Lisa Elliott Interior Design

Nestled in the heart of inner Melbourne, a small empty concrete space inside a luxury apartment building awaited its transformation into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the remarkable before and after journey of this space as it evolved into a grotto-like private-use wellness spa, featuring stunning design elements and thoughtful details that evoke a sense of serenity and luxury.

Before: A Blank Canvas of Potential

The original space, though bare and unadorned, held within it the promise of transformation. With it’s empty concrete walls and floor, it stood as a testament to the untapped potential of design to reimagine and reinvent even the most modest of spaces.

After: A Grotto-Like Oasis of Tranquility

The metamorphosis of the space was nothing short of extraordinary. Black timber-look floor tiles now blanket the floor, their rich hue grounding the space in warmth and earthy elegance. Real moss adorns one wall, its lush greenery lending a touch of organic beauty and connection to nature.

Blackbutt timber wall slats rise from the ground, enveloping the room in texture and depth, while a dark grey ceiling hovers overhead like a comforting canopy, cocooning the space in intimacy and seclusion.

Throughout the spa, accents of grey marble and copper-coloured mirror design details catch the eye, adding notes of opulence and sophistication to the serene surroundings. Low lighting fixtures cast a soft and gentle glow, creating an atmosphere of hushed tranquility that invites guests to unwind and escape from the stresses of the outside world.

At the heart of the spa sits a luxurious spa, its waters a source of solace and renewal for weary bodies and minds alike. Surrounding the spa are spaces dedicated to massage tables, a change area, and a shower, providing guests with all the amenities they need for a truly indulgent experience.

Lessons Learned: Designing for Wellness and Luxury

The transformation of this small concrete space into a grotto-like wellness spa offers several valuable lessons for designers:

1. Embrace nature: Incorporating elements of nature, such as real moss, adds a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world.
2. Creativity knows no bounds: Even the most challenging spaces can be transformed into havens of beauty and tranquility with the right design vision and expertise.
3. Texture and contrast are key: The juxtaposition of different materials and textures adds depth and visual interest to small spaces, creating a sense of luxury and sophistication.
4. Lighting sets the mood: Thoughtfully designed lighting can enhance the atmosphere of a space, creating a sense of relaxation and serenity that is essential for wellness environments.
5. Every detail matters: From the choice of materials to the selection of fixtures and finishes, every detail contributes to the overall ambiance and experience of a space.

In Conclusion

The before and after transformation of this small concrete space into a grotto-like wellness spa in inner Melbourne is a testament to the transformative power of design. With its striking design elements, thoughtful details, and commitment to luxury and relaxation, the spa offers an unforgettable experience for residents seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. As we continue to explore the possibilities of design, let this spa serve as inspiration for creating spaces that nourish the body, mind, and soul.

Warm Regards,

Lisa Elliott

Get started planning your dream Salon with our 8-page Salon & Spa Questionnaire

A questionnaire can be a helpful tool when planning the interior design of your Salon or Day Spa; it allows you to consider all the important information about your preferences, needs, and vision for the space before you start talking to your interior designer. This information can then be used to guide the design process, ensuring that the final design meets your needs and expectations.

Additionally, a questionnaire can help the your interior designer to identify any constraints or limitations that may impact the design. For example, if you have a specific budget or timeline for the project, we can use this information to make informed decisions about materials, furnishings, and construction methods that will work within those parameters.

Booking a Discovery Call with us can be a valuable step in the process of designing the interior of your Salon or Day Spa. Here are some reasons why you might consider booking a call:

1. Discuss your vision and goals: A discovery call allows you to discuss your vision and goals for your salon or day spa with your interior designer. This can help the designer to understand your vision and offer insights into how to achieve your goals.
2. Identify potential challenges: The interior designer can help you identify potential challenges that may impact the design process, such as budget constraints, timeframes, or regulatory requirements. This can help you to plan and prepare for these challenges in advance.
3. Learn about the design process: The discovery call can provide an opportunity to learn more about the design process and what to expect when working with an interior designer. This can help you to feel more comfortable and confident throughout the project.
4. Determine if the interior designer is a good fit: The discovery call can also help you to determine if the designer is a good fit for your project. You can get a sense of their communication style, design approach, and experience, which can help you to decide if you want to work with them.

Overall, booking a discovery call with an interior designer can be a valuable step in the design process. It can help you to clarify your vision, get feedback and recommendations, identify potential challenges, learn about the design process, and determine if the designer is a good fit for your project.

If you are planning a refurbishment, please explore our flexible Design Package Options designed to serve you for more information.

You’ve go no idea how grateful I am to have had you alongside my family. And the Salon’s everything I’ve dreamed of. You made it come alive! The opening was so amazing – very overwhelmed”

Absolu Hair Salon – Kara Mac Issac

So, why Hire an Interior Designer?

Unfortunately many people get confused or intimidated by the idea of hiring a professional Interior Designer for their project, and might be concerned about the process of working with a designer & the costs of doing so.

A lot of people I meet feel that they can hire a builder and do the design themselves, selecting materials and fixtures in dribs and drabs, often at the last minute (leading to less choice) with poor planning & lack of an overall vision. This will lead increased costs due to changes, additions and variations that the builder will not have allowed for.

You will save money & time. Your designer will plan functional and appealing spaces, provide drawings, visualisations & material / furnishing selections in a strategic manner so you can get competitive quotes, and you know what the design will look like & cost right from the start.

You require a Qualified Interior Designer & Registered Building Practitioner for any commercial project or residential project that requires a building permit; a proper interior designer is a highly trained & experienced registered professional, not just someone with ‘a good eye for colour’ and a knack for picking furniture.

Image: Omar Rodriguez @ormphotography