Meow Meow

Prepare to be utterly inspired! In the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Darlinghurst, where every square foot counts, an architect father, Ed Litman, has pulled off a design marvel for his chef son, Mitch. Together, they’ve taken a “pokey and dark” 50sqm (538sqft) warehouse apartment and transformed it into a breathtaking masterclass in urban living. This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a philosophy of “doing more with less” brought to life.

From Grungy Warehouse to Glorious Home

Imagine a building that was once a Reader’s Digest warehouse, now a residential gem boasting an incredible 3.6-meter (nearly 12-foot) ceiling height. This generous vertical space was the secret weapon in their arsenal. Originally, the apartment was a maze of awkwardness: a cramped galley kitchen, an island that ate up precious floor space, and a separate, uninspiring bedroom. Mitch, a chef by trade, had a clear vision: a fantastic kitchen, a cool mezzanine bed, and a space so brilliant it would land a spot on “Never Too Small”. Spoiler alert: Ed absolutely delivered!

The Architectural Magic: Elevating Dreams (Literally!)

The single most impactful move in this transformation was elevating the bed loft. This wasn’t just about hoisting a mattress; it was about creating an entirely new, fully usable zone beneath the sleeping area. Thanks to smart design, there’s ample headroom to walk comfortably under the mattress, effectively increasing the usable floor area.

Tucked away in this newly created space, you’ll find:

A custom-designed clothing wardrobe.
A cozy desk nestled by a window, reminiscent of a “caravan or a boat”, offering a perfect little escape for study or quiet moments.
The bed itself? It grandly overlooks the living room, creating a feeling of luxury and spaciousness – truly “grand and luxurious”.

Storage So Smart, It Disappears!

In small apartments, storage is often an afterthought, but here, it’s a seamless part of the design. A magnificent storage wall integrates the kitchen and stretches all the way to the ceiling. This ensures that not an inch is wasted, with higher sections perfect for those less-frequently used items. Ed emphasizes that in older buildings, custom joinery is essential because floors and ceilings are rarely level. For an added touch of beauty, horizontal lines are cleverly integrated into the joinery.

A Chef’s Kiss Kitchen & Thoughtful Materials

For a professional chef like Mitch, the kitchen was non-negotiable. It features a robust stainless steel bench, a material Mitch is completely at home with. Instead of narrow, awkward drawers, deep, wide drawers were chosen for ultimate practicality and easy access. And for a truly brilliant small-space hack? A mirrored splashback! Not only does it instantly make the room feel bigger, but it also allows Mitch to keep an eye on his guests even when he’s got his back to them.

The apartment champions simplicity and high performance. Timber is the star material, appearing in the new timber floor (replacing the original vinyl), the joinery, and even the bed base. This wasn’t just a style choice; timber is a sustainable material that “smells nice” and brings essential warmth to the clean, minimalist white palette chosen to make the space feel as expansive as possible. Even much of the furniture was cleverly sourced by Mitch second-hand, adding an eclectic touch.

Lighting That Elevates & Flow That Frees

The lighting strategy is pure genius, designed to make the space feel even larger. An aluminium uplight directs light towards the ceiling, literally drawing your eye up and through the apartment, creating a heightened sense of openness. It’s positioned to be parallel with the joinery, making it a cohesive part of the overall design.

This apartment is all about permeability and transparency. Shelving between the living room and study ensures light and views can pass through, maintaining an open, airy feel. Even the wardrobe isn’t completely walled off, utilizing a stylish timber screen that gives a “sense that there’s a room behind there” without fully enclosing it. This approach is perfect for a space designed for one person or a couple, allowing for a more luxurious “one big volume” experience.

Ultimately, this project is a shining example of how innovative design can transform even the tightest spaces into something truly practical, livable, and utterly enjoyable. It’s also a powerful nod to sustainability, proving that converting existing buildings is often far more eco-friendly than starting from scratch. It’s a reminder that with vision and a little hard work, a small footprint can lead to a huge impact!