Ray White’s boutique in Rose Bay was designed to feel like a luxurious home, not a display office. “This is where we show prospective buyers high-end apartments to buy off the plan,” says associate director or Ray White, Daniel Ungar. “We wanted the reception area to be modern, inviting and different. Smac Studio transformed the original retail shell into a relaxed, opulent space. It’s very different from what our competitors have done.”

However, designing the entrance lobby was not without challenges. Measuring only 24 square metres with an internal width of 3.2m, the brief called for Smac Studio to incorporate large screens so artists’ impressions of developments could be displayed. “I recessed the main TV into a bronze mirror to soften it,” says Shona McElroy, principal of Smac Studio. “The mirror also reflects light, making the space appear bigger.”

McElroy zoned the space into three sections and designed it as a journey. Clients arrive and introduce themselves at the reception desk, which features large slabs of viola marble. “It feels like a brutal cutting of a huge marble block, heavy and luxe,” says McElroy. “The way it’s carved creates the illusion of different slabs floating on top of each other.” After reception clients wait by a semi-circular window on a soft curved couch, custom designed by Smac Studio. Finally they move to a dark timber meeting table flanked by a viola marble bench and splashback, or upstairs to a large private presentation space. “The dining set is sculptural and chic,” says McElroy. “When clients are here I want them to get excited about the potential of their home, that it could have the same high-quality design and details.”

OUTSTANDING FEATURES

• Expansive viola marble reception desk. “This is my favourite part of the design,” says McElroy. “I absolutely love the luxury of it.”
• Thick-cut viola marble bench and splashback. “I wanted this area to feel like an elegant little bar,” says McElroy.
• Custom timber cabinetry and timber floors. “Timber brings warmth,” says Shona. “I used it so clients feel like they’re sitting in a relaxed home, rather than a commercial office.”
• Custom curved sofa designed by Smac Studio, manufactured by SMLXL. “I wanted to make use of the curved window and for it to be a really elevated and detailed space,” says McElroy.
• Large screen recessed into a bronze mirror: “The mirror reflects light, making the small space appear big
• ger, and also hides the visual impact of the TV,” says McElroy.
• Recessed strip of lighting around ceiling edges highlights Venetian plaster on walls. “The texture of Venetian plaster is really beautiful and this lighting really sets it off,” says McElroy.
• Wall sconces by iconic American designer Kelly Wearstler
• Pendant over reception desk from Bloomingdales
• Sculptural dark timber dining table and chairs from Merci Maison