With city lights, neighbourhood strolls, and a reliable roster of local eateries nearby – it’s a home - and postcode – that offers a marriage of convenience and character. We met Andrew to hear more about the space, the story behind it, and what he’ll miss most.
Old soul, new energy.
Author
BresicWhitney
Tucked inside one of Sydney’s original apartment blocks - ’Kurrajong’, a 1928 Art Deco gem by Ernest A. Scott & Green - this Darlinghurst building wears its history well. Inside, PR director Andrew Kirk has carved out something special: a two-bedroom apartment that’s equal parts sanctuary and showpiece, layered with design references, late-night memories, and the right amount of polish.
BW: Tell us a little about yourself.
AK: I’m Andrew Kirk, director of Mister Kirky Press Office. I work across communications and brand strategy for clients in design, culture, and hospitality. I’ve felt fortunate to call this beautiful old building home – she’s 97, but she’s still got good bones. I like to be close to the water and love walking, so it’s wildly convenient being right on the city’s edge and just a stroll from the harbour.
BW: How would you describe your home and the objects within it?
AK: It’s a very lived-in, layered space. The apartment has never looked this good—thank you, Joseph Gardner and Aaron Wong for helping me get her ready for sale. It helps that I work with Anibou because they have all the best furniture, thier iconic pieces fit well in any room, like the USM.
Some other favourites include a vintage Bombole sofa from Studio Gardner, pieces by Artek and ClassiCon, a John Booth ceramic head, and a Gubi brass mirror by Gio Ponti. My books and too many magazines (a hazard of my job) are tucked away for now, so I don’t look like a hoarder [laughs].
BW: What’s your approach to decorating?
AK: I am more of a collector than a decorator. I travel a lot, and I like bringing something back from each trip. My work puts me in front of a lot of amazing creatives, so I’m constantly exposed to clever ideas. I’m lucky to have some very talented mates and clients, and to live in a space that’s allowed all those pieces and influences to come together.
BW: What have you loved most about living here?
AK: It’s the light, the space, and that effortless livability. The bathroom is my favourite. It’s finished in traditional Tadelakt (a Moroccan stone plaster surface) with underfloor heating, which feels very cosy, and the polished concrete floors in the living areas are also very slick. The apartment is a lovely spot to entertain on the odd occasion I do entertain at home, but it’s just as easy to head out with so many great places right on your doorstep in and around Darlinghurst.
BW: What’s the local scene like?
AK: It’s pretty unbeatable. Gaku is next door for ramen, A.P. Bread and Wine just opened down the hill, and Pina, Room 10 and Fratelli Paradiso are all nearby. Barry’s is around the corner if I’m feeling motivated, and The Plant Shop opposite NAS is a favourite. Studio Gardner is always worth a visit. Then there’s Teta’s, Piccolo Bar, Darlo Bar, Una’s, Dimitri’s, Phamish...honestly—remind me why am I selling?
BW: What are your thoughts on parting with the apartment?
AK: I’ve loved living here, but it’s ready-made for someone else to make it their own.
View the listing: 18/136 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
