This one-bedroom apartment sits in a landmark 1960s block, moments from Bronte and Tamarama beaches. The brief was to keep the building’s original character while layering in a maximalist, retro style. Colour and pattern make the most of the warm afternoon light. The peach bedroom opens onto a tonal blue ensuite that is colour-drenched from floor to ceiling.

At under 40m², every inch works hard. The kitchen was reworked to fit a full-size integrated fridge, a custom banquette with hidden shoe storage and a pill-shaped Dowel Jones dining table. The TV hides behind pocket doors on a swivel arm. In the bedroom, a bespoke flame-stitch rug was designed and handmade in India, with a matching carpet panel that climbs the wall to form the headboard.

Flea-market finds from Paris and Belgium, Murano glass lighting, an original 1960s modular sofa and bespoke ceramics by Alana Beveridge make it a true cabinet of curiosities.

Photographer prue ruscoe