This harbourside home wasn’t maximising the view. Then a young couple tore it up
By Susan Redman
A 1920s apartment with harbour views is transformed into a Parisian-inspired haven.
Owners Shona McElroy and Hamish Cooke on a bespoke lounge anchored by a Smac x Hali “Vicenza” rug designed by McElroy.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The home: A top-floor apartment in a 1920s Spanish Mission building in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It features sandstone arches, soaring 3.3-metre ceilings and boasts an elegant street presence.
Who lives here: Interior designer Shona McElroy, principal of Smac Studio, and her partner, Hamish Cooke, an agent at Inglis Rural Property.
Upon entering, the formal hallway, lofty ceilings, curved archways and oak parquetry flooring create grandeur in an otherwise compact apartment.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Custom-made mirrored cabinetry provides storage and reflects light. The “Soho” wall lights are from Florabelle Living, the “Burlington” bed from Coco Republic.Credit: Jennifer Soo
What we did: “We re-imagined the layout, turning two bedrooms and one bathroom into a Parisian-inspired three-bedroom, two-bathroom home,” says McElroy. “It has an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area overlooking Sydney Harbour.”
Favourite room: “For the living room, we created a three-sided ‘lounge area’ inspired by ’70s conversation pits,” says McElroy. “The whole room is essentially one large white couch.”
A mirrored wall adds a sophisticated mood to the dining space. It features a built-in banquette sofa, marble table, mid-century chairs and Murano glass sconce.Credit: Jennifer Soo
McElroy moved living areas to capitalise on views, added “Forma” door furniture she designed for Lo & Co and anchored the kitchen with a Calacatta marble island.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The ’hood: “Edgecliff is perfectly positioned next to my favourite social hubs,” says McElroy. “It’s convenient, walkable, leafy and beautiful.”
Future plans: “As every designer knows, the work is never truly finished,” says McElroy. “I’d love more art to line the hallways.”
Best advice: “In smaller spaces, or in areas that need light, add mirrors, mirrors, mirrors,” says McElroy. “They make a room feel twice as big.”
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