Bring out the best in your Sixties Sydney apartment

Neutral Bay is home to several 60s-era apartment buildings brimming with potential and unique character. If you’re lucky enough to call one of these groovy spaces home, chances are you’re eager to inject modern life into its vintage bones. Here’s how to revamp your 60s Sydney apartment while honouring its retro roots.

7 ways to update your older Sydney apartment

Let there be light

The 60s embraced big open spaces, and natural light played a key role. Maximise this aspect by opting for light-filtering shades or sheer curtains. Linen Me is a family-owned business with a fantastic range of sheer linen curtains.

As for lighting, consider installing modern track lighting with adjustable spotlights to highlight artwork or architectural features. Another option is mid-century lighting from Coco Republic in Crows Nest, which includes wall sconces, chandeliers, funky floor lamps, and pendant lights with clean lines.

Breathe new life into timber veneer

Timber veneer was a defining feature of 60s design, adding warmth and texture. Instead of replacing the existing veneer, refinish it in a lighter, more contemporary stain. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rejuvenating wood veneer.

Mid-century modern with a twist

While we’re talking about timber, we recommend incorporating modern timber elements into your apartment, such as sleek coffee tables, sideboards, or floating shelves. From living to dining, check out the mid-century furniture range from HG Furniture Solutions.

Other mid-century modern furniture to watch out for is classic pieces with clean lines and simple silhouettes, like tulip chairs, Eames lounge chairs or Scandinavian-inspired armchairs. Glicks Furniture is a great starting point.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match vintage finds with contemporary pieces for a curated, eclectic look.

Add pops of colour

When you think of the 60s, we bet you imagine bold colours. Fortunately, statement pieces in vibrant colours blend well with modern timber furnishings to make the perfect 60s-style apartment. The key is strategically including pops of colour so they add personality without overwhelming the space.

Some suggestions include:

• A colourful rug from Ruggable.
• A sleek armchair in a different colour or texture from BoConcept in Crows Nest.
• Colourful throw blankets or cushions from Adairs in Artarmon.

This is an excellent guide to the 60s colour palette, but think avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange.

Greenify your space

Plants were a big part of 60s interior design and are just as trendy today. So, add life to your apartment with lush greenery. Opt for large statement plants like fiddle leaf figs or monsteras, or create a mini urban jungle with hanging planters and terrariums.

Head to Honeysuckle Garden in Mosman to check out their indoor plant collection. Remember, plants not only add visual interest but also improve air quality.

Technology with vintage vibes

Don’t let modern technology clash with your 60s-inspired space:

• Invest in a Samsung Frame TV with a minimalist wall-mounted frame that’ll blend seamlessly with your apartment’s clean lines.
• Hide unsightly cables behind furniture or invest in wireless options.
• Find a vintage-inspired Bluetooth speaker on Amazon.

Remember the small details

It’s the little things that make a big difference:

• Swap dated door handles for sleek modern hardware.
• Update light switches and power outlets with contemporary options.
• Play with geometric and retro wallpaper from Natty and Polly.
• Seek out vintage-inspired artwork.

At the end of the day, there’s no need to go over the top. It’s about making the interiors blend seamlessly with the apartment’s style through small updates.

Are you thinking of selling or renting out your property?

We’re the experts in the Neutral Bay property market, so have a chat with our team, and we can let you know what appeals to buyers and tenants.