Homes

An Extra-Ordinarily Fashionable Apartment!

You’d expect the stylish owner of a luxury fashion and sportswear retailer to have an ‘extra’ life in all respects… and that certainly appears to be the case for founder of Mode Sportif, Deborah Symond O’Neil!

Take a tour through the dazzling Elizabeth Bay apartment of Deborah and property developer husband Ned O’Neil. So much WOW, all under one roof!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Dulux

Inside the Elizabeth Bay home of Deborah Symond O’Neil, founder of online athleisure brand Mode Sportif. Featured is Deborah’s favourite artwork by Marc Quinn. Vintage shell lamp sourced by Poco Designs. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

‘I have a love of vases! This one in our kitchen is Dior’, tells Deborah. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Deborah in the dining room next to some of her favourite pieces, an artwork by contemporary artist Marc Quinn and a vintage shell lamp sourced by Poco Design. The candelabra behind Deborah is by Dior and hand painted by French artist Joy de Rohan Chabot. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The sitting room, or ‘The Winter Gaden’ as Deborah refers to it! MCM House couch and coffee table. The Vintage brass plant was a wedding gift from her mum, sourced by Becker Minty. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The sitting room. ‘My huband loves sailing and this poster was a gift I gave him for his birthday about 10 years ago. It’s moved around with him, and has a lovely family connection’, Deborah says. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The Winter Garden. Flowers by Seed Flora. Couch by MCM House. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Dining room details. Ostrich feather lamp by A Grand Modern Tour. Candles by Dior. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Mirrors by MCM House. Dining table and chairs custom designed by Poco Designs. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The resplendent balcony and view over Elizabeth Bay! ‘The Winter Garden is my favourite area of the house – our little sanctuary’, Deborah says. MCM House Couches and coffee table. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Glam details. Vase by Aerin. Cocktail Napkins by Kelly Wearstler. Vintage carafe from Becker Minty. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

X Lamp in the breakfast room sourced by Poco Designs via Downtown 20 in LA. Vintage table and chairs. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Colour and print wardrobe goals (‘All from Mode Sportif of course!’). Vintage bust. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Bits and piece on the coffee table. Aerin peony and dishes from Becker Minty. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The master bathroom, featuring a Sweeney Todd razorblade artwork – ‘a fun feature for the master bathroom’! Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Bedroom details, all custom designed by Poco Designs. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
10th of April 2019

Deborah Symond O’Neil of Mode Sportif moved into this building six years ago, before shifting into the current apartment with her husband, property developer Ned O’Neil in 2016.

The couple were lucky to find an Elizabeth Bay home with high ceilings and plenty of space, where all that was required in alterations was to ‘add a door to the outside terrace off our breakfast room, to make entertaining outside easier’ Deborah explains. A tiny change with life-enhancing results!

The building is only seven years old, and Deborah’s brother lived in this apartment before she and Ned moved in. When he moved to London, the couple pounced!

The apartment is filled with natural light, and dazzles with an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces, artwork and treasured collectibles. The couple share a buzzing energy which radiates throughout the home, and they’re not afraid to play with bright colour and pattern! Deborah explains ‘colour is a real feature for us, and quirky pieces that we have collected over time become the focal points of each room.’

The floral and graphic artwork in the the dining area by Marc Quinn is one of Deborah’s favourites, and a real scene stealer. These flowers are no shrinking violets! The vintage gold shell light (sourced by Deborah’s sister-in-law, Poppy) is also a special feature, casting sculptural shadows on the wall at night.

The only limitation in this enviable apartment is the issue of wardrobe space…  Deborah’s extensive collection of clothes has currently over taken the third-bedroom aka ‘girl cave!’  Seems like a small price to pay for these seriously dreamy digs, in one of Sydney’s most sought after spots!

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