Home Tour: Mirror Image in Dover Heights Becomes a Luxurious Entertainer’s House

In the coastal suburb of Dover Heights, Sydney, a two-storey duplex property has been turned into a showstopping home with a European touch for a family of five.

Known as Mirror Image, which was shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Interior Design Award, it’s not just a residence but a symphony of light, space, and meticulous detail delivered by Shona McElroy, principal of Smac Studios, Van Rooijen Meyers Architects and Airth Building.

“The design brief was to create an entertainer’s house with a ‘wow’ factor, like something out of a magazine,” Shona shares. This directive led to a collaboration where Shona’s vision for a bright, airy space met the client’s desire for modern European influences.

Modern Take on Europen Styles

Smac’s signature style shines through in the intricate details and thoughtful use of materials throughout the house. “I love modern takes on European ancient styles,” Shona says.

This is evident in features like the Venetian plaster, chevron floors, and marble accents. These elements, coupled with clean lines and a modern layout, have created a family home that is both luxurious and welcoming. 

At the heart of Mirror Image is its grand entrance, a narrow space transformed into a formal marvel. The curved Elba marble staircase with Verde Antigua inserts twists elegantly through the foyer, complemented by a stunning Christopher Boots light, creating a visual masterpiece that is both functional and decorative.

“It was a big priority to get the formality of that entrance and allow people to come in and have their ‘wow’ factor moment,” Shona reflects. “The entry really sets the tone, separating public and private spaces while exuding a sense of arrival,” the designer adds of the mesmerising scene that first greets guests.

A Communal Place to Break Bread

The kitchen was also reconfigured and flipped onto the shared wall of the duplex. A sage-green stone for the kitchen was an early favourite for both the client and Shona. The stone’s ethereal, almost onyx-like quality, with its translucent depth, sage green colour, and bronzy veining, beautifully complements the solid burnished brass rangehood.

The cantilevered island, supported by substantial steel reinforcements and a 100-millimetre-thick benchtop, features a shadow line that separates it from the solid base. This design allows for comfortable seating with legs tucked underneath, encouraging conversation and making the kitchen a central, communal space perfect for families and guests to gather and break bread.

Industry Accolades

This was overcome by the clever use of mirrors and strategically placed windows to reflect and capitalise on the natural light. The kitchen, for example, features beautiful mirrors that hide the joinery and reflect the garden light, enhancing the room’s airy feel.

Reflecting on the project’s success, Shona is both proud and humbled by the result, which was recognised with a nomination for an Australian Interior Designer Award. “I was so stoked and overwhelmed,” she admits of the accolade, describing the moment as “out of this world.”

PROJECT CREDITS:

Architects: Smac Studio @smac_studio, Van Rooijen Meyers Architect

Photography: Anson Smart @smartanson

Photo styling: Claire Delmar @clairedelmar

Construction: Airth Building @airthbuilding

Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan

Enjoyed our home tour of Mirror Image and want to keep perving some of the most stylish places going around? Take a look inside Light House in Vaucluse, then discover the cottage-cool charm of this Balmain home.