Sydney
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH JILLIAN DINKEL
Sydney Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Jillian Dinkel
Between ocean breeze and urban flair, Sydney reveals its story through design. This is a city where nature and creativity flow together — where Art Deco architecture meets contemporary design studios, and where quiet sophistication defines even the most laid-back corners.
In this Sydney Design Guide curated by local tastemaker Jillian Dinkel, you’ll discover the city through a design-first lens: from sunrise swims at iconic beaches to sunset views over the harbour, from sculptural lighting studios to soulful independent bookshops.
Wander down mural-lined laneways, pause for coffee and cake at cult-favourite Sydney cafés, and explore interior design showrooms where vintage treasures and emerging makers coexist. Indulge in transformative wellness rituals, discover sustainable architecture that breathes with its surroundings, and stay in design-led hotels that embody the spirit of the city.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Words: designeers and Jillian dinkel
A DESIGN HOTEL TO STAY IN:
Capella
A heritage icon reimagined, Capella Sydney blends sandstone grandeur with contemporary elegance. Just steps from Circular Quay and the Opera House, it offers 192 refined rooms, Brasserie 1930 dining, crafted cocktails at McRae Bar, and the restorative Auriga Spa — a sanctuary of Indigenous-inspired treatments and wellness.
An artisan everyone should know about:
Nicole Lawrence
Nicole Lawrence is an Australian designer celebrated for her sculptural lighting and fluid metal forms. Working primarily in brass and pearl, she creates wall sconces and fixtures that balance soft elegance with architectural strength. Each piece is handmade in her Melbourne studio, showcasing a deep commitment to craftsmanship and contemporary Australian design.
Favourite outdoor space or garden for a moment of tranquillity:
Sydney’s Ocean Rock Pools
Scattered along the coastline, Sydney’s ocean rock pools are a defining part of the city’s beach culture. From the iconic Bondi Icebergs to hidden neighbourhood gems, these tidal pools invite you to swim where the ocean meets stone. Beloved by locals for sunrise laps and by visitors for their breathtaking views, they embody the city’s unique blend of nature, leisure, and design.
A Design precint:
Wunderlich Lane
Stretching between Redfern and Surry Hills, Wunderlich Lane is a design-led precinct by SJB Architects, Toga Group, and Studio Prineas that transforms a historic industrial site into a cultural destination. With interiors by George Livissianis and landscaping by 360 Degrees, it blends heritage with modern flair, featuring The Eve Hotel, curated dining, and boutique retail - a vibrant new chapter in Sydney’s design scene.
A breakfast stop:
Flour and Stone
Tucked away in Woolloomooloo, Flour and Stone is one of Sydney’s most beloved bakeries, famed for its iconic panna cotta lamingtons and artisanal cakes. Using premium local ingredients, the bakery crafts pastries and desserts that feel both indulgent and handmade with care.
A must visit street or neighbourhood
Potts Point
Just east of the CBD, Potts Point is one of Sydney’s most stylish neighbourhoods, celebrated for its Art Deco architecture, leafy streets, and vibrant café culture. The area blends heritage charm with modern sophistication, offering boutique hotels, curated design stores, wine bars, and acclaimed dining. With harbour views and a creative energy that attracts locals and visitors alike, Potts Point is a must-visit destination for design lovers in Sydney.
BEST spot for a sunset view:
North Head, Manly
At the entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head offers sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs and walking trails through native bushland. Part of Sydney Harbour National Park, this headland near Manly carries layers of history yet feels surprisingly untouched. The lookout platforms by CHROFI subtly anchor the site, using sandstone and weathered steel to frame the horizon and connect visitors to the landscape without distraction. A quiet spot for perspective — in every sense.
A PLACE TO FIND ART, FURNITURE AND DESIGN:
Studio Gardner
Located in Rushcutters Bay, Studio GARDNER is a Sydney design gallery showcasing collectible furniture, art, and vintage pieces. Founded in 2023, it blends contemporary design with emotional storytelling, championing both local and international makers. Each work is chosen for its craftsmanship and timeless appeal, making Studio GARDNER a must-visit destination for design lovers in Sydney.
A spa & wellness space to unwind :
Venustus
In Paddington, Venustus Beauty Lab is a boutique Sydney spa celebrated for its holistic treatments and energy-healing rituals. Founded by Jeannie Bourke, the crystal-filled space is as restorative as its therapies, from reiki and lymphatic massage to the signature six-hand treatment. Tailored for deep renewal, Venustus has become a cult favourite for wellness lovers seeking balance in the city.
Photography credits:
north head, MANLY – JOHN SPENCER/chrofi
More from Jillian Dinkel
From Couture to Craft: Inside Jillian Dinkel’s Innovative Interior Design
Jillian Dinkel is a Sydney-based interior designer known for her transformative take on heritage homes, where old bones meet modern soul. With roots in fashion at Condé Nast New York and a decade spent styling stories for VOGUE and GQ, Jillian brings an editorial sharpness and a deeply intuitive design sensibility to every project. Her boutique studio reimagines period properties with precision and poetry, preserving history while crafting spaces that feel personal, layered, and effortlessly current.
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