Overlooking the Glenelg foreshore, this penthouse transformation centred on creating a home that felt both sophisticated and deeply personal—balancing contemporary coastal living with quieter, more intimate spaces designed for retreat.

Spanning multiple levels, the project encompassed the primary suite, guest accommodation, rumpus room, home office, dining area, and expansive open-plan living spaces. While the apartment offered an enviable outlook and strong architectural foundations, the brief required a thoughtful response to the existing materials and finishes, alongside the client’s enduring love of blue.

Rather than applying the palette in a literal way, we layered nuanced shades throughout the home—drawing inspiration from the surrounding coastline, shifting skies, and the ocean beyond. Downstairs, the design language remained contemporary and tailored, balancing the sleekness of the existing kitchen with softer textures, warmer tones, and carefully curated furnishings that introduced depth and comfort.

The open-plan living areas were thoughtfully zoned to create distinct yet cohesive spaces for working, entertaining, and everyday living. Rich tactile layers, sculptural furnishings, and custom detailing softened the more architectural elements, while a restrained material palette ensured the spaces felt sophisticated rather than overtly themed. A large custom rug within the living area became a defining gesture, subtly echoing the colours of the coastline visible beyond the balcony.

The home office was approached as more than a functional necessity, designed instead as a considered extension of the living spaces—beautiful, organised, and seamlessly integrated into the broader aesthetic.

Upstairs, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. Challenging rooflines and angular architecture called for a softer, more restorative design response. Curves were introduced deliberately to offset the sharper geometry, while lighter finishes and tailored window treatments brought softness and cohesion throughout.

In the primary suite, coastal references were approached with restraint—subtle rather than thematic—resulting in a space that feels calm, elegant, and quietly evocative of its seaside setting. Elsewhere upstairs, existing sentimental pieces were thoughtfully reimagined and incorporated, ensuring the home retained personality and familiarity alongside its transformation.

The result is a penthouse that feels layered, cohesive, and unmistakably personal—a refined coastal home that balances architectural sharpness with warmth, softness, and effortless liveability.