1927 St Kilda Loft
The bespoke loft renovation in Melbourne’s seaside suburb of St Kilda blends heritage character with a bold, modern atmosphere, creating a home designed to last.
1927 St Kilda Loft sits within a block originally constructed in the early 20th century and recently renovated by Fiona Winzar Architects. It has been transformed into a shining example of meaningful, deliberate design, balancing the preservation of the building’s heritage with layered, contemporary interiors by Furnishd Studio that move beyond trend-driven style to create a comfortable, elevated aesthetic. “Heritage and modernity can coexist without compromise,” says Connie Yin, founder and studio director of Furnishd Studio. “Rather than erasing the building’s 1927 bones, the design uses them as a canvas.”
Furnishd Studio emphasises its goal of maintaining the loft’s original structure, working with, rather than around, existing Art Deco features such as geometric arched windows and pre-existing vintage furniture. The result is a cohesive interior that beautifully weds old and new. The apartment’s lofty proportions also provided the opportunity for a creative, open-plan approach, characterised by layered design.
Curated pieces and personal touches define the space, with Furnishd Studio emphasising the importance of crafting a meaningful design that disregards trends in favour of longevity and purposeful objects. “Every piece was chosen to carry personal, cultural or craft significance, [with] many celebrating Melbourne makers and local design history,” says interior designer Emma Alexander Joseph. “This is a home that tells a story and rewards the people living in it with a deepening sense of place over time.”
“Function and poetry are not in conflict here; they’re the same thing.”
The design approach is described as one of “slow curation”: a meticulous but fruitful process of selecting enduring, craft-driven pieces that feel suited to the space. This unhurried approach proves effective in shaping an interior that feels both personal and welcoming. Notable pieces include the Za:Za Max sofa by Zanotta, the Willow bedhead by Zenn Design and the custom Ming chair by Studio BASE. Together with other impeccably curated objects, these furnishings work in harmony to achieve an aesthetic that celebrates the ‘Melbourne soul’ and the city’s local design history.
In line with the client’s vision for the loft and their own design philosophy, Furnishd Studio has expertly established a warm, layered material palette that nods to Australian interior design history while responding to the homeowner’s desire for a highly personal, curated dwelling. The home office boasts bespoke walnut joinery that exemplifies both attention to detail and integrated technical design. Natural textures and tactile materials create a cocooning effect, while functional lighting solutions and selected artworks contribute to a distinctive living environment. As Yin says, “Function and poetry are not in conflict here; they’re the same thing.”
1927 St Kilda Loft exemplifies Furnishd Studio’s deeply curatorial and perceptive voice within Australia’s interiors industry. The residence balances heritage and modernity through slow curation and deliberate design choices, resulting in a meaningful and enduring space that pays homage to Melbourne’s architectural history while offering the client a comfortable, aesthetically exceptional home.
