Project: Hawthorn Minimalist House – Canvas of Calm
Architecture: Picchio Interiors
Location: Australia
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Elise Scott
Hawthorn Minimalist House – Canvas of Calm sits quietly in Melbourne’s urban core. Here, minimalist design becomes a soothing backdrop for daily life. Completed in 2023, this two‑storey residence unfolds across an 800 m² site. From the moment you enter, every line and surface feels deliberate, gently guiding you through spaces that breathe with light and serenity.
Art‑First Interiors
The home’s palette remains soft and neutral so that artworks take center stage. Walls are finished in low‑sheen white plaster, allowing paintings and sculptures to stand out without distraction. Meanwhile, polished concrete floors flow seamlessly from room to room, their subtle texture adding warmth underfoot. In the living area, a recessed track lighting system highlights each piece of art, while concealed LED strips wash the ceiling with a gentle glow. As a result, the eye moves naturally from one curated work to the next, turning the interior into a private gallery. Moreover, modular display panels on sliding tracks allow the collection to evolve over time, offering flexibility for new acquisitions and changing exhibitions.
Thoughtful Spatial Planning
Every room balances openness with purpose. On the ground floor, an open‑plan living, dining, and kitchen zone measures 120 m²—ample space for both quiet mornings and lively gatherings. A concealed storage wall keeps clutter out of sight, preserving clean sightlines. Adjacent to the kitchen, a hidden scullery and pantry span 15 m², ensuring that meal prep remains out of view during entertaining. Upstairs, four bedrooms share a flexible gallery landing that doubles as a reading nook. Here, floor‑to‑ceiling windows frame garden views, while skirting‑level vents ensure gentle cross‑ventilation. A private study, tucked behind oak veneer panels, offers acoustic privacy for work or contemplation. Consequently, each space feels light, airy, and intimately connected to the outside.
Materials That Whisper Luxury
Materials remain restrained yet rich in tactility. Oak veneer panels line the study and master suite, their book‑matched grain forming a subtle pattern. Bathrooms feature large‑format porcelain tiles with a matte finish, paired with slimline black fixtures for a modern edge. Glass balustrades and slim metal handrails maintain transparency, while recessed timber shelving introduces moments of quiet warmth. Custom joinery—from the floating bedside tables to the integrated media console—uses the same oak veneer, reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic.
Indoor‑Outdoor Harmony
Connecting interior calm with nature, the ground‑floor living area opens via floor‑to‑ceiling sliding glass doors onto a shaded courtyard. Here, a minimalist water feature and native plantings create a private oasis. A narrow reflecting pool runs alongside the glass wall, mirroring sky and greenery. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace with timber decking provides panoramic city views and a tranquil spot for morning yoga or evening gathering. Both outdoor spaces use hidden drainage channels and integrated lighting to maintain the home’s sleek lines.
Serenity by Design
Hawthorn Minimalist House proves that simplicity can be the ultimate luxury. Through careful material choices, art‑forward lighting, seamless spatial flow, and strong indoor‑outdoor connections, the architects have crafted a home where every moment feels peaceful. Here, minimalist restraint becomes a living experience—one that soothes the mind, honors creativity, and celebrates the art of calm.
