A Mim Design project, with architecture by Ben Robertson, St Ninians is a Melbourne home designed for family entertaining.
Mim Design envisioned St Ninians as a home to accomodate their client’s ever-expanding art collection. At every step of the project, simplicity was front of mind, with a key emphasis on a strong monochromatic colour palette.
Through generous proportions and the layering of subtle textural elements, Mim Design and Ben Robertson have created a well-composed, affable home for a family of four.
Built on a small site, the project focuses on maximising efficiencies in all areas of the home, with the addition of a music room and pool cabana. Artwork and playful objects set the tone, informing the design from the very start of the process.
Black is utilised heavily throughout, in the chevron floorboards and linear wall cladding, making for a gallery-like canvas for the client’s vibrant, playful artwork. Large north-facing windows, skylights and light courts were also heavily incorporated into the design.
Generous Carrara marble slabs are used in the spacious kitchen and bathroom, linking these spaces and softening the home, alongside gentle grey sheers and accents of navy blue. The compelling central staircase, designed by architect Ben Robertson, cements itself as the design focal point of the home; it’s singular sweeping curve greeting you from the home’s entrance.
“The natural light and definition of form throughout the home create a visual energy that makes everyday living effortless.”
– Mim Design founding director Miriam Fanning
Experience working together previously and the friendship between client and Mim Design were essential to the success of the St Ninians home. “This project is the fourth of six homes we have worked on with this client, who has now become a dear friend of mine,” Mim Design founding director Miriam Fanning explains. “After visiting on a number of occasions, the space can be calming and almost ‘holiday’ like, varying to electric and entertaining at other times,” Miriam says.
Monochromatic finishes and modern furnishings, paired with the client’s artistic interests make for an approachable and interesting home, realised by Mim Design and architect Ben Robertson.
