Man behind stylish Sydney bars applies magic to apartment reno

Man behind stylish Sydney bars applies magic to apartment reno

This is no ordinary warehouse apartment reno and it’s perhaps not surprising when you learn who is behind it: Jonathan Friend is the owner of JForm – the Sydney-based commercial fitout and shopfitters known for their signature designs in cafes, shops and bars.

Jonathan Friend has given his Surry Hills apartment a truly unique look

With a particularly fabulous kitchen with imported Italian marble bench, every inch of this Surry Hills one-bedder is a bit of a show-off. Jonathan says the large, tiled, handmade kitchen island is his favourite element. “This this was super fun to design and build.”

With 5m high ceilings, an oversized 76sqm open plan layout and plenty of natural light, there’s nothing average about this stylish place, full of custom joinery. It’s set within a renowned warehouse conversion just steps from the best cafes and restaurants, as well as Central Station. Upstairs, there’s a loft bedroom with full ensuite and of course built-ins.

Jonathan was drawn to the blank canvas of the Kippax Street pad but enjoyed adding layers of colour and interest to it. “It was unique in its own factory conversion way. The huge arched windows are its bones.” And he loves the finished reno. “It was a great outcome. I love coming home. It feels super calming stepping off the busy streets into a somewhat utopia.”

It’s now for sale though, with Jonathan saying it would suit someone after something a bit different. “It’s unique and a bit fun. There’s a lot of sameness now in new renovations and I really wanted this apartment to have its own character.

“It’s a place of great energy; a place you come to relax and unwind.”