Hawthorn Apartment Interior Design

An inner-city retreat with a moody, modern edge

This Hawthorn apartment reimagines a sold-off-the-plan residence into a luxurious, design-driven home tailored to inner-city living. Located in Hawthorn, a suburb known for its leafy streets, cultural pockets and proximity to the Yarra River, the apartment renovation was shaped by the area’s blend of heritage charm and contemporary lifestyle.

The interior balances high-end finishes with a warm, enveloping palette, featuring dark, moody tones, fabric-textured wallpapers and custom cabinetry that bring depth and sophistication to every room. Thoughtful layout modifications opened up the site considerably, transforming the apartment into a generous and highly functional home that supports both quiet retreat and effortless entertaining.

Hawthorn Interior Design Project Brief

Positioned close to Camberwell’s Rivoli cinema, Hawthorn cafés and Yarra River walking tracks, the apartment was originally purchased off the plan as a three-bedroom residence with modest living areas. The brief was to create a layout better suited to my lifestyle, focusing on open-plan living, indoor-outdoor connection, and a more elevated finish that reflects Hawthorn’s design-conscious market.

We explored ways to expand the living zones, simplify the layout and improve flow throughout the apartment. Key design ideas included reducing the number of bedrooms to increase shared spaces, consolidating utility areas for efficiency and developing bespoke kitchen and bathroom concepts to replace the developer-grade inclusions. The design direction also considered integrated storage, custom furniture, and stronger visual links to the full-length balcony.

Project at a glance

• Location: Hawthorn, Melbourne
• Client: A professional couple who enjoy hosting
• Project Type: Off-the-plan apartment renovation
• Budget Guidelines: Focused on high-impact materials and custom elements
• Project Scope: Full service interior design, including kitchen, bathrooms, furniture and window furnishings.

Our design direction

Materiality shaped the apartment’s atmosphere, with deep, moody tones, fabric-textured wallpapers, and luxurious velvets chosen to suit the east-facing orientation and limited natural light. Custom furniture and refined window furnishings were designed to fit the footprint with precision, adding softness, depth and a tailored feel. Artwork and oversized mirrors were selected to enhance volume and introduce movement throughout the interiors.

The master ensuite was reconceived as a private retreat with a double shower, an enclosed WC, and a bath facing the courtyard. Our team oversaw the entire process from design concepts and material selections through to installation, ensuring each detail aligned with the vision for the space.

Key features included:

• Bespoke kitchen and bathroom design and cabinetry 
• Custom furniture sized for the apartment
• Fabric-textured wallpaper throughout
• U-shaped banquette dining nook with tall upholstered panels
• Window furnishings that complement the moody palette
• Large sliding doors open each main room to the balcony
• Master ensuite with double shower, reoriented bath and enclosed WC
• Custom cabinetry and oversized mirrors to enhance light and volume
• Artwork curated and installed by Lewisham Interiors

Project constraints and solutions

The apartment’s original floorplan lacked cohesion, and the alfresco area felt disconnected due to a single small doorway. East-facing light and shading from a neighbouring development also limited the potential for a bright, airy scheme. Lewisham responded by embracing a darker, more atmospheric palette, using layered fabrics, ambient lighting, and rich materiality to create depth. The banquette dining nook addressed spatial inefficiencies and helped improve flow throughout the home.

Hawthorn’s character and lifestyle

Hawthorn is one of Melbourne’s most sought-after inner-east suburbs, known for its leafy surroundings, character-rich homes and easy access to cultural and dining destinations. The area is anchored by the Hawthorn Arts Centre, the historic Glenferrie Road precinct, Anderson Park and iconic sporting sites such as Glenferrie Oval. With the Rivoli cinema, local cafés, boutique shopping and Yarra River walks all close by, it is a suburb where lifestyle, design awareness and a strong sense of place naturally shape the approach to interior design.

Hawthorn Interiors featured on Dream Homes Revealed

Designing in Hawthorn often involves balancing contemporary living with the suburb’s strong heritage presence. This Hawthorn apartment shows how Lewisham can elevate an off-the-plan layout into a luxurious home. The project was featured on Dream Homes Revealed, reflecting the level of detail and design intent that shaped the space.

Interior design in Hawthorn and Melbourne’s inner east

Lewisham Interiors brings clarity, sophistication and a highly customised approach to homes across Hawthorn, Camberwell, Richmond and Melbourne’s inner east. If you’re seeking a Hawthorn interior designer with expertise in apartment renovation and bespoke design solutions, this Hawthorn apartment reflects the level of detail and refinement we bring to every project.