Jillian Dinkel Designs
Five years after graduating from Sydney Design School Jillian Dinkel is celebrating the milestones of her successful business, Jillian Dinkel Designs.
After graduating from Sydney Design School, Jillian was the in-house Interior Designer at a small business on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. There she oversaw the design of hospitality and residential projects. Always inspired and ambitious, Jill took on private design and styling clients at what was then her side hustle, Jillian Dinkel Designs.
Just 7 months after graduating, one of her projects had an 8 page feature in Inside Out magazine, and within a year Jillian Dinkel Designs became her full time job. Since then her work has been featured in every major design publication in Australia.
The Terrace House Designer
Jill is known as The Terrace House Designer, after founding her studio based on her hallmark talent of adapting period homes to contemporary living. Interior transformations are known for embracing and respecting the heritage of original detailing.
Jillian Dinkel Design has grown from being a solo endeavour to a small team of three, including another Sydney design School graduate. Jill also works with the finest craftspeople and consultants to ensure her studio delivers a personalised and quality service. Her passion and attention to detail are matched by her love of luxe and tactile finishes, making her home renovation and decoration projects elegant and coveted.
1904 Victorian
The layout of a 1904 Victorian home in Manly, above, was completely reconfigured to capture light and create a floor plan and flow suitable for a young family.
“For her terrace house in Manly, Jillian pulled out all the stops, converting what was a two-bedroom, single bathroom house into a luxe three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Indulgent from the moment you arrive, the home opens into a dramatic entryway, which is reminiscent of a New York brownstone vestibule.” – Sitchu Magazine
Photographs by Pablo Veiga, Editorial styling by Kerrie-Ann Jones as seen in Inside Out Magazine.
Four years of Jillian Dinkel Designs
In April 2022, Jillian Dinkel Design celebrated its 4 year anniversary.
“Reflecting on this milestone, I’ve pondered on what makes a JDD project – our work reflects our client’s own aesthetics and tastes, but there are threads that follow through – always a moment of drama, a special hero piece, something totally custom and unique, an especially considered detail,” says Jill.
“Though each project is truly unique, they all sit within our primary purpose of working on period homes and bringing them into the now in a way that respects and celebrates their heritage charm,” she continued.
Bronte House
The renovation and extension of a 1930s house in the beachside suburb of Bronte (above) came with the brief to create ‘Modern Australian Beach House’.
“Jill’s incredible attention to the details made this whole process a joy. It was the little touches that made all the difference, a curved door, a stone architrave, a custom steel shower door or a vintage rug, every choice was perfection. Her custom furniture pieces we used throughout took it all to the next level of originality and one-of-a kind exclusivity. Each room has its own personality yet as a whole it works in total harmony. The transformation is truly unbelievable. Jill is a talented and creative designer with an expert eye for detail. I loved working with her, and I could never have imagined the transformation and what we were able to achieve,” says client Nicki Kalaf.
Point Piper penthouse
“With incredible views out to the harbour and lovely natural light throughout, we focused on improving the function and aesthetics of all the interior spaces with extensive custom joinery, decorative wall finishes, bespoke silk rugs, new furnishings and a globally curated selection of lighting,” says Jill of the penthouse (above).
The Wiltshire House
Located in Sydney’s inner west, this classic Federation house (below) boasted beautifully preserved timber fretwork, patterned ceilings, and original floorboards. Custom joinery elements transformed the functionality of the home while adding character and visual interest.
“People often talk about making changes that are ‘sympathetic’ to a period home’s character; but this always carries a sense of compromise. Jill’s talent is taking the old and the new and elevating both to a new level, working in harmony and neither subordinate to the other.” – Clients Robert and Rebecca Lee.
Want more? Connect with Jillian Dinkel Designs
See these projects – and more – on the Jillian Dinkel Designs website here.
Keep up to date on Instagram @jilliandinkeldesigns
Go back to the beginning. We interviewed Jill back in July 2017, as a fresh Sydney Design School graduate with her first magazine feature. Read the blog post here.
Photos by Pablo Veiga.
Jill graduated with a Diploma of Interior Design. Find out about the course here.
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