three-bedroom beauty is part of the well-known complex overlooking our stunning harbour.

"It was looking tired," Kim said.

"Kitchen appliances were in need of repair or replacement, bathroom seals were failing, the carpet was stained and worn.

"In addition, major strata works were required to the whole building, so we timed the renovation of the apartment with the strata works to minimise disruption."

They wanted the redesign to reflect the apartment's incredible location and the lifestyle it brings. They turned to Damian Ray and his team at Intebuilt to transform their ideas, and designs from Tess Andoni at Revive BPM, into a home that was user-friendly, yet beautiful.

"Tess worked with us on our vision for an apartment that was open, functional, a great place to entertain, that takes advantage of the location on the harbour and that had a classy chic Hamptons-style feel about it."

The existing kitchen was isolated and compact, and the bathrooms were starting to show their age with damage and worn finishes.

On the list was a complete kitchen update, as well as removing a dividing wall to create an open living space; convert a wardrobe to a walk-in with attached ensuite; strip and re-instate all wet areas; create a hidden Euro-style laundry; update the air-conditioning, blinds and flooring; integrate appliances and add a few luxury items such as a fireplace, sensor lighting and underfloor heating.

Taking in the natural north-eastern light and views of the harbour, the colour and material palette reflects that coastal aesthetic - whites, warm woods, and splashes of vibrancy. The result is a bright, airy feel with elegance and comfort at every turn.

Unlike a freestanding home, working within an apartment complex presented some challenges throughout the build. Access and working within strata title regulations meant Damian and his team were strict with abiding by building compliance. Ensuring that acoustic and thermal efficiencies were met was key in delivering the new flooring, as well as the underfloor heating.

Using larger format tiles, custom joinery and an EcoSmart fire were innovations that adhered to the guidelines without compromising the outcome.

"Most of the clever innovations are hidden, and are solutions to problems that Damian and Tess came up with," Kim said.

"This includes the clever use of sensor lighting, underfloor heating, in-floor electrical outlets, heated towel rails, Somfy automatic blinds, integrated refrigerator, kitchen nook with Zip instant hot and sparkling water."

The creativity can be seen in the small details that blend practicality with appearance.

An existing laundry was awkwardly concealed behind swinging doors that made it hard to use. It now features a frosted retreating door, creating an easy-access walk-in room.

Likewise, space was reclaimed from an oversized powder room to create a large pantry to service the sleek new Everlong-designed kitchen.

"Judicial use of cabinetry made useful areas out of awkward spaces," Kim said.

"I love the creative solutions to functional problems like the positioning of the television on a false wall and the integration of the entertainment units and cables into the space where the fireplace is.

"We are impressed with the attention to detail, including down to things like the symmetrical positioning of grout lines in the wet areas."

Being able to deliver "an amazing result that is seamless, functional and quirky," from Kim and Tony's brief has Damian thrilled for his clients, especially delivering a finished product, on budget and on time.

Through thoughtful interpretations of modern trends, the apartment has been transformed into a sanctuary highlighting how beautiful vistas can merge with cosmopolitan waterside, inner-city living.

Kim and Tony are loving how the renovation has given the old girl a new lease of life, and satisfied their lifestyle and tastes.

"Everything just works," Kim said.

"There is a function for everything and it is executed beautifully, whether it be the fireplace, the integrated refrigerator, the bar area or the privacy solutions in the bedrooms and bathroom.

"Everything is finished off so well. The use of light, lines and shape are the things that we most love."

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