Designing for a New Chapter: Our Manly Carillon Apartment Renovation

Some projects feel extra special because they mark not just a new home, but a new chapter of life. Our recent work on a Manly apartment renovation in the iconic Carillon building was exactly that.

Our client had owned this apartment for many years, renting it to tenants while she lived in her much larger Fairlight home. But with her children grown and her grandchildren visiting often, she decided it was time to downsize. The plan? Sell the big family house and move permanently into her Manly apartment, a place she intends to call home for the rest of her life.

The Challenge: Tricky Angles and Tight Parameters

At first glance, the Carillon apartment posed more than a few design hurdles:

• No right angles: not a single 90-degree corner anywhere in the layout.

• Difficult flow: sharp angles created awkward sightlines and movement through the space.

• Fixed services: plumbing and services had to remain where they were, ruling out any major layout overhauls.

And while our client wanted a stylish and welcoming home, she was also reluctant to overinvest — a tension we often see in projects where practicality meets aspiration.

Drawing Out the Wishlist

Our first step was to sit down with her and uncover what mattered most. Over time, her vision became clear:

• A set up fit for family gatherings, where she could cook for children and grandchildren on weekends.

• A place to sew, a creative pursuit she loves.

• Comfortable spaces that felt warm, personal, and easy to maintain. No nick nacks here - our client likes to live lean and without fussy detail.

• And perhaps most importantly, design choices that would allow her to age in place gracefully.

  
  

The Design Solution: Curves, Warmth, and Clever Choices

Instead of fighting the apartment’s angles, we leaned into them. We introduced curves to soften harsh lines, wrapping a central core of kitchen and living areas in warm timber. This created a sense of architectural interest where none had existed before — transforming the apartment’s quirks into standout features.

We made smart, enduring material choices, ensuring both style and functionality. The resulting design balances ease of living with a fresh sense of elegance - a home that feels distinctly hers.

Adding joinery and wrapping timber all the way around this central blade creates a warm and practical solution to a somewhat uninspired feature.

Principal Suite blending our clients passion for terrazzo and blues, adding practical storage and softening angles with curves.

Looking Ahead: A Home for Decades to Come

This project was never about a quick update. It was about creating a home for the next 30 years - a space that will evolve with her lifestyle, welcome her family, and support her as she enjoys this new chapter in Manly.

How lucky to have the opportunity to create not just a stylish apartment, but a true forever home by the ocean.

Guests are well catered for and when none are in residence, this room is a sewing sanctuary/ home office.

The renders we developed along the way made the vision tangible, helping our client see exactly how her apartment would transform. From soft curves to warm timber details, she could visualise her future home long before the first trades step onsite.

At Alix Helps Interiors, we know that every stage of life brings different needs. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, creating space for a growing family, or planning for retirement, we’re here to design a home that works beautifully - now and well into the future. Get in touch if you're planning a project - we'd love to hear from you.