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Miriam Fanning of Mim Design on interiors and balancing business ownership and motherhood

By Jen Bishop •

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Headed up by Miriam (Mim) Fanning, Mim Design is a Melbourne interior design studio doing some seriously cool, award-winning work.

PJP RESIDENCE 01

Miriam’s first design job was at the Buchan Group in Melbourne, where, she says, her interest in retail was combined with working in a stimulating and diverse practice. “Starting as a junior and eventually growing into the position of associate director, I was inspired by the many facets of design I experienced while working across a variety of projects.”

Mim Design's Miriam Fanning
Mim Design’s Miriam Fanning

Having a family led her to launch Mim Design in 2000. “My main aim was, and is, to be continually inspired; I love the ability to work on a diverse range of projects within the growing and ever changing design industry.” Mim Design has grown too, from the days of just Miriam, to a busy studio of 17 staff with two fellow directors and two associates. “Our projects now range from interior design to architecture as well as place-making, styling and brand direction.”

CHAMBERS ST 03

No matter how big they grow though, they work hard to keep the business very boutique. “We maintain a close level of communication and contact with our clients throughout each project,” says Miriam. “Right from the initial briefing through to the build, it’s this close connection with our clients that allows us to take an individual approach with each project. The boutique feel is essential to our studio as it allows us to focus on the finer detail as well as create custom design and identify with a unique, timeless design element to each project.”

The talented, happy and enthusiastic team hasn’t happened by accident. “Every one of the team has an insatiable appetite to contribute creatively so, as a practice, we nurture that as our culture. We encourage everyone to bring their diverse backgrounds, styles and strengths to the table. As a studio, we use this to our advantage and have fun fusing these differences to create unique spaces. It is important that we design to suit the space, brief, and clients’ personality even though we do have varied tastes in the studio. It is important that our client’s sense of personality is implemented in each project.”

ALH RESIDENCE 01

If Melbourne has its own interior aesthetic, it’s one that relies heavily on making the most of natural daylight and texture. “Inspiration is everywhere, from texture, spaces and colour for everyday living,” Miriam says. “Visualisation has always been a huge source of inspiration to me, whether it’s through travel, film or someone else’s individual philosophy and interesting critique. I’m always seeking out new inspiration and have become addicted to some fantastic design blogs recently. I must admit a trip away clarifies design sense and detail for me.”

Keeping things fresh is a challenge for all interior designers but Miriam’s approach is quite straightforward: “I find that combining true classics with contemporary designs create unexpected and satisfying elements to a project that help to keep things interesting and current. Ideas are kept fresh by ensuring each project is unique to each client. I also believe the study of form in the ‘macro’ sense opens up your eyes to deliver elements of surprise in a project through the finer detail.”

Mim Design has not one but seven projects shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2014, with winners due to be announced in May.  They also have a project shortlisted in the Dulux Colour Awards 2014, whose winners are being announced tomorrow.

Evolving as a designer is really important too, however much you’re known and respected for a certain look. “At Mim Design, we definitely have a consistent palette of finishes and products that stay true to our aesthetic, reflect a timeless quality and meet a certain functionality. And although we don’t pounce on emerging trends, we’re always incorporating aesthetics that reflect what’s going on in the global design world. For us, it’s more about finding that balance between the classic and the contemporary that creates a certain design synergy and reflects our aesthetic and ethos on every project. For us as a studio, it’s important that there is consistency in quality proportion, symmetry and form.”

SKD RESIDENCE 01

The practice currently has a huge 55 active projects, with about 70 percent of it residential work. They recently started working in an architectural capacity across some jobs which, says Miriam, felt like a seamless move. “It allows for a more defined integration of interior services by enabling the architectural shell to consider joinery elements within the concept phase. The relationship between the structure of a home and its interior decoration is important to the design of any project .”

Adding to Mim Design’s holistic offering, is a growing custom furniture and lighting design function. “This side of the design process has evolved very organically and has always been something we take great pride in doing. As part of our brief to satisfy the interior needs of our clients, the idea to custom craft particular pieces made complete sense and has been really successful. Over the past few years, we’ve been lucky enough to have built close working relationships with some very talented local joiners, which makes for the perfect collaboration.”

For Miriam, as a mother and business owner, priorities always need to be balanced. “To be extremely honest, the balance is difficult. Being a business owner means living, breathing and driving your business. At the same time, as a mother, it is essential that quality time and experiences are consistent. I can’t say there is always an even balance, but as a woman (as most would agree) we are always striving for this balance.”

Her family home is simple; a meld of Victorian with a contemporary architectural addition to the rear of the property. “Our interest in art led us to a property with high ceilings and large expansive walls. Proportion and space were paramount when renovating our home and having two active boys made it important that all the spaces worked comfortably. It is also important that it is a home we can have fun in, whether it’s playing bowls down the hallway or chasing the dog around the house.

“Our home is also a relaxing and comfortable sanctum– particularly on the weekend. It’s an enjoyable space to spend time in and relax with our kids. Careful consideration was taken when designing to maximise the use of natural daylight through the casual living zone. We have just recently completed all works on the house and funnily enough I’m getting itchy to work on another project. That’s the typical designer in me!”

Find out more about Mim Design and their work.

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March 26, 2014

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Two little dancers in the family now🪩 Two little dancers in the family now🪩
I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom li I don't regret the extra expense of my bathroom lighting for a minute.

Although at the time I may have been a bit "HOW MUCH?" 😂

Thrilled to have our bathroom shared in an article about lighting on @bhgaus where I talk about 2 things we chose in particular.

