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

March 26, 2014

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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. โ€œStarting 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.โ€

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

Having a family led her to launch Mim Design in 2000. โ€œMy 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.โ€ 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. โ€œOur projects now range from interior design to architecture as well as place-making, styling and brand direction.โ€

CHAMBERS ST 03

No matter how big they grow though, they work hard to keep the business very boutique. โ€œWe maintain a close level of communication and contact with our clients throughout each project,โ€ says Miriam. โ€œRight from the initial briefing through to the build, itโ€™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.โ€

The talented, happy and enthusiastic team hasn’t happened by accident. โ€œEvery 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 clientโ€™s sense of personality is implemented in each project.โ€

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. โ€œInspiration is everywhere, from texture, spaces and colour for everyday living,โ€ Miriam says. โ€œVisualisation has always been a huge source of inspiration to me, whether itโ€™s through travel, film or someone elseโ€™s individual philosophy and interesting critique. Iโ€™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.โ€

Keeping things fresh is a challenge for all interior designers but Miriam’s approach is quite straightforward: โ€œI 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 โ€˜macroโ€™ sense opens up your eyes to deliver elements of surprise in a project through the finer detail.โ€

Mim Design has not one but seven projects shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2014, with winners due to be announced in May. ย 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. โ€œAt 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 donโ€™t pounce on emerging trends, weโ€™re always incorporating aesthetics that reflect whatโ€™s going on in the global design world. For us, itโ€™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, itโ€™s important that there is consistency in quality proportion, symmetry and form.โ€

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. โ€œIt 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 .โ€

Adding to Mim Design’s holistic offering, is a growing custom furniture and lighting design function. โ€œThis 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, weโ€™ve been lucky enough to have built close working relationships with some very talented local joiners, which makes for the perfect collaboration.โ€

For Miriam, as a mother and business owner, priorities always need to be balanced. โ€œTo 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 canโ€™t say there is always an even balance, but as a woman (as most would agree) we are always striving for this balance.โ€

Her family home is simple; a meld of Victorian with a contemporary architectural addition to the rear of the property. โ€œOur 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 itโ€™s playing bowls down the hallway or chasing the dog around the house.

โ€œOur home is also a relaxing and comfortable sanctum– particularly on the weekend. Itโ€™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. Thatโ€™s the typical designer in me!โ€

Find out more about Mim Design and their work.

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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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 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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