Jillian Dinkel, an acclaimed interior designer, has meticulously reimagined Kilmory House, a venerable Arts and Crafts residence nestled in the exclusive Point Piper enclave of Sydney, Australia. Her vision has transformed this historical dwelling into a sophisticated haven dedicated to social gatherings and private functions. The project stands as a testament to her skill in harmoniously integrating traditional architectural elements with modern, luxurious finishes, resulting in a unique space tailored for refined entertaining.

Kilmory House, originally constructed in 1913, is an integral part of a larger Arts and Crafts estate. Following her successful design of the clients' primary residence within the same estate, Dinkel was tasked with conceiving a secondary home specifically for hosting. This separate venue allows the family to orchestrate private dinners and grand parties with unparalleled style and discretion. Dinkel describes Kilmory House as a modern interpretation of Australia's Arts and Crafts heritage, evolving a historic structure into a dynamic sanctuary for social events, capable of seamlessly adapting to various uses while embodying the estate's original character.

The property's previous redevelopment in the early 2000s had preserved its traditional exterior but left an interior layout that felt dated and segmented, failing to meet contemporary lifestyle demands. Dinkel's team, comprising specialists in heritage design, embarked on a mission to restore the building's early 20th-century proportions and intricate detailing. This restoration was informed by extensive research, including unearthed photographs of the home's original interiors. The design philosophy aimed to strike a delicate balance between preserving the heritage and incorporating modern functionality, all while infusing the space with contemporary luxury through layered materials, rich textures, and a bold, confident use of color.

A striking feature of the revitalized home is its dramatic color scheme, which evokes a 'modern gothic' ambiance, drawing inspiration from Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula. Deep burgundy tones are juxtaposed with inky blues and cool steel finishes, creating a captivating visual narrative. This rich palette is exemplified by the custom marmorino Venetian plaster applied to the entryway and staircase, adding depth and sophistication. The dining room further accentuates this theme with dark-timber paneling and an imposing fireplace, reminiscent of traditional English design. A 400-bottle wine fridge, complete with a rolling library ladder, introduces a touch of extravagant practicality. The main living area is designed for comfort and connection, featuring a modular sofa oriented towards expansive French windows that open onto a charming terrace. Adjacent to this space, the generously proportioned kitchen boasts a sleek stainless-steel and stone island unit as its focal point.

The home's bathrooms, a highlight of the design, have been shortlisted for the prestigious Dezeen Awards in the bathroom category. These richly adorned powder rooms embody the house's distinctive blend of whimsy and refinement. Dinkel emphasized that the bathrooms were conceived as spaces where imagination could flourish, combining heritage elements with modern craftsmanship to create an escapist atmosphere. Hand-painted wallpapers from De Gournay provide an artistic flourish, complemented by patinated brass surfaces and lavishly veined marble washbasins. Beyond the entertainment zones, the residence also includes a children's playroom and an art studio, adorned with a captivating wall mural by Los Angeles artist Abel Macias, chosen for its imaginative storytelling quality.

This transformative project has endowed the house with a renewed sense of purpose, establishing it as a private sanctuary where the owners can host guests in an environment perfectly attuned to their refined tastes. Dinkel posits that in an era of constant exposure, privacy has emerged as a defining characteristic of luxury. She believes this home challenges the conventional notion that grandeur and exceptional service must be sought outside, instead bringing an exquisite sense of escapism directly into the private realm. Prior to founding her Sydney-based interior design firm in 2016, Dinkel honed her skills in the fashion industry in New York City. Her studio is renowned for its expertise in modernizing heritage properties, employing timeless design principles to craft spaces that authentically reflect the personalities of their inhabitants.