Stitching the past and present together is something that Mim Design is known for – whether it’s a commercial building, an apartment or, as seen with the ‘Dawn House’ on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, a large homestead dating from the 1860s. “It came with some beautiful bones, yet it was in a dilapidated state,” says interior designer Mim Design director and interior designer Mim Fanning says, who worked closely with practice associate interior designer Lisa Ransom. “But I could see where it needed to be steered towards,” Mim says, pointing out the impressive views of Port Philip Bay.

The original timber and brick period home was finely restored by Mim and her team, while a new two-storey contemporary wing was added by Neil Architecture. The two portions of the house maintain their own identity, yet are ‘threaded together’ by a glazed link and a two-storey alfresco dining area. Although the two wings contrast dramatically, the brick materials tie the past and present together. “Our clients didn’t want the house to appear fussy, but a relaxed place to entertain friends and their extended family,” Mim says.