Design firm Killing Matt Woods was commissioned to complete the interiors of a modern loft apartment for two design professionals in Sydney, Australia. The brief called for a space that felt architectural and confident, while still supporting everyday living. What emerged is an interior that leans into mood and materiality rather than playing it safe.
The west facing apartment is arranged as a generous open plan space, anchored by a custom designed kitchen. Above it, a mezzanine bedroom overlooks the living room below, creating a strong visual connection between levels. A small terrace extends the apartment outward, reinforcing the sense of openness despite the compact footprint.
One of the defining features of the apartment is its full height glazed wall, which floods the interior with natural light. This brightness deliberately counterbalances the darker, brooding palette used throughout the space. The result is a careful tension between light and shadow, where the architecture does much of the emotional work.
Although the apartment was originally briefed as a brutalist concrete box, remarkably little cement was used in its creation. The seemingly solid concrete elements are made from Glass Reinforced Cement, a lighter material that uses far less cement than traditional techniques. The concrete appearance itself is achieved using Porter’s French Wash paint, delivering the desired texture without the weight.
To soften the darker tones, a homely mid century influence runs through the apartment. Film faced plywood and American Oak joinery introduce warmth, while brass accents and statement lighting add moments of refinement. These elements prevent the interior from feeling severe, instead grounding it in comfort and familiarity.
In the loft bedroom, curved ceilings add an unexpected softness to the otherwise strong architectural language. A timber headboard spans the space, cleverly concealing storage within. A cut out shelf creates room for lighting and a small selection of decorative objects, keeping the sleeping area calm and uncluttered.
Tucked discreetly behind the kitchen, the bathroom continues the apartment’s dark, refined tone. A walk in shower sits behind a black framed glass screen with a separate shower door, keeping the space visually light while maintaining privacy and function.
This Sydney loft proves that dark interiors can feel rich rather than heavy when material choices, light and layout are handled with care.
Photography by Katherine Lu | Design: Killing Matt Woods | Builder: Green Anvil Co | Styling: Madeline McFarlane
