Malvern II
Malvern II documents the rich refinement of a family home in inner-city Melbourne. Under the discerning eye of KB-ID Studio, the styling and interior decoration thoughtfully accentuates old and new through texture, tone and scale.
Let this gracious Victorian home be a lesson in layering balanced with careful restraint. Karin Bochnik, founder of KB-ID Studio, guided the inspired homeowners on a journey that marries contemporary character with the bones of an older build. The quiet catalyst for change within Malvern II was light. “We wanted to celebrate contrast, to create moments that feel cocooned and dramatic yet anchored in calm,” details Bochnik.
The two front rooms are enveloped in deep, moody tones, an homage to the building’s heritage while also serving as a precise counterpoint to the rest of the home – a sequence of rooms bathed in soft white. Here, an animated dialogue starts to unfurl between juxtaposing spaces with the considered use of bold art, sculptural objects and subtle feminine gestures.
The original architecture at Malvern II already captured a sense of flow and openness throughout communal coves and private quarters. However, Bochnik worked with lighter tones to inject softness in the open-plan area and darker tones to absorb light and add depth where more formality is present. Artificial lighting was afforded the same deliberate planning; sculptured pendants and unique lamps help preserve and manifest the desired energy of each room.
The infusion of warmth within Malvern II is thanks to a shared vision between Botchnik and R&Co Design Studio, which provided a meticulously crafted architectural shell. Clean lines and strong geometry became the foundation for furniture and materials that were sourced through a mix of local artisans, independent makers and contemporary design houses. “Each piece had to feel tactile and honest to the overall design. I layered walnut, linen, ceramic, bronze and bold natural stone – materials that age beautifully and feel timeless,” explains Bochnik, simultaneously mirroring the urban rhythm of Melbourne.
An elegant blank canvas prior to styling is now a lived-in home that exudes comfort and welcomes shared experience. The heritage rooms at the front of the house showcase an art collection comprising iconic and established artists. The new open-plan area is laced with vibrant and contemporary art to represent freshness. Then, in the master bedroom old and new intertwine in a deeply sensorial and deeply personal space. A Made Studio table anchors the dining area, its organic form celebrated with a custom stain and complemented by upholstered dining chairs in a honey-hued velvet fabric. Nearby, the deep low sofa from MCM House serves as another very intentional invitation to gather and connect, two uncompromising qualities requested by this young family.
Now complete, this Malvern abode is melting into its next phase of liveable sophistication. Calm yet underscored with a layer of fun, KB-ID Studio’s styling strikes the balance between joy, beauty and practicality.
Architecture by R&Co Design Studio. Build by Kube Constructions. Interior design by KB-ID Studio.
