Interiors

An Ultra Sophisticated Family Home

Edwardian houses in Albert Park are some of Melbourne’s most coveted real estate, but renovating these heritage homes can, at times, be a logistical challenge. 

In this project, a property located on a site with significant limitations and restrictions, a clever and collaborative design response by Mim Design and AdeB Architects has enabled this home to be extended, without losing the charm of the original architecture. 

While highly sophisticated in appearance, the use of robust, natural materials throughout ensures this house meets all the practical requirements for a family of five.

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

MLB Residence is a home by Mim Design in collaboration with AdeB Architects. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

This once modest Edwardian home has been extended to accommodate a growing young family. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A sliding screen conceals the television. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Curved details in the interiors are a nod to the original architecture at the front of the home. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A double-height ceiling void with a skylight enables the family to dine beneath the stars at night. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

The material palette is luxe but robust. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

The kitchen features a four-metre-long stone island bench. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Every corner has been considered in the design. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Polished plaster has been introduced to walls in hallways and stairwells. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

‘It was important for our client to have a modern style while still incorporating design elements from the heritage aspects present in the house,’ says Mim Design associate Kristiina Reeve. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Organic bronze details are a recurring feature in a nod to the original Edwardian architecture. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

This house continues Mim Design’s reputation for creating sophisticated, elegant interiors, Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Modern furniture beautifully complements an open fireplace. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

As a family of five, storage space was a priority for this renovation. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A moody living space. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A practical study nook. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

There’s even an incredible walk-in wardrobe! Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A perfect bathroom. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Hotel-like bathroom interiors. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

The original Edwardian facade has been maintained. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Writer
Amelia Barnes
8th of May 2020

Mim Design is renowned for creating sophisticated, elegant interiors, and their MLB Residence in Albert Park is no exception! Alongside AdeB Architects, the interior design practice has introduced contemporary interiors to this Edwardian home, with spectacular results.

Mim Design associate Kristiina Reeve says the main priority for this home was for the interiors to feel warm and inviting, and to meet the practical needs for a family of five. ‘Our main inspirations were based around the idea of family, and what this means to a home,’ Kristiina says. ‘A typical Albert Park block isn’t large, so creating usable family spaces were crucial.’ Storage has been maximised via the inclusion of several hidden derails, such as a bar underneath the stairs, a fold-down bed incorporated into the study cabinetry, and a sliding screen that conceals the television. An attic space also contains a playroom for the children. 

The interiors, while contemporary, incorporate heritage aspects inspired by the original rooms of the house. Most notable are the  soft curves repeated throughout, such as in bathroom mirror details, the stone island bench, ceiling voids, stair balustrades, and traditional highlight windows above doors. ‘We always look to draw inspiration from existing elements to help create a story and rhythm to our interior spaces,’ says Kristiina. Materials such as oak floorboards, terrazzo concrete floors, and organic bronze have been carefully selected to withstand busy family activity, while enhancing the home’s elegant aesthetic. 

Mim Design have gone adove and beyond in this home to provide spaces that delight and surprise their clients. ‘We want them to feel that their brief has been met, however they also need to feel challenged with new ideas along the way,’ says Kristiina. The outcome is a distinguished yet practical home, with plenty of space for future growth. 

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