Bennelong Residence by SBA

For any home situated near a noteworthy landmark, rivalling the views is a tall order. Bennelong Residence – an apartment by Sydney-based design practice SBA, located along Sydney Harbour and overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay – breaks this mould effortlessly, holding its own while allowing its waterfront setting to take centrestage.

The interior is reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, evoking a relaxed seaside lifestyle characterised by light tones and lightweight yet luxurious materials. “It was meticulously designed to create moments that remind the occupant of its unique and luxurious waterfront setting,” says Indi Jones, lead interior designer at SBA. The Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic required careful attention to the smallest details, especially the joinery, which the team modelled after modern Italian design.

The interior is reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, evoking a relaxed seaside lifestyle characterised by light tones and lightweight yet luxurious materials.

The firm restrained the palette to add colour and character through furnishings, lighting and artwork. “The intent was to develop a timeless, high-quality interior that serves as a sanctuary for the family while appealing to future potential buyers,” notes Jones. This commitment to an enduring aesthetic translated into tactile wall finishes and meticulously detailed joinery, adding complexity and a bespoke quality to the design.

SBA reimagined Italian design to suit the Australian context, as seen in the foyer – a modern reinterpretation of the entrance to a stately mansion in the Tuscan countryside. “We added steel-framed double doors with a central fluted glass insert. The aim was to bring light into the space and offer a view of the harbour right upon entry,” says Jones. The interior received equal attention, with a statement rug that nods to the colourful, striped parasols of the Italian Riviera. The bedrooms were conceived as peaceful oases that retreat from the city’s bustle, featuring a palette that complements the rest of the apartment. Custom bedheads and fluted wardrobes are illuminated by warm pendant lighting, creating a cosy ambiance. For the walls, the team opted for a microcement finish with a datum detail.

“The intent was to develop a timeless, high-quality interior that serves as a sanctuary for the family while appealing to future potential buyers,” notes Jones.

As Jones explains, creating an open-plan layout was essential for achieving a bright, airy space. “Opening the kitchen to the living and dining rooms was key to establishing a seamless flow,” she says, acknowledging that working within a compact footprint presented challenges. To visually expand the space, the design team used soft tones, light materials and oversized custom mirrors to reflect light and amplify views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The kitchen features light timbers, stone accents, a fully concealed French laundry, bronze detailing and warm hidden lighting, while the dining room is adorned with a custom bronze glass table that reflects views of the joinery, the lighting and, occasionally, the view. The result is an abode that maximises both function and beauty, effortlessly connecting the indoors with stunning vistas outside.

Interior design by SBA.