Warm Shadow by Studio Kennon

In Malvern, mere kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Studio Kennon continues an exploration of the human experience through the meticulously designed Warm Shadow project.

Stepping off the streets of Malvern and into Warm Shadow, visitors sense an elegance beyond the suburb’s, and the home’s, Edwardian facade. The door opens and, instead of a traditional corridor, a lobby-like ambience becomes immediately apparent and sets the tone for the interior experience. This unmistakable arrival sequence is marked by stone slabs adorning the floor, wall and ledge. To the right, double doors open to a charcoal coloured ‘adults-only’ sitting room – one of the client’s favourite spaces frequently utilised as an AFL manager for private meetings with his players.

Stepping off the streets of Malvern and into Warm Shadow, visitors sense an elegance beyond the suburb’s, and the home’s, Edwardian facade.

The inky palette continues throughout the entire interior design as a symphony of tonal greys. The cabinetry, for example, is finished with microcement and introduces a subtle colour and material variation to the overall theme, which is further enriched by stone selections such as Elba dolomite and Vigo Lena across the joinery. Characteristic veining across the stone contributes to the overarching interior aesthetic defined by tone, texture and the harmony between.

To neutralise the space and counterbalance the base palette, Studio Kennon chose furnishings in off-white and lighter tones, creating a calming atmosphere that is continued in the kitchen and dining areas. West facing, these areas open onto a leafy backyard, and it’s in these moments that give the project its name. Sunlight pours into the western openings, lighting communal areas, creating what could only be described as warm shadows. The sun arcs in the sky and filters light across the garden environment featuring an outdoor fireplace, round-edged barbecue benchtop, round stepping stones and a sinuous concrete bench that carries the motif of curvature from inside to out. Warm Shadow’s exterior spaces mirror its interior thoughtfulness and elegance and foster a cohesive design narrative, enhancing the overall living experience.

Warm Shadow’s exterior spaces mirror its interior thoughtfulness and elegance and foster a cohesive design narrative, enhancing the overall living experience.

Studio Kennon is known for their unique approach to architecture that is deeply considerate of its contribution to connection and human experience. With Warm Shadow, occupants and visitors are aware of the attention to detail and the way in which the project resonates and plays with a sense of belonging.

Architecture and interior design by Studio Kennon.