# YSG revamps Sydney apartment with art deco influences 1929 art deco building gets contemporary revival with bespoke design solutions. - **Source:** [Interior design | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/cb2e5f17-36d4-4880-b1ae-26168d46e00a) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/04c5215d-74b2-4eb5-924c-82f4341ffd88 ## Where History Meets Modern YSG Studio renovated a 95 sqm apartment in a 1929 art deco building, preserving original architectural details. High ceilings and chamfered surfaces highlight the era's character. Door heights were specially increased to accommodate the clients' over 2-meter stature. ## Spatial Innovations The linear layout centers around dining and entry areas. YSG developed smart solutions for spatial flow: an angled wall creates laundry space, continuing into a banquette in the dining area. These features maximize functionality in the compact footprint. ## Material and Color Story Ochre walls, chocolate brown upholstery and amber lighting revive art deco spirit. Geometric patterns inspired by Balkan rugs nod to the clients' heritage. Stainless steel surfaces pair with Lauriana quartzite in the kitchen for contemporary contrast. ## Personalized Narrative The clients' love for classical music (Rachmaninov, Bach) and admiration for Vermeer's chiaroscuro influenced the design. Dubbed 'The Gentleman', the project reflects their personalities. Lead white tones unify spaces while allowing original features to shine. ## Heritage Preservation Years of ad-hoc modifications were stripped away to reveal original art deco details. Door and window architraves were temporarily removed and heightened. New thresholds using Australian Red Cedar were crafted to match preserved original elements. ## Architectural Storytelling 'Every room has its special moment,' says YSG director Yasmine Ghoniem. The Opera House-view kitchen stands out with bold stone patterns. Futuristic banquette and sepia-toned bathroom complete the narrative. This project exemplifies successful dialogue with history. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/07/13/art-deco-apartment-sydney-ysg/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._