“Design that's not just seen but felt. Every inch, every detail, harmoniously woven together to not only meet but anticipate the needs of a dynamic family of five, while celebrating the home's existing, timeless features.” – This sentiment echoes through the walls of the latest Rowe Studio design, where functionality and aesthetic beauty effortlessly converge.

Rowe Studio, a Melbourne-based boutique architecture and interior design practice, expertly navigates the balance between creating spaces that are both visually captivating and deeply considerate of the unique rhythm of daily family life. Led by Sarit Wermut and Romy Peterfreund, the studio brings to life homes that not only deliver this vision but also actively respond to the nuances of each client’s lifestyle. 

Given the canvas of a 424m2 block, this recent Caulfield project demanded an approach where every square inch was meticulously thought out and activated. The client envisioned a sophisticated home with modern aesthetics that would be flexible enough to adapt to the evolving dynamics of a family of five. Spatial considerations, capturing natural light, generous ceiling heights, and seamless indoor/outdoor transitions were paramount in bringing this vision to life.

The resulting build truly captures that connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces with windows and glass doors, strategically placed, to not only draw in abundant natural light but also craft multiple pathways to the outdoors. Full-height bifold doors extend the dining space onto a deck, while large sliding windows in the kitchen foster a smooth interaction between indoor meals and alfresco areas -  furthering the dialogue between the built and the natural.

As with all Rowe Studio designs, window furnishings played a pivotal role in this home. Though the client had a basic outline in mind, they relied on the expertise of Lovelight and Rowe Studios to select the right fabrics and ensure practicality in the implementation throughout. Whether acting as the centrepiece of the room or subtly complementing the space, the window furnishings were designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Each element within the home is a nod to timeless elegance and functionality. From bold and textured window furnishings to conserved period features like leadlight windows and bagged brick walls, every detail is harmoniously integrated. The abundance of natural light through skylights, slot windows, and the large bi-fold doors, especially within the home’s extension, crafts a sense of volume and openness that is truly mesmerizing.

When we asked Romy at Rowe Studios what she sees as the current or emerging trends in interior design, she pointed out that “as trends shift towards bold prints and colours, open weaves, and Venetian blinds, there’s also a noticeable move towards integrating window furnishings with other soft furnishings within a room.” 

The overall feeling that one is left with after touring this home is that Rowe Studio’s keen eye for design and functionality has resulted in a home that is not only beautiful but also deeply attuned to the ebb and flow of life within its walls.