Design

TEMPLE RESIDENCE: AN ANTHOLOGY OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS

In the heart of Melbourne’s Hawthorne East, the Temple Residence by Studio Tali Roth stands as a testament to sophisticated craftsmanship and layered storytelling through interior design. Roth’s approach elevates the home beyond mere aesthetics, weaving a narrative of warmth, artistry, and bespoke elegance that resonates throughout every curated corner.

Architecturally realised by J. Kidman with interiors by Design by Golden and landscaping by Plume Studio, Temple Residence has emerged with an exquisite dialogue between materiality, form, and emotion—a space where each gesture, object, and texture converges to create an environment that feels both grand and intimately personal.

At the core of the design is an emphasis on materiality, which Roth manipulates through refined styling selections to reflect and evoke tactile richness and authenticity. The unfilled travertine floors serve as a grounding element, their earthy imperfections and natural textures establishing an immediate sense of warmth and organic beauty. This choice exemplifies Roth’s mastery in balancing durability with aesthetic finesse, creating a canvas that invites touch and contemplation. Timber, used subtly on ceilings and walls, introduces a tactile warmth that contrasts beautifully with sleek, modern surfaces, fostering a sense of layered depth that is both inviting and refined.

Furniture selections are thoughtfully curated to echo this narrative of bespoke craftsmanship. The modular Cameleonda sofas upholstered in plush velvet and leather create a cozy yet sculptural seating area, emphasising comfort without sacrificing artistry. Artistic coffee tables—such as the multi-layered Bellwood piece and the droplet-shaped glass table—serve as sculptural focal points, each adding a narrative layer and a tactile contrast to the softness of the seating. These objects are more than functional; they are storytelling devices, imbued with a sense of artistry that elevates the entire space. The seamless stainless steel dining table, paired with Arch dining chairs from Ellison Studio exemplifies Roth’s commitment to integrating sculptural form with everyday function, making the dining experience both communal and visually arresting.

Lighting is employed with an artist’s eye to craft ambience and highlight materiality. Sculptural fixtures like Anna Karlin’s delicate gold pendants and Norokh Kachatara’s distinctive tick light cast a warm, layered glow across the interiors. These fixtures are carefully selected not only for their aesthetic appeal but for their ability to animate the space, creating shifting moods and honing the home’s sculptural qualities. In the great room, lighting becomes a storytelling element—highlighting textured walls, curating focal points, and transforming the space from day to night with subtle shifts in tone.

Art and curated objects further deepen the residence’s bespoke narrative. Roth’s integration of artwork—from Joshua Yeldham’s intricate drawings to Juan Ford’s vivid paintings—serves as a visual language that speaks directly to the home’s soul. These pieces are thoughtfully positioned to complement the architecture, loosely positioning the home as a gallery and a sanctuary. Sculptural objects, such as Pietro Franceshini’s burl coffee table and the mosaic children’s bathrooms, clad from wall to ceiling in Bisazza Opus Roma tiles, introduce a sense of craftsmanship and history, reinforcing the home’s layered storytelling. Each object is chosen with intent, adding personality and depth, transforming the residence into a living, breathing articulation of the family’s artistic journey and personal history.

Rugs, often understated, are used here as pivotal design gestures to anchor spaces and add tactile warmth. The striking gold shag tensile rug, for example, provides a luxurious juxtaposition against the neutral Roman travertine flooring, creating a visual and textural contrast that elevates the room’s overall ambience. This rug embodies Roth’s ability to blend grandeur with intimacy, crafting a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

The overall composition of the interior is a masterclass in restraint and refinement, where each element is deliberate yet seemingly effortless. The home’s spatial layout—guided by intelligent master planning—ensures that every piece of furniture, lighting, and artwork contributes to a cohesive story. The central ‘great room’ acts as the heart of the residence, a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, where the interplay of textures, materials, and curated objects creates an environment that feels both expansive and intimately inviting. The careful layering of tactile elements—such as the textured timber ceiling contrasting with the smooth marble and glass—embodies Roth’s philosophy that design should evoke emotion and reflect personal stories.

In sum, Temple Residence is a chronology of materiality and craftsmanship, a bespoke environment that celebrates the power of thoughtful detail. Roth’s mastery lies not only in her aesthetic sensibility but in her ability to craft spaces that feel alive—spaces that beckon touch, invite reflection, and celebrate the artistry inherent in everyday life. It is a home that is lustrous in its sophistication, bespoke in its details, and profoundly resonant in its warmth—a true manifestation of design as a form of storytelling.

Words by Tiffany Jade. Architecture by J Kidman. Interiors by Design by Golden. Interior Decoration by Studio Tali Roth. Built by Overend Constructions. Landscaping by Plume Studio. Photography by Sean Fennessy. Shoot Styling by Marsha Golemac.