One of eight townhouses in Sydney’s Rose Bay, this home has come alive thanks to a new interior focused on connection with the outdoors, and a considered curation of furniture and mirrors by MAC Design Studio.
The townhouse is laid out over four storeys, with a ground floor for the living spaces plus outdoor terrace that leads up to a second storey terrace, first floor with bathroom, laundry, study and guest bedroom, and a top floor with a main bedroom, bathroom and balcony. The base build is by Architect ESS.
Alan McMahon from MAC Design Studio was involved in the interior design right from the beginning, even helping the clients to choose the marble slabs in the base build.
“We collaborated closely on the slab selection to ensure they felt right for the home,” he explains. “Rather than settling for something subtle, we sought out pieces that carried a striking natural beauty with movement, veining and depth that would give each surface a strong presence. The selection was Grigio Carnico marble.”
Another major feature of the interiors is the selection of furniture – in the dining space this includes the Oscar Dining Chair, Cantu Chair, and Cantu Alta Chair, all designed by Sergio Rodrigues and supplied by Mama Casa, as well as a custom stool designed by Alan himself. “It was created specifically for the project to complement the overall palette and proportions of the kitchen,” he says.
But most striking is the sofa, which is the Camaleonda by Mario Bellini. It’s green sculptural form adds presence to the living room, while bringing the green of the potted plants outside indoors.
“What I love about the Camaleonda is its balance of playfulness and practicality. Its low, inviting profile adds a sense of ease and informality to the living space, yet it remains deeply functional, adaptable, and timeless. This sofa that makes a strong design statement while also serving as a practical anchor for the space, the perfect balance of form and function.”
Also adding character are four mirrors, one in each room, that add personality to the home: in the living room there’s a 19th Century Louis Philippe Mirror, sourced through Pamono, in the master suite, the Roze full length irregular mirror by UMIROZESY, in the guest bedroom there’s the Triple Mirror Green by Pani Jurek and in the powder room is the Linea Wall Mirror supplied by McMullen.
“Pairing a unique mirror with modern design creates a striking balance. Each mirror here was chosen to not just complete a room, but to stand as a statement, a layered expression of individuality within a contemporary interior,” says Alan.
But perhaps most important part of the design was the connection of the interiors to the outdoor terraces across two levels, with the ground floor terrace flowing from the living spaces. Upstairs, the second level is more a resort-style space and includes a pool, an ice bath and a sauna for that real day spa feeling.
The home also features lime-washed walls, natural oak floors and handcrafted furniture pieces with textiles including natural linen, wool and recycled fibres.
More on MAC Design Studio
