A Multi-Faceted Approach to Inner-City Living – South Yarra by Telha Clarke, Lotta Agaton and Karin Bochnik

Soft yet refined, robust yet warm, urban yet coastal – these are just some of the considered dichotomies that define South Yarra by Telha Clarke, Lotta Agaton and Karin Bochnik. A high-end penthouse feel is emulated with the luxuries of a boutique hotel and the textures of the coast.

The owner of South Yarra approached the team with a brief that outlined a tranquil residence that celebrated its location. In light of South Yarra being the client’s third home – their main residence is in Sydney and they also have a holiday home in Byron Bay – they wanted their new Melbourne dwelling to have a distinct city feel. The interior design by Lotta Agaton embraces the vibrant and cosmopolitan energy of Melbourne, imbued with a boutique hotel quality ideal for entertaining friends and family.

The interior design by Lotta Agaton embraces the vibrant and cosmopolitan energy of Melbourne, imbued with a boutique hotel quality ideal for entertaining friends and family.

Telha Clarke’s architectural design features three suites as well as a master bedroom. The master is situated off the main living area and opens to a large terrace overlooking Toorak Road, just steps away from Chapel Street. The three guest suites are located at the rear of the apartment, off a second living area where guests can relax away from the main living space. All bedrooms feature furniture than can be reconfigured based on the visitors the family are entertaining.

The team responded to the client’s familiarities and preferences in a nuanced way. Whilst drawn to a relaxed coastal interior, Karin Bochnik found a way to leverage the familiar coastal aesthetic through a refined and opulent approach. As such, the styling direction was a mix of a broadly Japanese interior style with Scandinavian touches, delivering an interior that is very much a reflection of Karin’s signature style.

Natural linens, velvets and organic wools dominate the textural façade of the apartment and evoke a softness, whilst a mix of marble, ceramic and glass objects imbue the spaces with elegance.

Natural linens, velvets and organic wools dominate the textural façade of the apartment and evoke a softness, whilst a mix of marble, ceramic and glass objects imbue the spaces with elegance. Similarly, colours are layered in complementary arrangements to ensure the rooms feel calm and sophisticated.

The considered design and styling approaches of South Yarra integrate with its architecture seamlessly. The end result is a multifaceted inner-city oasis that directly responds to the needs of the clients.