Before & After: a retro apartment is unrecognisable after a chic, modern makeover

A tired and dated penthouse apartment has received a complete transformation and is now almost unrecognisable – all that remains is the floor-to-ceiling views over Boston's skyline.

The owners brought on designer Sashya Thind, founder of Ideate Design Studio (@id8designstudio), to help create a more open-plan layout, and a warmer interior scheme.

Ideate Design Studio gutted the property and reconfigured the layout, then gave it a more modern interior design with a warm colour palette.

Inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese interiors, the designers chose a warm white and oak wood palette, with touches of limestone and marble, to create a timeless, minimalism and airy feel throughout.

See Also: Before & After – See a jaw-dropping farmhouse transformation

KITCHEN - BEFORE

Before, a dated, L-shaped kitchen was separate from the dining space beyond. 

(Image credit: Before)

(Image credit: Before)

KITCHEN - AFTER

Now, a larger kitchen takes its place and carries right through to the end wall, thus making the most of the skyline views.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

The new, open-plan kitchen incorporates a dining table that can seat six, while mirrored kitchen cabinet doors help to bounce light around, and break up the wood kitchen theme.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

The kitchen now offers open plan living, more storage and tremendous, unobstructed 180-degree views over the Massachusetts State house, the Charles river and the Boston Common – the ultimate eat-in dining experience.

The kitchen island also incorporates plenty of kitchen storage.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

DINING AREA - BEFORE

Before, a dated, metallic wallpaper created a cold, harsh and unwelcoming environment.

(Image credit: Before)

DINING AREA - AFTER

Now, warm woods make this light and bright space feel warmer and more welcoming.

A long, bespoke bench along the window's edge offers the residents and their guests uninterrupted views.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

Design highlights include custom cabinetry, Bellini dining chairs, Ethnicraft dining table, Juniper and Secto lighting.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

HOME OFFICE - BEFORE

The home office already featured a stunning parquet floor, but cried out for a fresh new look.

(Image credit: Before)

HOME OFFICE - AFTER

Now  the home office features a more rustic scheme of woods and leather, to match the scheme in the dining area. The wood desk sits directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

BEDROOM - BEFORE

The bedroom featured an old, plush carpet, and vintage decor.

(Image credit: Before)

BEDROOM - AFTER

It now incorporates more storage, and lots of natural materials.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

BATHROOM - BEFORE

The old, tired bathroom scheme featured a light brown colour palette and dated fittings.

(Image credit: Before)

BATHROOM - AFTER

A lighter palette has given the bathroom a more spacious feel. Marble chevron tiles in the shower room complement the marble bathroom flooring, while his n hers sinks offer ample space for getting ready.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)

Built-in bathroom storage behind the door makes the most of unused space.

(Image credit: Michael J Lee)