Firstly the LED light in the bath niche which is the PERFECT relaxing bathing light (and you know I have one every single night!).

Second, (swipe) a sensor light under the vanity which makes it easy for the kids and visitors who aren't familiar with the light switches, to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night with ease! 

Do you have either of these things in your bathroom or would you consider them?

Read the full Better Homes & Gardens article via link in bio now. 

Pix by @jacqui_turk

#bathroomlighting #bathroomlights #timbervanity #bathniche #bathroomniche #smartbathroom #bathroomlights #bathroomlight #bathlover #bathlove #interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #brassshower #brasstrim
Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian desig Brothers Jack and Mark Fearon, of Australian design and fabrication company, @__fearon__ first started their business in 2019 as a creative outlet and antidote to their more commercial work.

Their pathway to design was somewhat unusual. Jack, a plumber by trade and Mark, a boilermaker, worked as industrial fabricators making large-scale water trucks.

Jack says he’s conscious of making pieces that are sculptural, but also very usable. “We don’t think our pieces are there just to look good,” Jack says. “We love seeing our pieces in people’s homes and in galleries, restaurants and hotels, with things all over them. They’re for real life.”

FEARON’s handmade pieces are aluminium and designed for longevity. Jack says the material choice means pieces are lightweight, easy to sculpt and entirely recyclable.

Read more on the blog now, via link in bio.

#aluminiumfurniture #australianfurniture #australianfurnituredesign #australianfurnituredesigners #sculpturalfurniture #furnitureasart #modernheirloom #modernheirlooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #fearon #aluminiumart #funfurniture #careerchange
Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform Known for his stylish bar and shop fitouts, @jform__ this year turned his hand to an apartment reno and created something really special!

Come and tour this beautiful one bed warehouse conversion in Sydney's Surry Hills on the blog today via link in bio.

Currently for sale though @bresicwhitney

#apartmentinterior #apartmentlove #apartmenttour #mezzaninefloor #mezzaninebedroom #warehouseconversion #factoryconversion #surryhillslife #surryhillssydney #surryhillslocal #shopfitout #barfitout #shopfitters #jform #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #coolapartment #funkyinteriors #customjoinery
When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteri When her styling business took a hit, @vaultinteriors decided to reduce her outgoings by moving to a tiny house. And we're not sure we've ever seen a more stylish one!

Although the move to a container home was motivated by financial pressures, Justine Wilson is loving her new simpler way of life.

Read her refreshingly honest, positive interview on the blog now, via link in bio.

It'll make you want to downsize too!

#tinyhomes #tinyhouse #tinyhome #tinyhouses #tinyliving #livingbiginatinyhouse #tinyhousemovement #tinyhouseonwheels #tinyhouseliving #tinyhousenation #tinyhouseattractive #tinyhomedesign #containerhouse #containerhome #containerhomes #containerhouses #containerhomedesigns #interiorstylist #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #smallspaceliving #smallspacedesign #downsizeliving #downsize #downsizingandminimizing #escapetothecountry #hawkesburyriver #hawkesburyriverlife
Appliance colour trends: They've certainly change Appliance colour trends:

They've certainly changed over the years. Remember when ALL fridges were white?! I remember the original BROWN wall oven in our 60s kitchen here pre-reno! I think the dishwasher was brown and beige (and it tripped the electrics every time we used it!) 😜

What do you think of this new dark stainless steel option (pictured) from Westinghouse as seen in @dnaofdesign_'s latest reno? Yay or nay? 

What colour do you like your appliances?

See the rest of this home and kitchen and laundry design tips from the ex Blockheads on the blog now via link in bio.

#kitchenappliances #walloven #wallovens #combioven #combioven #microwaves #builtinappliances #builtinoven #builtinovens #homeappliance #westinghouse #kitchentrends #ovens #laundryappliances #darkstainlesssteel #stainlesssteelappliances
SALE ALERT! Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my fav SALE ALERT!

Listen up Sydneysiders, one of my favourite home stores @shack.furniture.homewares are having their annual warehouse sale this week, from Thursday until Saturday.

HUGE savings on furniture, homewares and decor with 30 to 80% off. Wowsers!

I'm a big fan of SHACK and can never leave one of their stores without a few styling goodies for my place! It's just too tempting!

While you're at the sale, mention Interiors Addict for an extra 10% off!

Unit 16a, 1801 Botany Rd, Banksmeadow NSW 2019

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June 2023, 9am to 4pm. Not online.

#sydneyshopping #sydneysale #sydneysales #sydneyfurniture #shackfurniture #shackfurniturehomewares #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #comeshoppingwithme
A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in th A door to door continuous curved stone ledge in this bathroom is one of the cleverest designs we've seen in a while!

This mega ledge, made of Corian, even incorporates a sink, seamlessly.

Combined with venetian plaster on the walls, it's no wonder this Illawarra bathroom by @birdblackdesign feels like a day spa!

Come check it out via link bio.

Lead designer Stuart Gibson says: "One smooth curve, right around the room, from either side of the door opening. As it moves around, it creates a ledge for the bath: for bath oils, lotions, a book and a champagne glass. The ledge continues around and becomes the vanity, widening out to create a custom seamless basin."

#bathroomhappiness #bathroomdetails #bathroomshelves #bathroomshelf #venetianplastering #coriandesign #coriansolidsurface #spalikebathroom #spabathroom #sustainablebathroom
Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last Catch the season finale of @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the before and afters for you on the blog now, via link in bio (and swipe for a taster).

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #foxtel #lifestylechannel #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterlivingroom #beforeandafterrenovation #realitytv #housetours #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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