Apartment in the Cross
This Sydney apartment, located in a historic Art Deco building, is renovated with a focus on efficient use of space and respect for its heritage. Cabinetry integrates modern conveniences while preserving the original character.
The reworked kitchen retains its 1938 tiles, concealing modern appliances and optimising the small galley layout. Custom joinery transforms the living and bedrooms, creating stylish, functional spaces, complemented by reupholstered vintage furniture reflecting the apartment's Art Deco charm.
![A custom media cabinet designed to conceal the TV and fridge poking through from behind, crafted with a mix of timber veneers, including burl, that complement the original timbers in this Art Deco apartment. The cabinet functions as a TV and stereo](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116340640-H6S0BAY1HPJ5NKZGXLOO/Potts+Point+Apartment+6.jpg)
A custom media cabinet designed to conceal the TV and fridge poking through from behind, crafted with a mix of timber veneers, including burl, that complement the original timbers in this Art Deco apartment. The cabinet functions as a TV and stereo unit while integrating with the heritage space. The original parquetry flooring and the client's art collection enhance the apartment's character.
![A revamped galley kitchen retaining its original 1938 wall tiles, featuring all-new hand-painted cabinetry. Concealed appliances are integrated into the joinery, with a stainless steel benchtop adding a modern touch. The replated cabinet handles, ch](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1725586857823-S38SS2I395H0PZ5G0SIW/Potts%2BPoint%2BApartment%2B4.jpg)
A revamped galley kitchen retaining its original 1938 wall tiles, featuring all-new hand-painted cabinetry. Concealed appliances are integrated into the joinery, with a stainless steel benchtop adding a modern touch. The replated cabinet handles, chosen by the owner during a previous renovation, and an Art Deco-inspired shroud over the rangehood reflect the apartment's heritage. The traditional linoleum floor covering completes the space.
![A view down the revamped galley kitchen to the dining room, highlighting the original 1938 wall tiles paired with hand-painted joinery in colours chosen to complement them. The all-new cabinetry conceals appliances, while an Art Deco-inspired shroud](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116312928-XIOKYBI7P2ZHAXADK6HW/Potts+Point+Apartment+1.jpg)
A view down the revamped galley kitchen to the dining room, highlighting the original 1938 wall tiles paired with hand-painted joinery in colours chosen to complement them. The all-new cabinetry conceals appliances, while an Art Deco-inspired shroud over the rangehood adds a touch of heritage elegance. The traditional linoleum floor covering completes the timeless design.
![A view of the new media cabinet, crafted from distinctive burl veneer that highlights the swirling movement in the timber. The cabinet is complemented by the client's reupholstered vintage furniture and art collection, blending heritage character wi](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116380310-95T1SK6KEQFZANZX1EQT/Potts+Point+Apartment+10.jpg)
A view of the new media cabinet, crafted from distinctive burl veneer that highlights the swirling movement in the timber. The cabinet is complemented by the client's reupholstered vintage furniture and art collection, blending heritage character with thoughtful design interventions that bring contemporary amenity to the historic apartment.
![A reupholstered sofa in the original primary colours, featuring rich blue velvet and red linen upholstery. The reverse side of the red linen is used as the piping, adding a subtle yet striking detail. This piece, part of the client’s vintage furnitu](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116356948-CRRS8PYE4ECI19DBOX73/Potts+Point+Apartment+8.jpg)
A reupholstered sofa in the original primary colours, featuring rich blue velvet and red linen upholstery. The reverse side of the red linen is used as the piping, adding a subtle yet striking detail. This piece, part of the client’s vintage furniture collection, beautifully enhances the Art Deco character of the apartment.
![A detailed shot of the media cabinet, showcasing the burl veneer with its swirling movement and rich texture. Brass details on the cabinet add a touch of elegance, while the clever design conceals the TV and stereo, as well as the fridge from the op](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116355823-3FL1TP1Q5AL47ISSHNRQ/Potts+Point+Apartment+7.jpg)
A detailed shot of the media cabinet, showcasing the burl veneer with its swirling movement and rich texture. Brass details on the cabinet add a touch of elegance, while the clever design conceals the TV and stereo, as well as the fridge from the opposite side. The view extends through to the dining room.
![Project attributions for Apartment in the Cross – Interiors by James Allen, building by Matt Boers Constructions, and photography by James Allen. This renovation blends the vintage elegance of its Kings Cross Art Deco heritage with modern functional](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1736656100929-TM98BHR3ARJGY6WG1MDD/JAArch_Apartment%2Bin%2Bthe%2BCross_Project%2BAttribution.jpg)
Project attributions for Apartment in the Cross – Interiors by James Allen, building by Matt Boers Constructions, and photography by James Allen. This renovation blends the vintage elegance of its Kings Cross Art Deco heritage with modern functionality, creating a stylish and efficient living space in the heart of one of Australia's most iconic and densely populated districts.
![A view of the new bedroom cabinetry, designed to follow the lines of the walls and the building’s structural elements to maximise storage space. The cabinetry, inspired by traditional Art Deco details, features finishes such as hand-painted surfaces](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116390154-C2WN9KBO919Z4MTQLDJF/Potts+Point+Apartment+11.jpg)
A view of the new bedroom cabinetry, designed to follow the lines of the walls and the building’s structural elements to maximise storage space. The cabinetry, inspired by traditional Art Deco details, features finishes such as hand-painted surfaces and grass paper wallpaper. The bed is strategically nestled within the clothes storage, optimising space while preserving the room's aesthetic charm
![A detailed shot of the robe cabinets in the bedroom, featuring doors finished in grass paper wallpaper with brass edging. Brass cabinet pulls complement the elegant detailing, while French wall sconces add a touch of refinement. The pull-out bedside](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709185281087-OGE5XLCTFZ4YFULIRQYR/Potts%2BPoint%2BApartment%2B13.jpg)
A detailed shot of the robe cabinets in the bedroom, featuring doors finished in grass paper wallpaper with brass edging. Brass cabinet pulls complement the elegant detailing, while French wall sconces add a touch of refinement. The pull-out bedside nightstands introduce a personal, human touch to the space.
![The custom joinery continues in the study, featuring a hand-painted, custom-designed desk tailored to fit the space. French wall sconces add an elegant touch.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709185329587-L4HM4FLXF3NTB7R7AX7N/Potts%2BPoint%2BApartment%2B14.jpg)
The custom joinery continues in the study, featuring a hand-painted, custom-designed desk tailored to fit the space. French wall sconces add an elegant touch.
![A different perspective of the bedroom, showing the bed with a view across the room towards the window. Japanese-made blinds complement the space, adding texture and softening the light while enhancing the bold, geometric design of the Art Deco room](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1709116396598-2KFOL9XY3G130SW21SEU/Potts+Point+Apartment+12.jpg)
A different perspective of the bedroom, showing the bed with a view across the room towards the window. Japanese-made blinds complement the space, adding texture and softening the light while enhancing the bold, geometric design of the Art Deco room.
![A perspective past the reupholstered sofa, looking through the small curved balcony with its Art Deco railing towards the street tree canopy beyond. This shot captures the blend of vintage interior charm and the urban setting, offering a moment of t](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a582e34a803bbc243ddff7d/1725587144291-6ZNRE9Z0IL9PIED3HODO/Potts%2BPoint%2BApartment%2B9.jpg)
A perspective past the reupholstered sofa, looking through the small curved balcony with its Art Deco railing towards the street tree canopy beyond. This shot captures the blend of vintage interior charm and the urban setting, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the Cross.