Point Piper Penthouse by Jillian Dinkel

October 22, 2025

Balancing history with modernity—Point Piper Penthouse in Sydney seamlessly marries heritage charm with contemporary design. In this in-conversation feature, leading local interior designer Jillian Dinkel shares her approach to reimagining the Federation Arts and Crafts estate—integrating key Poliform pieces to bring a modern elegance to the home’s historic architecture.

From the striking black-and-white palette and natural stone selections to the captivating artistic accents, every decision respects the home’s original details while introducing modern interventions that feel refined and liveable. Serving as the centrepiece of the home, the Poliform Shape kitchen anchors the open-plan living area, while the Kensington dining table and tan leather Seattle chairs add warmth and cohesion. Throughout the penthouse, Poliform’s clean, considered design language works in harmony with Dinkel’s philosophy of layering contemporary furniture into heritage interiors, resulting in a home that is functional and sophisticated.

In partnership with estliving

Q. What was your overarching vision for reimagining this home?

Jillian Dinkel: With all our residential projects, our vision begins with understanding our clients—their personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations for their home. From there, we craft a design direction that reflects them while honoring the home’s architecture. In this case, it’s a beautiful Federation Arts and Crafts estate in Point Piper.

Q. What principles do you consistently return to when creating modern interiors within period architecture?

Jillian Dinkel: I always focus on preserving the original interior architecture—cornices, skirtings, decorative ceilings, and wall paneling. These details give a home soul and character. Once restored or reinstated, we introduce a delicate tension between old and new through contemporary furniture, modern conveniences, and a strong sense of flow throughout the home.

Q. The home feels both enduring and contemporary. How did material and finish choices contribute to this balance?

Jillian Dinkel: Our clients were drawn to a bold, high-contrast black-and-white scheme. We started with the bones of the home—its walls and original timber floors—and layered in natural stone to complement this palette. Dramatic stone selections act as defining material elements, creating a strong and cohesive tone. In the children’s spaces, we introduced playful touches, while keeping them connected to the overarching material palette.

Q. The Poliform Shape kitchen anchors the home as a bold design statement. Why was this the right design decision for the project?

Jillian Dinkel: Our clients love Poliform, as do we, and in this home, the kitchen defines the open-plan living space. The sleek black cabinetry paired with marble slabs creates a moody, luxurious focal point, leading to a hidden butler’s pantry accessed via a marble-wrapped walkway.

“I always focus on preserving the original interior architecture—cornices, skirtings, decorative ceilings, and wall paneling. These details give a home soul and character.”

—Jillian Dinkel, Interior Designer

Q. How does Poliform’s design language align with your own studio’s approach?

Jillian Dinkel: Poliform’s contemporary styling and clean lines align beautifully with our philosophy of layering modern design within heritage architecture. The restrained elegance of their pieces allows historical details and modern interventions to coexist seamlessly.

Q. The pairing of the tan leather Seattle chairs with the Kensington dining table creates a refined dining setting — what was your intention with this selection?

Jillian Dinkel: I knew I wanted the Kensington table from the start—I loved the bold curves of its base. It provided a striking counterpoint to the grid lines of the timber-panelled wall, which also conceals a doorway to the laundry and utility spaces. The tan leather touches add warmth to the monochromatic scheme.

Q. How do the other Poliform pieces enhance not only the visual identity of this home, but also the way it’s lived in?

Jillian Dinkel: My clients are sophisticated, globally minded and appreciate both design and craftsmanship. Poliform’s sleek pieces ground the spaces while allowing room for playful shapes and accents to interject harmoniously.

Q. Looking back on the project, what does Point Piper Penthouse represent for you within your body of work?

Jillian Dinkel: It was a privilege to work within this heritage-listed estate, a significant property in Point Piper’s history. The project allowed us to honor the site’s legacy by echoing the original quality of the home in a contemporary form. For me, it crystallized my approach to period homes—I love their character and soul, but we’re not creating museum-like recreations. My goal is to celebrate heritage while designing for modern living, showing how contemporary life can sit gracefully within a heritage space.