Smac Studio is an award-winning company established by founder Shona McElroy. It is a design team that specialises in cleverly planning spaces, not only with an expert aesthetic in furniture selection, but also in creating a beautiful flow and functionality for spaces wherever possible. Founder Shona McElroy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney, and her creativity and unexpected design details have earned her national and international awards and honours.

Smac Studio ideally works from concept to completion, Shona and the design team like to work with clients early on, often before a project is developed, communication is an important part of the process for the team and they want to work together to create collaborative results and wonders. Smac Studio has shown themselves to be an approachable team who are easy to work with, have the client at the centre of everything they do and never build twice.

Yinjispace：If you could summarize your design philosophy into a few key points, how would you describe it?

Shona McElroy：Natural materials (especially stone and timber), A timeless feeling, Elements of surprise, Detail threaded throughout

Yinjispace：In many of your works, marble is used in many projects. Why are you keen on this material?

Shona McElroy：I love natural stone because each slab is unique. I like to use colours from a stone slab to inform other components of my design, for example, some quartzites have shades of bronze — this means you can bring in complimentary bronze handles on cabinets and bronze pendant/wall lights. You could even do a bronze coffee table or metallic pops of art to draw the eye while still keeping the design story in your home consistent.

Yinjispace：In your works, lines and details are well handled. How do you deal with the relationship between lines and space during design?

Shona McElroy：It is really important that things line up, especially in terms of their heights. We consider datum lines throughout our designs so spaces feel cohesive. It’s also important that a room feels generous, even if it only has a small area. We achieve this with curved walls, mirrors and careful selections of fittings and finishes.

Yinjispace：How do you achieve the perfect combination of light, quality, color and shape in your works?

Shona McElroy：We’re conscious of not over-lighting spaces — lighting needs to be soft, artistic and ambient. In terms of colour, we usually go for muted tones and balance them with neutrals so the space isn’t overwhelming. We also use reputable tradespeople and quality suppliers in everything we do to ensure the finished room feels high-end and luxurious. No cutting corners.

Yinjispace：How do you see the relationship between interior decoration and the art of living?

Shona McElroy：Interior design can definitely enhance the way you live. Messy, poorly designed houses feel chaotic, while beautifully designed, functional, well-organised homes are peaceful and serene.

Yinjispace：In your works, the details are handled very well. How can you enhance the sense of details in the design?

Shona McElroy：Look for opportunities to add small details that holistically work in the design. When you look at a room it can feel calm, but when you look closer the detail can really make it really amazing. In my Light House project I used curved edges on the kitchen island benches and carried that through to the fireplace. It’s a small detail but everyone comments on it.

Yinjispace： In general design, it is difficult to think outside the box. How do you create a new feel for every project?

Shona McElroy：It’s important to understand the client’s wants and needs, as well as the location and overall feel you want for the property. You can’t force great design, so it’s important to get out of the office, read books by designers you admire and expose yourself to new ideas to get the creative juices flowing.