Photography: Anson Smart | Styling: Jack Milenkovic
The owners of this Sydney home love the meticulous detail of its new look by Mim Design, which was inspired by their passion for yachting and the ocean. Designer Miriam Fanning elaborates on the transformation.
What is the project and what made it attractive to you? Darling Point Residence is a serene and elegant home enriched with subtle nods to the craftsmanship of timber yachts and sailboats in the sparkling harbour beyond. It was an exciting project for our studio from the outset as we take great pride in delivering creative design solutions with enduring appeal. This is a highly personalised and inspired home that is both uplifting and soothing in spirit.
What was the starting point for the interiors? Moving from a sizeable property in Darling Point, the owners approached us to breathe life into their new ‘forever home’ – a nearby two-level penthouse apartment with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour. The clients – a developer and an artist – wanted the home to feel calm and restorative, a space that would reflect the surrounding serenity and celebrate their outdoor lifestyle.
How would you describe the completed interior? With sailing and luxury yachting among the clients’ most cherished pastimes, we drew maritime imagery and traditional boat- building techniques into the interior through a series of sculpted, tailored and finely crafted details. Steamed timber forms echo the elegant curves of a boat’s hull, sweeping ceiling planes and skylights evoke the billowing sails of a mast, and shiplap panelling recalls a vessel’s watertight cladding. This narrative carried through to the material palette, combining light linen textiles, pale oak floors and cabinetry, sea-foam green quartzite stone benchtops and silk carpets. Ultimately, we wanted the clients to feel like they were taking off on a voyage and getting lost in views of the ocean and clouds.
Were there any challenges with the space? The project, which was compact in scale, was re-planned and opened out to ensure maximum aspect. One of the biggest challenges was designing and building a highly detailed and unique kitchen. Discreet positioning of appliances, along with shiplap joinery details anchored with quartzite stone, embodied a minimalist approach. Each element was compartmentalised and functionally designed to echo the interior design of a yacht.
Were there any devices employed to maximise the sense of space? An expansive billowing ceiling in the primary bedroom was conceptualised in the early phases of our design, and seamlessly integrates with the picturesque external aspect, visually and physically expanding the space.
Was colour important to your design? The use of a luminous finish was important to ensure light would naturally flow through the interior spaces. A soft palette was chosen to balance the structured detail of the oak floors and joinery, while muted green quartzite imbues a watery appearance that visually connects the home to the harbour.
Similarly, marine-grade polished stainless steel and bronze patinas used throughout add a strong nod to finely detailed hardware similar to that of a nautical vessel. Can you nominate a favourite room or element? Inspired by our clients’ love of travel and many visits to Istanbul, the steam room shower with views of the harbour is undoubtedly a favourite space.
Mim Design: mimdesign.com.au
Get the look
Ethnicraft Elements Round Side Table
Trit House, $545
Eden Timber Side Table in Walnut
Trit House, $1360
Mariana Vessel 30cm
Freedom, $69.95
Omero Coffee Table – Walnut
Interior Secrets, $790
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