Sydney
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH SHONA MCELROY
Sydney Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Shona McElroy
Sydney’s design, interiors, and architecture scene has rapidly evolved—blending cutting-edge innovation with the city’s iconic coastal and urban landscapes. In this curated Sydney design guide, SMAC Studio, an award-winning local interior design firm, shares their favourite places to eat, explore, and experience creative inspiration across the city.
With an emphasis on seamless indoor-outdoor living, Sydney’s designers draw deeply from nature to create spaces that balance luxury with sustainability. From forward-thinking architecture to reimagined heritage buildings, Sydney continues to thrive as a dynamic hub for interior designers and design-conscious travellers alike.
OCTOBER 2024
Words: designeers and shona mcelroy
Local’s Lunch Spot:
Sean’s Panorama
Delicious farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed setting – views of Bondi Beach included.
sunset spot:
Watson’s Bay
Watch the sun go down over the city from the rooftop of the Watsons Bay Hotel (pictured) or enjoy classic fish and chips on the beach at Doyles.
city beach:
Bondi Coastal Walk
This ocean trail will take you from Bondi Beach, past the white Icebergs Pool, all the way to Coogee. If you’re in town in October/November make sure to start at the Bondi end so you can see “Sculptures by the Sea” — a giant, free, open-air art exhibition.
INNER CITY STAY:
Ace Hotel
Housed in an old brick factory, this five-star boutique hotel serves contemporary chic with a side of old soul.
mardi gras stay:
Oxford House
Built in the ‘60s and recently renovated, this hotel gives compact Palm Springs vibes right in the heart of Oxford Street (Sydney party central every March).
a-list stay:
Paramount House
Formerly the headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios in Australia, this hotel in a heritage building has its own cinema — which film executives used to use as a screening room.
A weekend in the country:
Osborn House
Layers of thoughtful styling elevate this hotel in Bundanoon, a small town in the New South Wales Southern Highlands (two hours drive south from Sydney).
A Bit of Sparkle:
Lucy Folk
This creative, textured jewellery and clothing store on William Street, Paddington was inspired by Marrakech and designed by Tamsin Johnson, a great local interior designer.
Artisan Lights:
Christopher Boots
While Christopher lives and works out of Melbourne, one of his beautiful pieces can be seen in our office at 38B Gurner St, Paddington. Called the “Prometheus VII”, it’s a crystal-quartz pendant light that hangs elegantly over our marble meeting table.
Art Gallery:
Sydney Modern Project
This gallery combines a brand new structure, a revitalised historic building and beautiful gardens. I love to walk from the Sydney Modern along the water to Lady Macquaries Chair, then on to the Opera House. From there you can watch the sun set behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge from one of the harbourfront bars. Never gets old.
Palm Beach:
Lighthouse Walk
A short bushwalk taking in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the peaceful inlets nearby. Spot migrating humpback whales between May and November.
City Bar:
Shell House
A refurbished palazzo-style building that’s lost none of its personality. Heritage cool, like an episode of Mad Men.
local gallery:
St Cloche
Beautifully curated contemporary pieces, featuring both established and emerging artists.
Time To Dance:
Caterpillar Club
An underground music bar with one of the world’s largest private record collections.
Great Italian:
10 William St, Paddington
Elegant dishes and a wine list that’ll impress your snobbiest friend.
Relaxed Lunch:
Bert’s, Newport
Located on Sydney’s chill northern beaches, this breezy retro brasserie is pure coastal cool.
Mozzarella Bar:
Buffalo Dining Club
A small, intimate space in Darlinghurst. Everything they do, they do well.
Fresh Fish:
Lulu’s
A Bondi restaurant that identifies as “Pan Asian” with some of the freshest fish in town. (If you want something more casual, try nearby sushi restaurant Raw Bar.)
More from SMAC Studio
Daring and Elegant Design with SMAC Studio
SMAC Studio is an award-winning interior design firm with projects published in Vogue Living, Belle and Domino. With degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture, the team has a knack for clever spatial planning. Fresh, young and easy to work with, they never build the same thing twice.
More Destinations
