Pied-à-Terre by Smac Studio

There is a particular kind of home that feels entirely and unmistakably like its owner. Pied-à-Terre in Woollahra, Sydney, is one of those. Designed by Smac Studio for a well-travelled, retired lawyer with a love of deep greens, aubergine tones, and a lifetime of beautiful collected objects, the result is a home that is serene and considered, yet full of personality and warmth.

The house itself has a meaningful history. Designed in 2000 by the late architect Ercole Palazzetti – a close friend of the owner's – it carries clear Italian influences that feel present throughout. "It feels quite meaningful living in something that connects back to that friendship," says Gina, the owner. "I really wish I could show him what I've done with the space now."

Originally a dark, inward-facing 1990s build, the home presented both challenge and opportunity. Smac Studio principal Shona McElroy made a series of small but considered interventions to the layout that make a big difference to daily living and entertaining. Most significantly, this involved relocating the kitchen from a tucked-away U-shaped corner to a central island position that now faces the garden. The fireplace was repositioned too, better defining the dining and living zones.

"This house feels Parisian in a way I've always been drawn to," says McElroy. "It uses space cleverly and is a perfect reflection of the client. It really belongs to her."

The colour palette, defined by olive green and aubergine, was drawn directly from Gina's love of her garden and her travels. Olive green appears in the kitchen stone, living room cabinetry, ensuite, and the custom media room couch, while aubergine runs through the checkerboard entry floor, the guest bathroom, and powder room. The wall colour, a green-toned shade that Gina initially hesitated over when she saw the word "grey" in its name, turned out to reflect the tones of the stone beautifully.

At the heart of the home, the kitchen is anchored by a deep green leathered granite – a slab Gina spotted the moment she walked into the stone warehouse. "I took one look and said, 'That's it.'" The same stone appears on the splashback and fireplace mantle, giving the ground floor a warm and textural cohesion. A mirrored finish on the splashback bounces the garden's greenery back into the room, keeping Gina connected to the outside even while cooking.

Always strong on creating distinct landing areas that welcome and set the mood, Smac Studio created an entrance that sets the tone from the moment you arrive. Generously sized and layered with character, it features an aubergine and white checkerboard marble floor, a curvy wave rattan console, and a sunburst mirror – a pairing Gina admits she wouldn't have landed on alone. "That's one of the perks of working with an interior designer," she says. "They can see combinations you wouldn't try yourself."

The powder room, small but full of presence, became one of the project's most joyful moments. Just before painting was due to begin, Gina emailed McElroy to suggest wallpaper instead. William Morris was chosen, its aubergine tones tying back to the broader palette, paired with a checkerboard marble floor and a curvy white stone vanity. "It's definitely a luxury moment," says Gina. "Little but full of personality."

As a self-confessed maximalist with collections of bottles, teapots, shells, and photographs gathered from years of travel, Gina needed the design to help her declutter. Smac Studio responded by simplifying the joinery and purposely reducing shelving, ensuring only the most special pieces earn their place on display. "I find it really difficult, it's not in my nature," Gina admits. "But it's made a real difference."

Throughout the home, a number of pieces were sourced at auction, adding individuality to each room. A Christophe Delcourt coffee table and a mid-century bar cart from Melbourne – 1950s, with delicate feet, curved lines, and crystal glasses inherited from Gina's mother and uncle – elevate the living room with a sense of history. Three mirrors were won in a single night of online bidding, including the sunburst at the entrance, after Gina placed bids and went to bed assuming she'd be lucky to win one.

"The house feels like a little haven," says Gina. "It's calm but still full of personality. At first I worried that bringing in a designer might make it feel impersonal – but instead it feels entirely like me."

Credits

Interior Design: Smac Studio

Principal of Smac Studio: Shona McElroy

Styling: Jack Milenkovic

Photography: Dave Wheeler