Mim Fanning and family renovated their traditional Victorian home 13 years ago, with a view to combine the home’s existing heritage characteristics with a bright, modern extension. The property needed to be ‘future proof’ to accommodate their two sons growing up, who were just starting primary school when the family first embarked on the renovation (the eldest is now 19!). Mim explains ‘we wanted our home to be an easy house to live in, as well as a comfortable sanctuary to spend time together in.’
The front of the house is generously proportioned, with high ceilings and Victorian features. The renovated modern addition at the rear of the home is a bright and airy living space with 4.5 metre high ceilings, and views out to the garden. This new part of the home connects to the original 1886 home via a wide central hallway, which doubles as a gallery. Mim and her husband David are passionate collectors of contemporary art, and every corner of their home speaks to this passion! Amongst their most treasured acquisitions are paintings by John Coburn, Stephen Ormandy and Howard Arkley (!) and many others.
After two decades in the game, Mim has developed a strong sense of what great design means. She explains ‘it’s a way of living. Great design has reason and purpose, as well as form and function.’ Offering her advice on choosing and integrating tech products at home, Mim highlights ‘tech products at home don’t always need to be integrated, and that’s why I love the Samsung Serif unit designed by the Bouroullec Brothers – it has the design flexibility to go anywhere at any time.’ Mim encourages tech solutions that can be moved and adapted to changing family dynamics and rapidly growing kids! ‘Life is about flexibility and change’ she says, ‘that’s why the design of this product is so great.’
Both in her practice and at home, Mim’s design aesthetic is one of refined simplicity. She is a measured, and thoughtful designer, who eschews fleeting trends in favour of timeless, functional design. This is no better demonstrated than in her own home, where she explains that her intent was ‘to keep things simple, play on volume of space, and ensure the design would stand the test of time.’
The Samsung Serif, designed by the Bouroullec Brothers, features a unique I-shaped profile, making it iconic from every angle. The Serif brings together the very best in contemporary design, with transformative technology.
