THOMPSON RESIDENCE

TAMARAMA, Sydney

An elevated sanctuary shaped by everyday ritual

Thompson Residence transforms an existing penthouse into a calm, elevated retreat, where considered materiality and finely resolved detailing enrich everyday living.

Working within the existing floor plan, the design focuses on atmosphere rather than structural intervention. Through the careful layering of colour, texture, bespoke joinery and decoration, the apartment is reimagined as a home that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. Soft blue-grey tones, tactile finishes and moments of quiet contrast create a sense of ease, while framing the sweeping coastal outlook beyond.

"Three years after completion, I continue to love Se Déa's creative interpretation of their vision for my home. It feels peaceful, elegant, comfortable and beautiful, and I appreciate it more with every passing day."

Victoria Thompson, Client

The comfort of colour

Colour became the foundation for creating a home that feels both uplifting and deeply comforting. Rather than relying on bold statements, the palette is composed through subtle tonal shifts and unexpected pairings, bringing warmth, softness and quiet character to each space.

Muted greens, gentle blush tones, warm stone and natural oak work together to create an interior that feels layered and unexpected. The result is a home that moves beyond a conventional coastal palette.

Project at a glance

  • Location: Tamarama, Eastern Suburbs Sydney.

  • Completed: 2022

  • Scope: Interior Design

  • Builder: APS Build

  • Photography: Dave Wheeler

  • Styling: Jack Milenkovic

“The design makes more of everyday experiences, becoming a stage set for entertaining friends, a morning of selfcare or conversation over weeknight dinner. Each space hosts captivating details that elevate the resident’s daily rituals whilst capturing views and reflecting the coastal environment.”


Cass Van Heer, The Local Project

The art of entertaining

For a client who loves to entertain, the kitchen naturally became the heart of the home. The island was designed to feel less like a kitchen bench and more like a place to gather. Finished in fluted timber with a white concrete benchtop, it sits apart from the surrounding joinery, creating somewhere to perch with a drink, enjoy the conversation while dinner comes together, or linger long after the meal is over.

In the dining room, bespoke joinery frames a favourite artwork while concealing a beautifully appointed bar and glassware. Together with the panoramic headland views, these spaces create a home that feels welcoming, generous and made to be shared.

A defining project for Se Déa

More than an early project, Thompson Residence became a reflection of the studio's evolving identity. Its warmth, individuality and thoughtful approach to living led to finalist recognition in the Emerging Design Star category at the 2023 Belle Fanuli Interior Design Awards.

A space to unwind

The ensuite was designed to slow the pace of the day. Natural stone, textured walls and rich grey washed oak create a sense of quiet retreat, while striking stone and carefully considered detailing elevate the everyday rituals of bathing and getting ready. It is luxurious without feeling formal, offering a space that feels restorative, lived in and deeply calming.