A firm favourite here at est, the talented team Mim Design are no strangers to redesigning classic gems for modern times; in fact it was only recently we explored another of their fabulous local projects with this elegant Edwardian transformation. Now they’ve brought a mid-century home to a whole new legion of contemporary admirers, thanks to a design facelift that goes far beyond a simple update.
DESIGN Mim Design | PHOTOGRAPHY Sharyn Cairns
This family home in Caulfield was first designed by renowned modernist architect and Melburnian, Harry Ernest, but it hadn’t had much love in recent decades. Architect Ben Robertson vowed to retain the best of the single storey home’s original mid-century features, creating the foundation for a stylish home. The beautifully liveable interiors are filled with light, space and a strong spirit of authenticity.
Opening up the once dark enclosures of the existing floor plan has been key to the success of this project. Light now floods the home’s open expanses, inviting a welcoming vibe and a brilliant lustre to spaces and surfaces. This newfound radiance also highlights interesting textures and finishes used such as ribbed walnut joinery and matte gold hardware.
The designers have demonstrated their mastery of organic components inside and out. 100 percent wool carpets, natural stone benchtops, travertine floors and beautifully crafted wooden cabinetry all bring warmth and comfort. And the resulting neutral colour scheme allowed the team to embrace individual elements of fun and personality throughout. Splashes of bold colour are out and proud within vibrant artworks, as well as more discreetly via accessories and fixtures in vivid shades of blue.
Outdoor spaces fare just as well and reveal Mim Design’s mindfulness of their clients – a young family – in all aspects of the fit out. The swimming pool was relocated to improve access and inspire use. And thoughtful planting, green expanses and striking yet simple elements such as the low, curved stone wall, further inspire open air living. Mim Design have once again hit the mark – this time with a sophisticated yet intimate family space superbly in keeping with the home’s classic former life.
The careful restoration of classic mid-century features, such as the living area’s stunning pendant light, results in an authentic and cohesive feel within the home.
