Used primarily for Airbnb purposes, this one-bedroom Melbourne apartment was given the makeover treatment recently under the watchful eye of interior designer Jacqueline Chen from The Glade Design. Located in South Yarra, the dated and lacklustre apartment was in desperate need of a glow-up to make it more appealing for holiday makers. “The apartment felt dated with a lack of interesting colour and texture. It didn’t evoke a romantic, staycation vibe at all,” says Jacqueline, who subsequently made a sweep of changes to ensure it did.
Given the apartment is used primarily for short-stay accommodation purposes, Jacqueline needed to turn it into a low-maintenance and clutter-free space within a short timeframe as the owners were understandably keen to rent it out promptly. “In terms of feel, we leaned towards a Scandi-minimal aesthetic with layers of lighting to evoke the perfect ambience. Updating the layout wasn’t an option so the use of colour and texture played an important role in this project,” she says.
While services remained in the same place, Jacqueline removed the old kitchen and redesigned it for a more stylish, streamlined look that features an integrated fridge and pantry. “The old kitchen offered more storage space but not all of the cabinets were functional and the workflow wasn’t optimal. In my opinion, having the right storage in the right location is key, rather than solely focussing on the quantity of storage available.”
Nearby, a custom desk with floating shelves and a single drawer is positioned right next to a large window ensuring access to natural light. “A dedicated workspace is increasingly important for Airbnb accommodations. By incorporating it into the living room space, we ensured it feels like a seamless and integral part of the area while maintaining a minimal look,” says Jacqueline.
Sheer curtains and blockout blinds were installed throughout the apartment for both privacy and a hotel-standard feel. “The sheer curtains soften the natural light and balance out all the hard finishes throughout the space,” says Jacqueline. The carpets were replaced with SPC hybrid flooring for easy maintenance and durability and the apartment’s down lights are now dimmable, allowing for custom ambience. “We’ve created layers of lighting to enhance the romantic vibe throughout the space.”
Small and dark, the bedroom was overhauled with a custom bedhead that was designed with built-in wireless charging, switches and plugs. The bedside tables and lamps are wall-hung for a seamless, clutter-free feel. “Given the room’s inherent darkness, we opted for a green hue to enhance the cosy yet dramatic ambiance. This choice defines the space in the tiny apartment and creates a romantic atmosphere, especially when paired with the warm LED lighting,” says Jacqueline.
The bathroom was in relatively good condition and replacing it not only felt wasteful but it would have significantly extended the build time. “We opted for cosmetic changes instead. We replaced the tiles and added a rounded mirror cabinet with LED lighting and a vanity that matches the rest of the apartment’s joinery,” says Jacqueline who also created a feature wall in the bathroom which further enhanced the look and feel.
“The space certainly exudes a lot more character now, and it absolutely screams romantic staycation to me. We’ve crafted an environment that can make anyone feel at home yet offers a distinct departure from their usual surroundings. It’s a place where people can recharge from their busy lives.”
Photography: Tess Kelly