As the development of Sydney's inner west and inner south continues, each area is taking on a new character of its own.

Architect Paul Buljevic of PBD Architects has designed many projects in the inner ring including The Madison in Petersham. He says the personality of each inner area close to the city is slowly evolving.

In Petersham, Buljevic looked to the future rather than tried to replicate the past. "That area will be going through a state of change in the coming months and years with new developments coming into play," he says.

"It's such a myriad mixed bag of styles and development and form and building typology in that area that there's no real predominant style or feature in terms of design ... this form of development of multi-res will become more prolific though."

Buljevic says future apartments in Petersham will tend to be boutique in style as other buildings in the area have traditionally been smaller scale.

He has also designed projects in Newtown, where, thanks to the eccentric nature of the suburb, he was able to play more with colours and finishes. One of Buljevic's projects incorporates a graffiti wall and public art feature in the exterior.

Further east in Rosebery, new developments such as Zeta are giving a nod to the area's industrial past, while others are developing more of a low-rise style to blend with some of the older freestanding housing stock.

Kevin Driver from Turnersarchitects says Zeta's design "reflects a timeless approach" that was cognisant of both the residents and wider urban landscape.

The Bank
112-114 New Canterbury Road, Petersham
One-beds 49 square metres - from $600,000
Two-beds 80 square metres - from $850,000
Strata levies From $500 a quarter
Due for completion Late 2016
Agent PM Realty, 0406 471 134

Adding to the fast-changing face of Petersham is this newly launched development in the heart of the shopping area.

A former inter-war bank building on the prominent corner of New Canterbury and Livingstone roads will be converted into apartments. The robust yet attractive facade of the building, which is currently used as a yoga studio, will be retained and a second complex added to the rear.

The boutique development from Everblaze will have 15 apartments and a smattering of commercial spaces with a courtyard between the three and four-storey buildings. All the apartments will have balconies and the kitchens will be fitted out with stainless-steel appliances.

About 30 per cent of the apartments have already been sold.

The Madison
31-33 New Canterbury Road, Petersham
One-beds 50-61 square metres - from $550,000
Two-beds 70-84 square metres - from $860,000
Strata levies From $500 a quarter
Due for completion Early 2017
Agent Service First Property Group; themadisonpetersham.com.au

With its curved lines and boutique size, The Madison should slot right into the eclectic landscape of Petersham.

MMK Developments brought in PBD Architects to design this new building just a block from Petersham's main retail strip. The building features two huge vertical blades that define the entrance into the apartments and allow in light and fresh air. Its curved corner facade is reminiscent of some of the older art deco and 1960s buildings in the area.

The Madison will house 33 residences configured as one- and two-bedroom units, some with studies. Some of the apartments will have city views.

A big selling point of The Madison is its convenience to the CBD via rail – Petersham train station is just a couple of blocks sway – and bus.

Zeta
94-102 Dalmeny Avenue, Rosebery
One-beds 50-75 square metres - from $690,000
Two-beds 73-98 square metres - from $985,000
Three-beds 93-119 square metres - from $1,225,000
Strata levies From $850 a quarter
Due for completion August 2016
Agent Meriton Sales, 0419 422 222 ; meriton.com.au/zeta

There are definite advantages to moving into a bigger development – namely the added lifestyle benefits.

From a fully equipped gym to an on-site child-care centre, Zeta in Roseberry is large enough to offer plenty of extras. It also has secure undercover parking with lift access and a dedicated building manager.

This 231-apartment Meriton development, designed by Turner architects, is set over a maximum six levels with a series of internal gardens. The upper levels of the five buildings are set back to provide private outdoor terraces that link to their apartments through floor-to-ceiling glass.

The top-floor apartments benefit from additional natural light, thanks to the buildings' folded roof design. Interior finishes include timber-look floor tiles in the living areas and ILVE stainless-steel appliances in the kitchens.