STEP BY STEP: The joy of apartment living

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.

The last month has been an exciting one in my studio – I’ve been working with four clients, all with different projects and needs. All four of them currently live, or soon will live, in apartments. Two are downsizing from larger homes and require virtually complete fit-outs of their new homes. Two are longer term apartment dwellers, not so much requiring furniture procurement as other design elements like new custom bedheads, window treatments and joinery elements such as panelled feature walls.

But my focus today is the two clients who have had the most pressing needs. Debra is moving to a beautiful garden-level, two-bedroom apartment in Campsie. She’ll move in just after Easter, and together we’ve been working on combining some of her really special personal items with new pieces. Her style is natural and a little bit bohemian, a little bit mid-century. She loves colour, and has selected a couple of different shades of sage green for various feature walls around the apartment. I designed three pieces of joinery for her home; a work-from-home built in desk area, a generous TV and display unit, and a desk in her son’s bedroom. Steve Portelli from Portelli Joinery will be building these lovely items for Debra, and they have formed the centrepiece of the home and her budget.

Part of my design for Debra’s built-in desk

Once budget allowances were made for the joinery, we were able to choose other key pieces such as a sofa and coffee table, dining table and chairs and some other bits and pieces. Deb prefers solid wood to veneers, and we’ve found some truly beautiful American oak solid wood pieces that are going to look perfect against the sage green feature walls. Debra has also chosen some bold wallpapers – one for a feature wall in her bedroom and the other behind the built-in desk. These wallpapers will enliven the spaces and create an interesting focal point that will add personality and style. Next up is rug selection, and then Deb will start packing before the move in about a month.

Moving from the garden floor to the top floor, my other client Rod has just moved into the 21st floor of a North Sydney apartment block. Like Deb, he needed to fully furnish the apartment, but on this occasion we had a much tighter time frame. With just 10 days before his move-in date, Rod was keen for me to only consider stylish items that were in stock and potentially available for delivery in just a few days. This posed an interesting challenge! Rod appreciates quality, sophisticated pieces with a mid-century vibe and I’ve had terrific fun curating a range of furniture, linen and accessories for swift delivery and installation.

Are you considering a move into an apartment? It can be super energising, and a fresh start in establishing your style. Not everyone can afford to completely re-furnish an entire home, but even if you’re only investing in a few key pieces it can be exciting and a great opportunity to display your personality. While there are some challenges to consider—like adjusting to a more compact space—apartment living offers an ease and elegance that many homeowners quickly come to appreciate.

A Different Way of Living

One of the biggest shifts when moving to an apartment is the change in available space. Houses often come with expansive living areas, multiple bedrooms and generous storage, whereas apartments require a more considered approach to layout and functionality. But this isn’t necessarily a downside—it’s an opportunity. Instead of maintaining unused rooms or tending to a large garden, apartment living allows you to focus on the spaces you truly use and enjoy.

Apartments are also designed for convenience. Many developments feature lifts, secure parking and access to amenities like pools, gyms or communal gardens. Plus, with a smaller footprint, cleaning and upkeep are far less demanding—freeing up more time to enjoy life rather than being tied to home maintenance.

Embracing a Fresh Aesthetic

With a more compact space comes the opportunity to refine and curate your home’s aesthetic. Every piece of furniture and décor needs to be intentional, both in terms of function and style. This is where good design truly shines.

Furniture selection is key—oversized, bulky items that suited a large family home may not work in an apartment. Instead, pieces that offer versatility, such as extendable dining tables, modular sofas or stylish storage solutions, will help create a space that is both beautiful and practical.

 The Role of Art and Accessories

With less space to fill, every detail matters. The right artwork can transform a room, adding personality and a sense of home. Large statement pieces work well in apartments, as they create impact without overwhelming the space. Likewise, mirrors can be used strategically to enhance light and create the illusion of more room.

Soft furnishings, such as rugs, cushions and window treatments, bring warmth and texture. Layering these elements ensures that even in a smaller home, your space feels rich and inviting rather than stark or minimal.

Why Work with an Interior Designer?

Curating a well-balanced, functional and stylish apartment isn’t always easy, especially when downsizing. This is where an interior designer can make all the difference. From selecting the right furniture to ensuring your art and accessories work in harmony, a designer helps you make the most of your new space while avoiding costly mistakes.

At Kate Kerin Interiors, we specialise in helping downsizers create homes that feel effortless, elegant and perfectly suited to their new lifestyle. If you're looking for expert guidance in transforming your apartment into a stylish and comfortable sanctuary, I’d love to help. Get in touch to find out how your downsizing journey can be seamless and inspiring.

Kate Kerin Interiors specialises in working with residential clients in Sydney, particularly people who are considering downsizing or other major milestone moves. Contact Kate for an initial consultation to talk about your project.

If you enjoyed this blog, please sign up to my mailing list for regular, free interior design tips and ideas!