As part of CDK Stone’s Designer Lens series with est living—a two-part journey following interior designer Shona McElroy on her debut visit to Salone del Mobile.Milano—we begin in the Smac Studio founder‘s apartment. Ahead of her first trip to Milan with CDK Stone, Shona reflects on how home begins in the details.
Within her Edgecliff apartment, she explores how a Parisian design sensibility has informed her use of Italian marble and mirrored surfaces throughout the interiors, particularly in the kitchen—a space that takes on renewed significance in the lead-up to EuroCucina. We speak with her about why she continues to return to these materials, and what’s next for Smac Studio following Milan.
In partnership with CDK Stone.
Materiality is a defining element of your work at Smac Studio. Can you share your overarching design philosophy and how it informs the way you design and compose spaces?
Shona McElroy: At Smac Studio, we balance a palette that feels personality-driven, yet timeless and calm. We tend to look to our clients for what they are drawn to, and do our best to entwine that into our designs. We look to areas in the home that are filled with natural light and, as best we can, utilise these as the key spaces within the home. As humans, we are naturally drawn to sunlight.
Were there any particular challenges or unexpected joys in designing your own home in Edgecliff versus a client project?
Shona McElroy: The challenge for me was sticking to my own brief! We work with such varied styles across our projects at Smac, and I’m inspired every day in unexpected ways, often leading me to explore different interior design periods, themes, and cultural styles. So, for me, it was challenging not to keep redesigning based on my mood each day. I had to treat my home like a client project and keep bringing myself back to my initial brief: bright, Parisian, and timeless, with moments of vintage and colour.
As its name suggests, mirrors and reflective surfaces feature prominently throughout Mirrorball—how do you use these elements to enhance spatial experience or mood?
Shona McElroy: I find mirrors are a fantastic way to extend a space, as well as reflect light visually. In my home, the dining banquette faces the north-facing sunroom, so we strategically placed mirrors on that wall to amplify the light. At night, the mirrors also bounce sconce lighting and candlelight around the room, further enhancing the moodiness.
Smac Studio interior designer, founder and principal Shona McElroy, in her Edgecliff apartment.
CDK Stone’s Calacatta Verde is the sculptural hallmark of the kitchen, stretching from the benchtop to the splashback. Custom marble trim by Inigo Jones frames the windows, while Italian architect and designer Gaetano Pesce’s Fish Design Spaghetti vase adds a playful note.
The cabinetry hardware is a collaborative collection by Smac Studio and Lo & Co called Geo, while the Rachel Donath Yoyo stools are custom upholstered by Smac Studio. On the floor, Tongue & Groove Chevron flooring in Penza.
You’ve worked with CDK Stone across several projects—how did that relationship begin, and what has kept you returning to them over time?
Shona McElroy: CDK Stone was the first-ever stone supplier I visited, and we used them on our first project at Smac Studio—and many since. CDK offers pioneering stone, and as designers, we’re always excited to see what we haven’t seen before and be among the first to use it. The quality of the stone is great, the service is amazing, and they put our clients at ease with their knowledge of different stones and how to care for them. They pick up the phone for even the smallest questions and are always a joy to deal with—their assurance, if something happens to goes wrong, is especially wonderful.
The kitchen features Calacatta Verde from CDK Stone—what drew you to this particular stone, and how does it anchor the space?
Shona McElroy: I find CDK Stone Calacatta Verde to be the perfect mix of timeless and fun. The colours in the veining made it really easy to build my palette—from the greens to the ice blues, golds, browns and burgundies. I was drawn to the bubble effect in the marbling, which feels both soft and interesting.
In the living room, a custom white ‘conversation pit’ sofa by Smac Studio is upholstered in Woolskin Marzipan, paired with a Vicenza Sky rug by Hali Rugs x Shona McElroy and a Ligne Roset Pebble coffee table by Air Davidson. Above, windows frame views of Edgecliff, while an adjacent mirror wall reflects to maximise light.
Are there specific qualities of CDK Stone’s offering that make it a standout choice for you?
Shona McElroy: Honestly, everything. CDK’s stones have a beautiful consistency across each slab and block, and the quality is always of the highest. They also offer a fantastic mix of quartzite and colour for the classics.
You’re travelling to Salone del Mobile.Milano for the first time with CDK Stone—what are you most looking forward to seeing, experiencing or learning while there?
Shona McElroy: I’m beyond excited to visit and experience a quarry with CDK Stone—it’s always been a dream of mine. At Salone del Mobile.Milano, I’m most looking forward to the atmosphere and the chance to connect with the design community.
As this year is EuroCucina, I’m particularly intrigued to see the new and innovative products at the forefront, as we take our kitchens extremely seriously at Smac Studio. On top of that, our first night is with Edra, who always creates the most incredible, mindblowing designs, so I’m very excited to see what they’re doing this year.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you and Smac Studio—and how do you see your upcoming Milan experience with CDK Stone shaping future projects?
Shona McElroy: I’m always looking for inspiration, and with some amazing projects in the pipeline, I’m excited for that inevitable feeling I get in Europe, when the creative mind opens to new and exciting possibilities. I’m thrilled to be with the CDK Stone team, to further develop our bond, and to learn even more about stone—especially how they source it and what goes into selecting the beautiful pieces they bring home to Australia.
The Designer Lens series continues in Milan at Salone del Mobile.Milano, where Shona McElroy’s perspective moves from the personal to the international design landscape. Follow along here.
Pictured: the GUBI Pouffe.
In the bedroom, Colour Crush Blanc #004 by Elizabeth O’Connor frames the space above the bed, which is layered with a Cultiver cover and a Missoni throw. A Rachel Donath Vernier Linear side table in Tabac completes the bedside setup.
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