A Builder Grade Apartment, Elevated

There’s a particular kind of apartment that defines the early 2000s volume build era – functional, inoffensive, and easily forgettable. Standard finishes, dated carpets, splay mouldings, and mismatched materials left this Waterloo apartment lacking both personality and cohesion.

Convict Interiors approached the renovation with a clear vision: to create a home with the calm, enveloping feel of a luxury day spa. What followed is a lesson in how thoughtful detailing and the right architectural elements can completely transform a space without changing its footprint.

A Palette Built on Depth, Not Drama

Rather than relying on bold contrast, Convict Interiors focused on layering tonal finishes and subtle material variation to create warmth and quiet sophistication. Walls, ceilings, skirting and architraves were colour-drenched in varying shades of the same palette, allowing the space to feel cohesive and immersive. Subtle shifts in paint sheen – high-gloss trim against low-sheen walls introduce texture and depth without visual noise.

“The drenching in this space made it really welcoming and warm,” says Sam Eggleton of Convict Interiors. “It diffused the strong cool builder whites and suddenly the whole apartment felt considered.”

Architectural Detailing That Redefines the Space

Before finishes and furnishings, the foundation of the surface was addressed. All builder-grade trim was removed and replaced with Intrim’s SK23 skirting and architrave profile throughout. With its clean, coastal-Scandi curve, SK23 introduced a softer, more architectural feel to the interiors – instantly shifting the apartment from generic to intentional.

“The owner hadn’t anticipated just how much the new trim work would do.” Sam explains. “It really dressed it up – it made the whole space feel elevated.”

For designers specifying on apartment renovations, this project is a compelling demonstration of what a considered profile change can achieve, even before a lick of paint is applied.

Layered Materials and Lighting

Materiality plays a key role in reinforcing the apartment’s calm, cohesive feel. Herringbone oak flooring adds warmth and movement through the living areas. Tonal tiles in bathrooms create a seamless, spa-like atmosphere. Marble accents introduce subtle moments of luxury. Lighting was carefully layered to enhance mood and functionality. Oyster lights were replaced with a combination of wall sconces, recessed downlights, wall-washing illumination and concealed LED strips. Curtain pelmet lighting paired with linen sheers softens natural light while improving privacy—adding to the apartment’s relaxed, retreat-like quality.

Making Every Corner Count

Apartments live and die by their incidental spaces, and this one was no exception. A previously unused nook off the kitchen was reimagined as a fully integrated bar. Custom cabinetry, a wine fridge, and glass shelving turned dead space into a functional feature.

Designing for Everyday Living

This renovation shows that meaningful transformation doesn’t always depend on demolition. The layout stayed the same, but the experience of the apartment was entirely redefined through careful choices in finish, proportion and detail. From the profile of the skirting to the softness of the lighting, each element works quietly to shape an interior that feels settled, polished and inviting.

For anyone renovating an apartment, it’s a useful reminder that the smallest architectural decisions often have the greatest impact on how a home looks and lives.

Interior Design: Convict Interiors

Build: MJP Projects

Styling: Danielle Leigh Interiors

Photography: REM Design House