Bondi Apartment by Studio PULP
Set in an Art Deco block in Sydney’s east, Bondi Apartment, by Studio PULP, has been reimagined for a young professional couple—seamlessly connecting its past to the present.
WORDS: Hande Renshaw I PHOTOGRAPHY: Jacqui Turk I INTERIORS: Studio PULP I STYLING: Jono Flemming
‘Opening up the kitchen and dining area was a crucial aspect of the apartment's redesign. I'm delighted we chose to keep the portal between these two spaces, complete with the original art deco architraves, as it subtly defines each area,’ shares Ben Selke, Studio PULP director.
A Nemo Lampe De Marseille from CULT is a statement lighting piece in the kitchen.
‘Due to space constraints in the kitchen, we opted for a faux island that seamlessly floats between the kitchen and dining spaces—this solution enhances kitchen storage while providing a charming credenza for the dining area.’
The interiors draw inspiration from the apartment’s Bondi location—embracing a serene and neutral aesthetic.
Nau Broad Large Pendant from CULT hangs above the dining table.
“Working within historically rich spaces offers an ideal starting point, where modern elements feel truly lasting.”
From furniture to wall colour, soft blues have been carefully woven throughout the space.
A palette of soft, warm tones were chosen for the walls, flooring, and major furnishings within the Art Deco apartment.
‘Every detail, from the curated finishes to both fixed and loose elements, contributes to a harmonious blend of softness and contrast—the revamped apartment is a mix of sophistication and fun.’
The owners of Bondi Apartment were fortunate to discover a rare gem—a three-bedroom Art Deco apartment in almost original condition in Bondi Junction, Sydney.
Located in a red brick block, the three-bedroom apartment had wonderful design roots still in place; including curved steel windows, distinctive corbelled brick details, a burl timber common balustrade and original bakelite door and cabinetry handles.
The owners, a young architect couple, called on Studio PULP to reimagine the apartment for improved spatial function and modern updates. ‘Working within historically rich spaces offers an ideal starting point, where modern elements feel truly lasting—there’s a genuine quality that emerges from these unique projects,’ shares Ben Selke, Studio PULP director.
He continues, ‘Each of our additions subtly pays homage to the existing original architecture and its details. Our insertions—comprising finishes, joinery, lighting, and select furniture pieces—infuse a contemporary flair into the apartment, while still honouring its art deco heritage.’
Drawing inspiration from its Bondi location, the interior design embraces a serene and neutral aesthetic. Reflecting the sea and its landscape, the palette is made up of soft sandy tones, delicate blues and earthy terracottas, creating a series of spaces that feel like a calming retreat.
For the walls, floors and major furnishings, soft warm tones were selected to evoke a sense of warmth. These tones have been complemented by subtle blues throughout; from the cushions on the sofa to the accents on the walls, tones of blue run through the spaces to create a cohesive palette.
Crucial to the apartment’s redesign was to open up the kitchen and dining area. ‘Due to space constraints in the kitchen, we opted for a faux island that seamlessly floats between the kitchen and dining spaces—this solution enhances kitchen storage while providing a charming credenza for the dining area,’ Ben says.
The L-shaped island is ‘light’ and appears to almost float within the space, ‘We raised its kick, and incorporated a tiled leg using a contrasting blue porcelain tile that nods to the baby blue found in the hallway and the clients’ beautiful selection of handmade porcelain objects and art,’ says Ben.
In the bathroom, the apartment’s Art Deco elements shine, punctuated by the curved joinery and a soft terrazzo slab. ‘I’m particularly enamoured with the bathroom,’ Ben shares, ‘Stepping inside feels like entering an Aesop store—the mix of smaller matte porcelain mosaics paired with larger glazed tiles creates a snug, textured haven.’
From the colour palette to the furniture selection, the arrangement of artwork, and the choice of textiles—every detail within the apartment is balanced and intentional. ‘Each detail, from the curated finishes to both fixed and loose elements, contributes to a harmonious blend of softness and contrast—the revamped apartment is a mix of sophistication and fun.’
‘I’m thrilled with the choice of a baby blue finish for the internal hallway—modern apartments are increasingly designed for efficiency, with front doors leading straight into kitchen and living areas. However, this three-bedroom apartment features a spacious hallway that serves as a central spine, connecting all the rooms.’
The baby blue walls in the hallway are visible from each room.
‘The bathroom is a beautifully serene space that pays homage to the apartment's Art Deco roots through its curved joinery, burl timber accents, and a soft yet captivating terrazzo slab.’
The bathroom includes a mix of small matte porcelain mosaics paired with larger glazed tiles, creating a textured haven.
Corbelled brick details on the facade of the Art Deco building.
Bondi Apartment is set within a red brick Art Deco block in Sydney’s east.