In an Art Deco building near Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the compact Anywhere Apartment enjoys a private, northerly aspect, but no views, so the focus of its revival – for an urbane traveller – is the play of material elements to create clarity and luxe.   

The small galley kitchen includes a monolithic travertine bench wrapping storage beneath, and anchors a retractable stainless steel bar that doubles as a dining table, saving precious space when not in service. It’s paired with a slimline stainless-steel bank of joinery integrating sink and stove along the window.

Period embellishments are pared back to streamline the space with simple, square-set ceilings and doorways replacing cornices and architraves, united with a floor of chalky white mosaic tiles.

Bedroom and bathroom lean more into luxury. The inbuilt wardrobe wall is incised with a low, backlit mirrored niche, softening the visual bulk with useful display space, while the re-configured bathroom’s restored restored mottle-glass windows and handmade moroccan tiles envelope the room in watery, shimmering light.