An Interior Designer’s Own Apartment – 1904 Victorian by Jillian Dinkel

With a sense of grandeur and serenity,1904 Victorian is an original heritage apartment that provided interior designer and owner Jillian Dinkel the freedom to express personal sensibilities and experiment with new approaches to the idea of what constitutes a home.

The residence in Manly had been neglected for decades before it was transformed into the family home and personal project of interior designer Jillian Dinkel. The apartment has been completely reconfigured, with every room re-purposed, to optimise the north-east orientation and beach views and to better reflect how Jillian and her family live their lives. Originally housing bedrooms, the front of the apartment was transformed into an open, kitchen and living area, filled with dappled light and plenty of floor space on which to spend time together.

Jillian was inspired by her American heritage and the heritage features of the apartment itself. These influences culminate in a dramatic display of materiality, with bespoke lighting, handmade tiles, wainscotting and decorative wallpaper on show. Also featured are trademark finishes such as custom joinery in coloured walnut veneer and marble countertops. Bold, experimental choices have been made, such as the bedroom with walls, trims and ceiling all painted black. Much like the rest of the apartment, the finish of this room is elegant, calm and softened by natural light.

At once functional and experimental, highly personal and aesthetically striking, this project is ultimately, at its core, a family home.