The kitchen island is crafted from CDK Stone Emerald Haze quartzite.
A vintage Murano chandelier features above the dining setting.
Located on the land of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, Mim Design’s Wren House is a haven for an interior stylist and her family.
In this restored Victorian terrace in Melbourne, a stained glass window depicts a small blue bird from which the Wren House takes its name. Home to former Mim Design stylist Jess Hislop, this project was treated as one between family rather than a client. Their close relationship allowed them to take risks, resulting in a restoration that sought to appreciate the owners’ design knowledge and the home’s industrial surroundings.
Embracing the home’s Victorian charm by leaving the terrace facade untouched, visitors are greeted with a classic iron gate and checkered tiles, while inside, the heritage front end of the home has been preserved. Vintage Murano glass, ceiling roses and original fireplaces in the bedrooms honour the era in which it was built. “While there was a lot of restoration to undertake, we were determined to maintain as much of the original character of the home as possible,” Mim Design interior designer Lisa Ransom says.
The brick extension’s additional space allowed the homeowners to explore form and material freely. Catering to Jess, her husband Tom, and their three young daughters, Wren House balances sophisticated details with a playful undertone. Jess is also a passionate collector of furniture, artwork and ceramics, so much of Mim Design’s decision-making sought to frame each individual piece within the home. “Wren House’s interior design is a direct reflection of Jess and Tom’s spirited energy. From the moment you pass through the gate, there is an embedded sense of who they are,” Lisa says.
Soft tones in the living room are enhanced with a sage green B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini, a Cassina blush pink 089 floor lamp and the Verner Panton G easy chair.
At the end of a restored pine hallway, a portal of emerald green quartzite marks the entrance to the extension. The open space features floor-to-ceiling windows providing access to natural light and lush atriums. Luxurious materials and striking furniture pieces in the kitchen and dining area reflect the clients’ personalities, while “jewel tones” are seen in the rich velvet curtains and lacquered cabinetry. In the living room, soft textures and a curved fireplace create a sense of calm, enhanced by the concrete plinth and tiling.
Accents of pink feature throughout the Wren House, creating a feminine softness in both new and old spaces. For example, the bold rose marble in the ensuite and blushed tones in furniture and accessories.
The homeowner’s familiarity with Mim Design has resulted in a highly personalised project collaboration. Maintaining its heritage charm, the Wren House exudes a balance of glamour and practicality that will underpin family life in years to come.
The sitting room features a custom upholstered vintage Le Bambole armchair by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, H Horse from Kartell and a custom pink rug.
The Pittella LUCIA door handle.
The bathroom features CDK Stone Fusion Rose marble.
