MIM Design have designed the interiors of the MAH Residence, a newly built home located in Brighton, Australia.
About the project
Creating intimate and warm spaces within a large footprint with large expanses of glazing was the challenge faced by Melbourne practice Mim Design, but the finished results at MAH Residence prove the studio was up to the task.
The newly built family home is spread over two stories and features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, powder room, rumpus, study, open-plan kitchen and living area, separate lounge, cellar and gym. According to Mim Design Director Miriam Fanning, the homeowner, a builder, required an interior that reflected the geometry of the building’s architecture.
“This project, in Melbourne’s blue-chip Brighton, required us to undertake full planning, interior architectural design and decoration,” Ms Fanning said, “Each view has aspect to a key interior feature or form, and each interior element within the house proportionally creates a sculptural form. The brief was to create interiors that had a sense of balance, calm and space, and we feel that’s been achieved.”
From the front entry, leading through to the lounge with its elegantly curved fireplace, the space feels soft and warm. Light streams through the windows, and natural elements such as smoked oak floors, elegant grey marble, and black stained timber, create a muted sense of luxury.
The integration from the ground floor to the first floor is via a wedged shaped stair form that acts as sculptural element. A sense of sophistication throughout the upstairs bedrooms was achieved through clever window placement, and careful selection of window furnishings, carpets and wallpapers.
The casual living room is a grandiose space, with heightened ceilings and another feature fireplace, this one more symmetrical and square, with the integration of a stone hearth and plinth detail.
Large windows surround the space, which is stepped down from the remainder of the kitchen and dining to create a cosy feel. The dining area is a large open space that is adjacent to the kitchen. Both areas work together and are connected by an external courtyard.
The kitchen has an aspect overlooking the garden and pool and, according to Interior Designer Kristiina Morgan, who led the Mim Design team on the project, is a true workspace with an oversized scullery and laundry.
“The island bench to this kitchen has a workbench and an elevated wine and cheese table,” Ms Morgan said. “A custom cone-shaped pendant light, with a brass balance ball, has been located above the wine and cheese area, and the kitchen’s proportions are further balanced by two dark towers that hide the scullery and laundry behind. The use of Elba stone on the island bench and central rear cabinetry adds symmetry to the space.”
Every detail in the home has been finished to its finest millimetre and the overarching theme is one of clean design, comfortable living and a refined sense of luxury. “As a design firm, we feel we achieved an outstanding result through working with our client who happened to be a builder,” Ms Fanning said. “I can honestly say that we didn’t want to leave after our final walk-through. The materials we used are robust in durability – but not in appearance – and the young family has taken as much pleasure in the balance, finishes and soft feel of the house as we have.”
The master ensuite is finished in custom cut stone, and features a bath with a skylight directly over, double shower, double vanity and toilet. Downstairs, a large timber clad pod is located within the central zone. It houses a cellar, powder room and large study nook, and divides the front room, study, dining and living areas.
