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Small changes can have significant impact, as interior designer Thomas Hamel reveals in this harbourside hideaway.

- Words CHRIS PEARSON

He originally designed the three-level penthouse with prime Sydney Harbour vistas 15 years ago, but in 2024 it needed a tweak and a twist to bring the smart interiors up to date; no structural alterations, just furnishings, finishes and fittings that needed a rethink.

"The owners are passionate about design and like to keep updating," says Thomas. "This is like fashion - you can add new garments and accessories to a wardrobe and create a fresh look."

For the owners, who have lived in and loved the interiors for more than a decade, any such sartorial changes might entail a leap of faith. "Having worked with Thomas for about 30 years, we had complete faith in him," says the owner. Case in point: the polished timber panels around the lift. "They were so beautiful but a bit heavy, so I papered over them," says Thomas. "I had to convince the clients of this, but it works really well. There's method in my madness."

When Thomas first encountered the property as a vacant lot in 2010, the owners were downsizing from a sprawling suburban home, which had been his first project with them. This, by contrast, was on the foreshore, part of a three-apartment complex by Porebski Architects. It occupied the upper two floors and roof, where, amazingly, there's a swimming pool.

Behind a terrace with a western aspect is the open-plan living with gun-barrel views of the Harbour Bridge; behind that are the lift, stairwell and a double-height void. Beyond are a study and home theatre, together with a cellar. Up the plush carpeted stairs are three bedrooms (all with ensuites) and on the roof sits that crowning glory: the swimming pool and terrace, with panoramic views.