A Heritage Interior Designer’s Approach to an Entertaining Retreat in Potts Point
Sometimes the best things do come in small packages. When I met our client at her pocket-sized pied-à-terre that sits right in the middle of the vibrant Potts Point neighbourhood, I could immediately see its potential. Not only is Potts Point one of my favourite suburbs, but it also holds Australia’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture. It is a beautiful neighbourhood to walk through, taking in the area’s abundant period architecture properties.
The apartment, perched as the penthouse atop ‘The Vanderbilt,’ an all white neo-classical Art Deco treasure, was formerly the building caretaker’s residence. With petite proportions (and some missed opportunities for better space planning) the apartment was ready for a renaissance. We worked closely with our client and trades to transform the entire apartment, from the kitchen to the bathrooms and furnishings. The result is a space that delights our client and is an entertaining haven.
Our client, a passionate entertainer and keen home cook, dreamed of a home that felt refined yet inviting – somewhere that could effortlessly transition from a quiet retreat to a vibrant gathering space. With that in mind, we set about reimagining every detail, from the kitchen and bathrooms to the furniture and lighting selections, ensuring every decision honoured the apartment’s past while embracing modernity.
Kitchen Design In An Art Deco Apartment
The kitchen was the first space we tackled, as it was a priority for our client. The existing layout was restrictive, with limited storage and inefficient use of space. By making key structural changes – such as reclaiming an unused study nook to create a walk-in pantry and carving into the roof space to extend the benchtop – we dramatically improved the function and flow.
A slim integrated fridge-freezer now sits opposite a concealed appliance cupboard, allowing clean, uninterrupted workspaces. The centrepiece of the kitchen is the island, reimagined in a square shape to maximise circulation space. It’s clad in deeply stained American oak with a fluted profile, a subtle yet elegant nod to Art Deco design. We wrapped the benchtops, backsplash, and rangehood in bold, bookmatched Calacatta Oro marble, lending an effortless sense of luxury. Overhead, an Apparatus Studio ‘Cloud’ pendant softens the space, casting a diffused glow that enhances the intimate atmosphere.
One of my favourite details is the curved timber shelves in the pantry; each finished with a delicate upturned lip to keep glass storage jars in place. It’s a perfect example of how small, thoughtful design choices can have a big impact.
Heritage Interior Design In Practice
The bathroom needed a refresh, but we approached the redesign with a strategic balance of impact and restraint. To keep construction costs down, we retained the original plumbing layout but completely transformed the finishes and fittings.
One of the most significant upgrades was replacing the outdated aluminium-framed shower stall with a custom steel-trimmed archway, creating a much grander sense of scale within the compact footprint. A marble-topped hob ledge keeps water contained within the open shower, while a floating vanity with an integrated towel shelf mirrors the curved detailing of the kitchen island, ensuring cohesion across the apartment’s design.
Lighting was key to getting the mood right in this space. We selected Thomas O’Brien wall lights, which give off the most beautiful, soft glow – perfect for winding down in the evening or easing into the day.
“Adding to that sense of understated luxury, Jillian created unexpected moments of delight with one-of-a-kind inclusions, whether it be the imported lighting, handmade tiles, custom steel shower door, or vintage pieces.”
— Sitchu Sydney on VL50 designer Jillian Dinkel, named one of Sydney’s best interior designers of 2025
One of the biggest challenges in any interior design project, especially in heritage properties, is ensuring that spaces feel cohesive without becoming overly uniform or predictable. The key lies in establishing a strong design language that flows through the home while allowing for distinct moments of contrast and surprise.
For this project, we carried key materials and motifs throughout in a way that felt deliberate but never repetitive. The Art Deco-inspired detailing of the kitchen island informed the vanity design in the bathroom, while the home’s color and material palette was thoughtfully echoed in custom furniture and lighting selections.
This Potts Point interior design project is a testament to the power of thoughtful, considered design – one that respects the heritage of a space while enhancing it for modern living.
At Jillian Dinkel, we specialise in heritage interior design, reimagining period homes with a balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and modern sensibility.