Hawthorn Studio by Wallis Design
An inner-city Melbourne design studio is transformed into a calm oasis featuring Japanese design aesthetics and bespoke joinery throughout.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Tess Kelly
Photo: Tess Kelly
Photo: Tess Kelly
Melbourne-based interior designers Wallis Design were tasked with designing a multi-use office space for themselves and two other businesses. As such, the design had to provide a simple framework to encourage creativity and collaborative working spaces.
‘The brief was to create a collaborative design studio for Wallis Design, ZD Construction, and JPM Bathrooms, which could be flexible and accommodate the needs of everyone,’ says designer Katherine Wallis. ‘The studio needed to incorporate semi-private workstations, as well as a collaborative meeting zone, a trade library and kitchenette area.’
Wallis Design used a concept that flowed on from Japanese aesthetics—employing a clean and minimalist framework with raw and organic materials. Fresh white and grey complement exposed brick and European oak timber to create a sense of calm from the busy street outside.
‘The concept design takes inspiration from Japanese aesthetics,’ says Katherine. ‘Combining clean lines and natural raw materials, neutral tones and paired back detailing to create a sense of warmth within.’
A powder-coated mesh wall archway connects the flow of the studio while still dividing individual workspaces. Open timber shelves further this while becoming a feature in themselves for Wallis Design’s collection of ceramics and books.
The inspiration behind the design was drawn from Japanese aesthetics. Photo: Tess Kelly
‘We focused on locally sourced materials, handcrafted joinery pieces and refined detailing, inspired by Japanese design principles of practice and craftmanship,’ says Katherine Wallis. Photo: Tess Kelly
‘By introducing layers into the space through the use of screening, open shelving and custom joinery, we were able to achieve the balance between semi-private and shared spaces throughout,’ says Katherine Wallis. Photo: Tess Kelly
“We wanted to restore some of the existing features within the space like exposed brickwork, lofty ceilings and archway to create a sense of calm amongst the hustle of Burwood Road.”
Simple details create a calming backdrop for projects. Photo: Tess Kelly
The interior is a mix of fresh white and grey, which complement the exposed brick walls. Photo: Tess Kelly
The oak shelving provides space to display project materials and unique objects sculptural. Photo: Tess Kelly
‘The open shelving allowed us to break up the space while still allowing natural light to filter through and provided us a place to display project materials and the unique objects that had been sourced,’ says Katherine Wallis. Photo: Tess Kelly
‘The open shelving allowed us to break up the space while still allowing natural light to filter through and provided us a place to display project materials and the unique objects that had been sourced,’ says Katherine.
Clever storage reveals an all-important coffee station, and custom joinery minimises unnecessary pieces—every element of the studio works for the design. This concept flowed on from the focus on Japanese design principles of practice and craftsmanship, the attention to detail continuing through each bespoke curve.
In the bathroom, the designers have maximised the compact space yet allowed for an injection of personality through green geometric tiles. Though in a reductive manner, this continues throughout the whole studio with feature pendants, cylindrical legs on the meeting table and desks, and curved cabinetry handles.
A simple palette of textural and balanced artworks add to the clean aesthetics, including The Arch painting by Studio Elwood, ceramics sourced by Loam and an Oh Hey Grace sculpture from Bleu Design Store.
Hawthorn Studio effortlessly brings together three businesses to work in harmony, finding calm and productivity amongst the hustle and bustle.
The design achieves a balance of semi-private and shared spaces throughout. Photo: Tess Kelly
Clever storage reveals an all-important coffee and tea station. Photo: Tess Kelly