Boutique Inner-City Decorators

Expert House Painters Surry Hills | Heritage & Commercial Specialists

Bringing flawless artistry to Sydney’s creative heart. We specialize in the meticulous restoration of Victorian terraces, luxury interior painting for modern apartments, and premium fit-outs for Surry Hills' vibrant commercial spaces.

Request Your Free 2010 Consultation

Mastering the Unique Surry Hills Aesthetic

Surry Hills possesses a distinct, highly sought-after architectural character. It is a suburb where century-old Victorian terraces stand shoulder-to-shoulder with cutting-edge architectural apartment conversions, boutique cafes, and creative agency headquarters. A "standard" paint job simply will not suffice here. At Sydney Painters (operating as Colour of Choice Painting & Decorating), we provide an elite, tailored decorating service specifically designed for the 2010 postcode.


Led by our highly experienced Project Manager, Mick Celmer, our artisans are inner-city specialists. We understand the specific demands of painting in Surry Hills. From expertly navigating narrow, one-way laneways with our equipment, to delicately repairing water-damaged lath-and-plaster in an 1890s terrace, to executing razor-sharp, ultra-modern finishes in a minimalist Crown Street apartment—our commitment to flawless execution and site respect is unparalleled in the Eastern Suburbs.

Overcoming Inner-City Complexities

Painting a property in Surry Hills presents a unique set of logistical and technical challenges that out-of-area contractors often fail to anticipate. Historic terraces frequently conceal underlying issues such as rising damp, drummy render, deteriorated iron lacework, and potentially hazardous legacy lead paints. Modern apartments and strata complexes, on the other hand, require strict adherence to body corporate bylaws, noise restrictions, and complex access protocols.


We are experts at neutralizing these challenges. For heritage homes, our preparation protocol involves safe, compliant lead-paint encapsulation or removal, followed by the application of specialized binding primers that stabilize old, chalky masonry. For apartment and strata projects, our management team handles the complex logistics—securing council permits for scaffolding on tight footpaths, protecting common-area lift lobbies, and utilizing state-of-the-art Festool HEPA dust extraction systems to ensure your neighbors are completely undisturbed while we work.

Bespoke Surry Hills Services

Heritage Terrace Restoration

Reviving history with precision. We meticulously repair ornate cornices, ceiling roses, and intricate timber architraves. Our exterior team expertly restores traditional iron lacework and applies premium weather-shields that allow antique masonry to breathe while locking out urban pollution.

Luxury Apartment Interiors

Elevating your inner-city sanctuary. We specialize in transforming dark, confined spaces into expansive, light-filled modern homes. Utilizing ultra-premium, zero-VOC paints, we deliver a flawless, highly durable finish without off-gassing, ensuring your apartment is safe to sleep in the same night.

Boutique Commercial Fit-Outs

Surry Hills is defined by its hospitality and creative retail. We provide elite commercial painting for cafes, bars, and creative studios. We offer highly flexible after-hours scheduling to ensure your business experiences absolutely zero downtime during the renovation process.

The Mick Celmer Precision Blueprint

True luxury lies in the details unseen. Our proprietary workflow ensures every residential and commercial project in Surry Hills is executed to an exacting standard, bridging the gap between old-world craftsmanship and modern coating technology.


1. Contextual Consultation & Heritage Compliance

We begin by assessing the unique lighting of your inner-city space and the historical context of your architecture. We provide expert advice on period-accurate heritage color palettes for classic terraces, or contemporary, light-maximizing hues for modern lofts, ensuring compliance with local council heritage overlays if applicable.


2. Meticulous Urban Site Protection

Inner-city living means working in tight quarters. We treat your property with absolute reverence. All furniture is completely encapsulated, hardwood floors are shielded with heavy-duty RAM Board, and common strata areas are protected. We then execute a rigorous regimen of gap sealing, skim-coating, and priming.


3. Masterful Execution & Quality Control

Our master painters apply topcoats using techniques tailored to the surface—from delicate brushwork on Victorian fretwork to seamless airless spraying for expansive modern ceilings. Project Manager Mick Celmer conducts a stringent final quality assurance audit to guarantee razor-sharp cut-ins and a rich, luminescent finish.

Surry Hills Painting FAQs

Do you restore Victorian architectural details?

Yes. Surry Hills is famous for its Victorian architecture. We specialize in delicate heritage restorations, repairing ornate plaster ceilings, picture rails, complex timber fretwork, and the meticulous preparation required for century-old masonry.

How do you handle tight access & parking?

Inner-city logistics are our specialty. Our project management team handles all access requirements, including navigating narrow laneways, securing council parking permits for our vehicles, and coordinating with strata for safe access.

Are your paints safe for unventilated apartments?

Absolutely. For all apartment and terrace interiors, we exclusively utilize ultra-premium, low-VOC and zero-VOC paints. This guarantees a flawless, durable finish without any toxic odors, keeping your living space completely safe.