Tamarama Penthouse by SE DÉA
Tamarama penthouse by SE DÉA draws on the home’s beachside location, creating a soft hued and sophisticated interior inspired by the owner’s former Woollahra residence.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Dave Wheeler I Styling: Atelier Lab
‘Taking inspiration from our client’s lifestyle, we designed the kitchen and dining space to cater to their love of entertaining,’ says SE DÉA director Samantha Birtles. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Iva Stool from Grazia + Co. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Andres Benavides Vessel from Rawdestones and Rina Menardi bowl from Ondene. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Iva Stool from Grazia + Co. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
When the owners of Tamarama Penthouse made the move from Woollahra to Tamarama, in Sydney, they wanted to keep the essence of their previous home’s style.
Calling on SE DÉA, the brief was to draw from the coastal location, creating a home that was an elevated sanctuary that they could escape to.
‘Our client sought to strike a balance between the sophistication and prestige familiar to her original neighbourhood with the relaxed contemporary feel of a light and airy 2-storey coastal apartment - this is where Woollahra meets the Sea,’ says SE DÉA director Samantha Birtles.
The home was previously a single dwelling, but prior renovations expanded the top-floor apartment into the attic, resulting in a generously proportioned penthouse. The dual-level residence now spans 190 sqm and has undergone a comprehensive interior transformation, featuring bespoke cabinetry, fixtures, and decor – the palette is soft and serene, inspired by the client’s love of blush tones.
The interior enhances everyday experiences, transforming into a backdrop for social gatherings with friends, moments of self-care in the morning, or conversations during casual weeknight dinners. Each space is enriched with enchanting elements that elevate the daily routines of the homeowner, all while framing scenic views and mirroring the coastal surroundings.
‘Taking inspiration from our client’s lifestyle, we designed the kitchen and dining space to cater to their love of entertaining. The kitchen island stands as a table-like element, differentiated from the rest of the kitchen joinery. It’s pale concrete counter and fluted oak exterior sets it apart from the pale blue grey tones of the wood-grained joinery and striking gold-veined stone,’ says Samantha.
Tamarama Penthouse balances femininity and boldness throughout the spaces. ‘Upstairs to the master suite, the palette transforms into a moody and masculine interior with deeper tones and richer materials, creating a more sultry space predominantly occupied at night time,’ shares Samantha.
The penthouse skillfully incorporates the owner's fondness for blush hues without overly imposing a specific colour scheme. The end result is a space of coastal elegance; classical, yet contemporary, imbuing Tamarama with a touch of Woollahra.
Faye Toogood - Puffy Lounge Chair from District, Cassina - Ficupala Floor Lamp from Mobilia, Karimoku New Standard -Colourwood table from Stylecraft, Friend + Founders - Knockout table from Fred Int’l and Taccia Lamp from Euroluce. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Faye Toogood Puffy Lounge Chair from District, Friend + Founders - Knockout table from Fred Int’l and Mini wave bowl from Alison Firth. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
“SE DÉA was born from a desire to inspire beauty; to collaborate and connect in a sustainable and joyful way; to enhance home and sanctuary; to create a lifestyle aesthetic – Tamarama Penthouse illustrates this ethos.”
Aerin Corvo Side Table from Becker Minty and Kim Woo Chang Vessel from Fineworks. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Upstairs to the master suite, the palette transforms into a moody and masculine interior with deeper tones and richer materials, creating a more sultry space predominantly occupied at night time. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Aerin Corvo Side Table from Becker Minty and Kim Woo Chang Vessel from Fineworks. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab
Heavy Linen Bed Cover White from IN BED, Society Limonta Wooly Wool Throw from Ondene, Cathedral side table from Dimitri Vargus and artwork by Gill Cohn. Photo: Dave Wheeler. Styling: Atelier Lab