Award-winning interior designer Shona McElroy has meticulously transformed a dated three-bedroom apartment in Sydney's eastern suburbs into a light-filled, Parisian-inspired residence. The founder of Smac Studio aimed to blend old-world elegance with contemporary living, incorporating features like soaring ceilings, chevron floors, dramatic marble, and oversized custom furniture.

McElroy, an Australian Interior Design Award nominee, described her design process as intentional, from reconfiguring the floorplan to maximize entertaining spaces to integrating clever storage solutions. "I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted my own home to look like, even though I spend my days designing for everyone else's needs," McElroy told Daily Mail. "I've always been drawn to beautiful European apartments with detailed cornices, chevron flooring and classic architectural features that never really go out of style."

Reimagining the Layout

When McElroy purchased the apartment in 2024, she sought a property with strong structural elements that she could redesign. "I wanted ceiling height, north-facing light and something I could actually transform," she said. "Views were always a bit of a pipe dream, but brightness was really important to me, as was finding somewhere that I could completely make my own."

The original layout, reflective of early 1900s design, featured a kitchen isolated from the living and dining areas. Recognizing the modern kitchen as the heart of the home, McElroy undertook a significant structural overhaul. The floorplan was reworked to create a generous open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space. "The kitchen was tucked away in its own little room, completely separate from the living and dining spaces," she explained. "This was very typical of homes from that era because the kitchen was considered a private place where food was prepared before being brought out to everyone else. But today the kitchen is really the heart of the home, so I knew straight away that the layout had to change."

The Statement Kitchen

The kitchen renovation was the most substantial structural change. A statement island was placed at the center of the space, fundamentally altering how the home is used. McElroy selected a marble slab with soft burgundy, green, rust, and gold veining that complements the apartment's overall color palette. "I wanted something that had all these beautiful colours running through it without feeling overwhelming. It's still incredibly classic," she noted.

Addressing concerns about natural stone, McElroy stated, "I think people are far too scared of marble. I literally got back from Europe yesterday where we were walking through buildings made almost entirely from marble, and they've been standing for hundreds of years." To balance the budget, she opted for simple, painted polyurethane cabinetry in the same color as the walls, focusing instead on high-quality hardware. "One of the easiest ways to make a kitchen feel expensive without blowing the budget is to keep the cabinetry simple and spend your money on beautiful hardware instead." Her bronze cabinet handles, a collaboration with Low & Co, became distinctive features.

A Living Room Designed for Connection

McElroy's favorite space is the living room, which is bathed in natural light. It features an oversized custom U-shaped sofa, inspired by 1970s conversation pits, designed to accommodate ample seating for entertaining. "I wanted as much seating as possible because we're in our early 30s and our home is all about entertaining, but I never wanted the room to revolve around a television," she said. "So many living rooms are designed around a screen, whereas I wanted ours to feel like somewhere people naturally gathered to sit, talk and spend time together."

Unable to find a suitable off-the-shelf sofa, she commissioned a custom piece. "Sometimes custom furniture really is worth the investment because it fits the room exactly as it should," McElroy stated. She also advises against choosing furniture that is too small, noting that larger pieces, when fitted comfortably, can make a room feel more generous.

The room is styled with oversized books, Murano wall sconces, and dramatic lighting. A bespoke Harley Rugs collaboration, inspired by Bottega Veneta handbag detailing, adds a significant touch of luxury.

Maximizing Storage in Bedrooms

Storage was a key priority, especially in an older apartment with limited built-in cupboards. The primary bedroom features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, enhanced by mirrored panels to reflect light. "I needed a huge amount of storage, but I didn't want it to feel like you were sleeping inside a wardrobe. The mirrors make everything feel lighter and much more spacious," she explained.

Warm mushroom-toned walls, linen Roman blinds, and a burgundy upholstered bedhead contribute to the sophisticated palette. Even the smallest guest bedroom was designed to feel like a boutique hotel suite, with curtains to create an intimate sleeping area. "Every single space in the home has a purpose, and I think that's what makes smaller homes feel much larger." Storage is integrated throughout, including under beds and behind bathroom mirrors.

Timeless Styling Principles

McElroy adheres to several core design principles. Scale is paramount, with large rugs recommended to make a room feel more expensive, ideally with all furniture resting comfortably on them. Layered lighting is another key rule, moving away from reliance on overhead downlights. "If you can light your home without turning on a single downlight, you're doing something right. We have wall sconces throughout the apartment because every corner deserves its own light source."

She also emphasizes designing spaces with purpose. "I think every corner needs intention. Whether it's somewhere to sit with a coffee, read a book or put your keys when you walk in the door, every space should feel like it's being used properly." This approach ensures that even smaller areas feel functional and considered.

Budget-Conscious Design Strategies

McElroy insists that an expensive look doesn't require a large budget. She advises investing in foundational elements like lighting and quality furniture before decorative accessories. A specific money-saving tip involves reducing wall-to-wall tiling in bathrooms, opting instead to paint walls outside wet areas for cost savings and visual contrast.

She advocates for a slow approach to purchasing artwork, waiting for pieces that will be loved long-term rather than filling walls for the sake of it. "I'd rather wait and buy something I know I'll love forever than spend money filling a wall just for the sake of it."

Avoiding Common Design Pitfalls

McElroy urges homeowners to measure spaces and plan layouts carefully before purchasing furniture to avoid costly mistakes. "People get excited, purchase something they love online, then realise it's completely the wrong size once it arrives. Good design starts with planning, not shopping."

She also suggests that larger artwork often has a greater impact on a large wall than multiple smaller pieces. "White space is important. Your house shouldn't be full of things simply because you think every surface needs decorating, so leave space for pieces you genuinely love to find their way into your home over time."

Trends for 2026

Looking ahead, McElroy sees a shift towards warmer, richer brown tones, a move away from cool, muted palettes. Velvet remains a favored fabric, and arches are expected to endure in appropriate settings. The all-beige aesthetic is identified as a trend likely to be regretted, often feeling "completely devoid of personality." McElroy advocates for the increased use of color to add character and personality to homes.