A classic mid-century home in Melbourne’s leafy east has been given a new lease of life by Mim Design. Capturing the hallmarks of the modern architectural movement, Mim have transformed the once dark and cramped single-storey Caufield North home into a timeless beauty with ample windows that open up the interior spaces and bring the outdoors in.

Mim Design Brings Mid-Century Vision to Life
Mim Design Brings Mid-Century Vision to LifeFilled with natural light, the open plan kitchen and dining area is lined with Crema Cararra Marble and fluted/ribbed cabinetry detailing. A round dining table from Grazia & Co has been paired with the elegantly sculptural DC09 Chairs in walnut.
The original 1964 Harry Ernest-designed home had caught the eye of Melbourne publisher David S. Miller and his wife, who lived up the road. While in desperate need for some serious love and care, it had “amazing bones” and they knew something incredible could be done with it. Engaging award-winning Melbourne designer Mim Design the Millers were determined to respectfully reinstate the home to its former glory days while enhancing their lifestyle. “The Miller’s are a busy young family with a diverse range of hobbies, they needed functional spaces and communal areas, room for entertainment, privacy and storage,” Mim Design Principal Miriam Fanning says.
Mim Design Brings Mid-Century Vision to Life
Vibrant yet cosy, this living room features the Controra Armchair by Ron Gilad for Molteni&C and BassamFallows CB-41 Daybed. The wall unit was custom designed by Mim and cleverly incorporates a wine rack and display shelving for books, objects and the Copycat lamp by Michael Annastassiades for Flos.
Project manager and builder Project Friday coordinated the work as Mim Design started connecting spaces, making the home light, bright and welcoming, while retaining the integrity of the mid-century features that are all too often lost. The open-plan kitchen area is flooded with natural light from clerestory glazing added to the living room ceiling while the relocated swimming pool and new pop-up dining room adds theatre and activity.

“The abundance of natural light changes the home’s dynamic, making rooms more inviting while highlighting aspects and features such as a view, artwork, panelling or joinery,” Miriam says. Several original features were retained and restored in appreciation for their beauty and highly prized vintage qualities.

Mim Design Brings Mid-Century Vision to Life

Natural white and muted grey tones are met with contrasting walnut and deluxe finishes such as stone benchtops and 100% wood carpets. Character details such as the crazy-pave travertine floors were redone by skilled craftsman, while new fittings and fixtures pay homage to the mid-century era while complementing the original features.

Mim Design Brings Mid-Century Vision to Life
Photography by Sharyn Cairns

What an entrance! The exquisite D.154.2 Armchair by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C and Moroso Net Table sit below a striking artwork by Dale Frank


Images courtesy of Mim Design 

©