04 HOME TOUR The addition of an elegant palette of blush, cream and green and the incorporation of soft curves further contributed to a sense of cohesiveness that Smac Studio was keen to accentuate. McElroy adds that the overall seamlessness of the home tracks right back to the original designs, “It’s one of the first projects where our original concept translated almost exactly into the built outcome. When I look back at the initial hand sketches, they’re remarkably close to what stands today.” She continues, “I’ve always believed that the clearest vision exists at the very beginning when you’ve considered every linkage, every material relationship, the full palette. Because we stayed so true to that early thinking, the house has a strong sense of unity. And stylistically, the clients and I were completely aligned. It seemed like we really had the same thing in mind for the outcome.” Some favourite integrated design elements include the pink Rosa Murcia marble and creamy Calacatta Oro marble in a checkerboard pattern on the floor, visible in both the kitchen and the pool area, and the pink and white stone used in both the kitchen and one of the bathrooms that comes from the same slab. Two substantial marble steps making up the new staircase also visually link back to the kitchen and flooring. Taking into account the family’s needs and lifestyle was key to the renovation. “Music is central to this family; they play the piano and collect records, so we designed custom brass-lit shelving to display their vinyl collection as art. A bespoke resin record table by Aldini showcases the turntable below. Behind the sofa, a branching wall light was created in collaboration with South Drawn Studio,” explains the team. Jenna was thrilled with the result, particularly the entertaining prospects. “One of our favourite weekend traditions is hosting pizza and pastamaking days with friends (and plenty of great wine). The open-plan kitchen and large island are perfect for it. We often have ten people gathered around cooking and eating, while the little ones play nearby in the living areas, always within sight. It’s exactly how we wanted to live in this home,” she gushes. The result, in McElroy’s words, is “a thoughtful merging of the home’s existing European character — steel doors, traditional proportions — with a contemporary sensibility.” It doesn’t sit neatly in one stylistic category; not purely modern, classic or mid-century, but something altogether more considered. “Layered, expressive and individual” — which is, she says, exactly what Smac Studio set out to create. INTERIOR DESIGN: Shona McElroy, Smac Studio, @smac_studio, smacstudio.com.au PHOTO STYLING: Jack Milenkovic @jackmilenkovic PHOTOGRAPHER: Anson Smart @smartanson WORDS: Olivia Storrie “I’ve always believed that the clearest vision exists at the very beginning when you’ve considered every linkage, every material relationship, the full palette.” — Shona McElroy
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