Kilmory House, one of the last grand estates in Point Piper, was originally conceived by architectural practice Mason & Pickering in 1913. When its new creative owners, who are also avid entertainers, enlisted Jillian Dinkel to usher the home into a new era, a deep reverence for its Arts and Crafts heritage became the foundation of the design. With an expert understanding of heritage and period homes, the designer saw herself as a custodian of the home’s history, weaving her own interpretation into its next chapter while reviving the residence’s golden ‘cinematic era.’ “The home was an exercise between balancing the Arts and Crafts traditional detailing and bringing in refined, contemporary elements that made each room feel like an experience unto itself,” Dinkel remarks.
In the entertaining hub of the home an oversized Tufty-Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia, sourced from Space Furniture, introduces effortless comfort and a modern silhouette.
Reimagined with hospitality at its core, the home is anchored by a striking Poliform Shape kitchen designed for professional-level entertaining. “The stainless-steel island was conceived as both a bold design statement and a practical centrepiece. Positioned at the heart of the open-plan space, it seamlessly integrates the kitchen into the flow of the home’s entertaining areas,” she says. A grand dining room sets the stage for memorable gatherings, while a bespoke wine cellar, capable of housing over 400 bottles, ensures every occasion is well-appointed.
Honouring the home’s authenticity, Dinkel worked with enduring materials: marble, solid wood and patinated metals to preserve its narrative. A Baroque-inspired palette of burgundy, charcoal, deep teal, and chocolate creates a moody richness throughout, punctuated by iconic Italian furniture pieces from Space. Playful touches are introduced through statement pieces, including Patricia Urquiola’s Tufty-Time sofa for B&B Italia in the open-plan living space, a Vitra Resting Bear cushion, and a plush pink Edra Cipria sofa in the children’s area. “Space’s design pieces frequently serve as the focal point in our projects, acting both as conversation starters and as enduring symbols of the elevated, bespoke designs we strive to create,” Dinkel adds.
At the heart of the Kilmory House, the contemporary, stainless-steel Poliform kitchen is both a showpiece and a workhorse, its refined materiality bridging heritage charm with modern innovation. In conversation with Poliform, designer Jillian Dinkel shares her approach to integrating Poliform kitchens within her projects.
