Alisa and Lysandra's surprise renovation of Mum's apartment

Alisa and Lysandra, the design duo famed for their impeccable design talents, have once again delivered a stunning transformation – this time, for someone especially close to their hearts. Their mum's unit in South Brighton, South Australia, has been completely revamped into a luxurious yet functional space that embodies timeless elegance. The renovation, which took place while their mum was travelling for six months, remained a complete surprise until her return in August 2024.

“We were so excited to create something truly special for Mum,” says Alisa. “She had no idea, and when she saw the space, it was all worth it!” The six-month project was kept entirely under wraps, allowing Alisa and Lysandra to renovate without their mum’s knowledge. The final reveal was an emotional and heartfelt moment for the family.

The design inspiration for the unit was to create a timeless ‘modern classic' aesthetic. Alisa and Lysandra aimed for a space that feels clean, light and airy, yet still retains character and exudes luxury. They achieved this through thoughtful design tactics, including elegant wall panelling, detailed pinch pleat curtains, a carefully chosen colour palette, and sophisticated furniture selections that would stand the test of time.

A standout feature of the renovation is the bathroom. Previously, the compact unit lacked space for a bathtub, but by combining the separate toilet with the bathroom, the sisters were able to create enough room for a freestanding bathtub, a feature their mum had long wished for. “The bathroom transformation is one of my favourite parts of the renovation.

Mum had always wanted a big bathtub, and we were finally able to give her that,” shares Alisa.

Every decision was made with the intention of creating a cohesive, timeless look that their mum would love and enjoy. To enhance the luxurious feel of the small space, high-end finishes like natural stone countertops in the kitchen and feature lighting elevate the overall look.

However, what truly completed the space are the beautiful, timeless Luxaflex® window furnishings, that played a critical role in creating a harmonious blend of functionality, style and elegance, tying the entire design together seamlessly.

“Luxaflex® products have greatly enhanced the style of the unit, both inside and out,” says Lysandra. “Inside, the elegant curtains and Duette Shades® complement the neutral colour scheme, adding a fresh and timeless look. The textured fabric of the curtains brings depth, while the Luxaflex® Polysatin® Plantation Shutters are perfect for wet areas like the bathroom and laundry, offering durability without compromising on style.

From the outside, the curtains and Duette Shades® add a sleek and clean appearance, improving the overall curb appeal and add a layer of privacy from neighbours!”

In the living and dining areas, as well as the master bedroom, the sisters opted for Luxaflex® Duette® Shades paired with Luxaflex® Curtains. The Duette® Shades, with their innovative honeycomb-within-a honeycomb structure, were chosen for their energy-efficient and insulation properties, helping to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. “The Duette® Shades are fantastic for keeping the space cool in summer and warm in winter,” says Alisa.

The combination of layering window treatments adds softness to the design while keeping a luxurious feel. The Emerson Raw fabric used for the curtains was specifically chosen to complement the unit’s neutral colour palette. Its subtle texture provides interest to the interiors, blending seamlessly with the carefully selected finishes. “The fabric is perfect, it adds the right touch of warmth and movement without overwhelming the space,” adds Lysandra.

Though the unit is compact, Alisa and Lysandra carefully planned the layout to maximise functionality and comfort requiring a careful balance between aesthetics and functionality. By opening up the living, dining, and kitchen areas, they created a sense of spaciousness that defied the unit’s small footprint. Light colours, clever storage solutions, and thoughtful design choices contributed to making the home feel luxe and inviting.

“This renovation was about more than just design,” Alisa reflects. “It was a way for us to give back to Mum, creating a space that she can truly enjoy and feel comfortable in for years to come.”

For further information, visit www.Luxaflex.com.au.

What I love about Alisa and Lysandra's surprise renovation Mum's apartment

Firstly, I love that the girl's thought to do this for their mum. How good is that?
I really like to see a renovation like this where although the girl's have done some major restructuring with the bathroom, the actual footprint remains as it is. We are so used to seeing big fancy kitchens and butler's pantries online, that we think that every house should be like this. In fact, most houses and apartments built a number of years ago, can never accommodate what we see on Pinterest. This renovation shows how you can completely transform the look of a place without spending a fortune with builders, and still get an absolutely lovely result.
The kitchen is fresh and appealing with good quality finishes. The look is classic and so will stand the test of time.
The wall panelling is inspired and really elevates the look of the apartment.
I love the way the bedroom has been decorated with beautiful linen curtains, a chunky wool knit carpet with a lovely chunky rug layered on top. This really makes the bedroom cosy and comfortable.
I love the organic shape and colour of the bedside table with the pendant light.
The plastered walls in the bathroom work really well with the selection of tiles. Although tiles to the ceiling can look very luxurious, I often prefer a bathroom with painted or panelled walls with just tiles in the wet areas. It is less clinical and also easy to change to get an updated look.

I would love to hear your comments about this renovation in the section below.

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