Mr&MrsElias Apartment Renovation Q & A

A Maroubra Penthouse Made for Living: The Mr & Mrs Elias Renovation

Website: https://sydneyrenovationshire.com.au/

When a design-savvy couple traded their terrace for a 20-year-old penthouse in Maroubra, they knew it had potential. It just needed some love. Their goal? A space that worked harder, felt bigger, and reflected their relaxed, real-life lifestyle. Enter design & construct firm: Mr & Mrs Elias.

Making Every Square Metre Count

This isn’t a huge apartment, just two beds and two baths. But you wouldn’t know it. The layout was completely rethought to make the most of every inch, and it shows.

The kitchen measuring 4m x 3m now centres the living space with clean lines, smart storage, and an inviting feel thanks to the Coogee Antique Sage Green Kit Kat Mosaic Tile from TileCloud. With a full-height pantry, integrated fridge, and concealed laundry, it’s designed to be beautiful and hardworking.

The main bathroom (3.5m x 2m) keeps things calm and practical with layered textures and clever storage. In the ensuite (2.5m x 1.5m), they swapped the bath for a generous walk-in shower, finished floor to ceiling in the deep toned Coogee Antique Forest Green Kit Kat. It feels bold but still totally serene.

Designed Around Real Life

Before any plans were drawn up, the team at Mr & Mrs Elias spent time getting to know the couple, what they loved, what they needed and how they actually lived. One of their clients needed a nook for working from home and a spot for their guitar. The other needed ample bench space in the kitchen. And both wanted the apartment to work seamlessly for their two cats.

From there, the materials palette started to build itself: natural timber, warm tones, and soft greens that tied everything together. TileCloud’s Coogee Kit Kat tiles were a big part of that story, helping to bring cohesion and texture to key areas.

In this apartment, they helped connect the kitchen and bathrooms with a shared visual thread, each with its own take. Ordering samples early made all the difference. The team used them to test tile colours with timber, joinery, and lighting so the palette felt natural and cohesive before anything was locked in.

Tips for First-Time Renovators

Smart planning is key when working with a smaller footprint. Whether you're tackling a tight layout or trying to squeeze more function into each room, these tried-and-tested tips from Mr & Mrs Elias can help you make the most of it.

This reno was delivered by Mr & Mrs Elias from start to finish, and they’ve got plenty of experience when it comes to making tight spaces work. Here’s what they suggest:

Start with a clear plan and a realistic budget. Kitchens and bathrooms involve the most trades and usually account for the biggest part of your budget, so they’re the best place to focus your energy early. Think about what matters most in each space. Need more prep space in the kitchen? Check out our small kitchen design ideas and kitchen storage tips. Trying to make a compact bathroom feel bigger? Start with small bathroom layout advice and bathroom storage solutions.

Being clear about your must-haves keeps the design focused and the budget working harder. A well-thought-out plan also makes it easier to spot opportunities for clever storage, like built-ins, concealed laundries, and joinery that does double duty.

And don’t forget to plan for a buffer. Even the smoothest builds uncover a surprise or two, especially in older apartments. Leave some breathing room in your budget so you can handle the unexpected with less stress.

“Taking the time to plan properly at the start makes the process smoother and helps ensure the end result feels thoughtful, functional, and tailored.”

Delivered by Mr & Mrs Elias

As a design and construct firm specialising in architectural apartment renovations, they manage everything under one roof from initial concepts and approvals through to construction and final styling. This integrated approach ensures a smoother process and a finished home that feels cohesive and carefully considered. It’s exactly this combination of design expertise and construction know-how that made them the right team for the job.

This project reflects what they do best, creating apartments that are smart, functional, and beautiful without compromise. Downsizing doesn’t have to mean giving up on luxury or lifestyle. With thoughtful design, clever storage, and the right materials, even a smaller footprint can feel generous and refined.