BEAUTY AT HOME WITH

Founder and Principal of interior design firm, Smac Studio, Shona McElroy welcomes us into her striking Eastern Suburbs apartment — a glamorous harbourside retreat shaped by her expertise in spatial design and daring, elegant style.

Set within a 1920s Spanish Mission building, defined by ornate ceilings and sculpted archways, the space has been thoughtfully transformed to honour its heritage while unlocking sweeping views across the iconic Sydney Harbour.

For Shona, her home is a deeply personal sanctuary, layered with bold art and objects gathered over time that mark life’s most significant milestones. It stands as a testament to her belief that thoughtful design should frame life’s most meaningful moments — from lively evenings hosting friends across her expansive U-shaped lounge, to quiet nights of rest and reflection in comfort.

The beauty of home is in the ability to host the most meaningful moments — from the cocooning solo relaxation of candles, slow music, and a book on a stormy night, to the chaos of a busy kitchen, champagne popping, open windows, and loud chatter around the table. Your home can reflect you and your personality, and it’s absolutely what you make it.

The large U-shaped lounge is a true extension of my personality, effortlessly adapting to every moment — whether it’s hosting over ten friends laughing and lounging while I entertain, or serving as my private haven to curl up under a blanket. It’s a space full of energy and life.

I think it’s my Gaetano Pesche vase. I’d had my eye on it for years, and when I finished the renovation, my family surprised me with it for my birthday. It feels deeply reflective of that major milestone in my life. I love how it serves as both a conversation piece and a tribute to the late artist.

I wanted to make the most of the space in terms of its hosting potential — I’m a huge entertainer and love having everyone over, as many people as possible. I also wanted the lighting to do a lot of the work, so that at night it transforms the space to feel as atmospheric and inviting as a beautiful French bar.

We design each space around its occupant, guiding them through every step of the design journey. Every element has a foundation in history or storytelling — there’s a reason for everything — which makes our spaces feel intrinsically connected to those who live in them. We also focus on introducing elements that reflect the occupant’s personality while allowing the space to evolve beautifully over time.

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