Oftentimes you may not know what you want your home to look and feel like. You may know what you like in other homes, but it can be difficult to translate that into the interiors of your own home and it's the designer's job to show you the possibilities. At Yarraville Residence, it was a different story. The owner is the design director of a fashion company, so she knew exactly what she wanted, but needed help translating that vision to her home. Thanks to a collaborative approach with Studio mkn, they were able to make that vision a reality...
The design directive was clear, "retain the existing heritage portion of the house, remove the existing outdated renovation and replace with a Scandinavian-inspired home", explains Merideth, of Studio mkn. That's exactly what the designer has achieved, updating the dated '80s renovation into a clean, sophisticated home for the family of four.
The home now opens up to the outdoors, with a bank of steel-framed doors opening onto the rear deck, bringing in additional light and creating a sense of spaciousness.
Finishes and materials selected are inherently beautiful, from the warm-toned timbers to natural stone, in keeping with the Scandi aesthetic. The benefit of using quality natural materials is that they're also more robust, perfect for the rough and tumble of family life.
Being a professional in the fashion industry meant wardrobe space would be a crucial part of the design. Studio mkn treats the joinery as an element within the space, using the timber wardrobe to separate the bedroom and ensuite and allowing the warm timber tones to act as a feature of the room. Open sections within the robe allow the owner to display her beautiful clothes and shoes, while a mirror at the end acts as a full-height mirror for dressing, but also visually expands the space and bounces light.
Similarly, built-in joinery in the living areas helps to define spaces, with a low cabinet acting as a TV unit, display shelf and even bench seating for entertaining larger groups.
Studio mkn has nailed the Scandi aesthetic in this renovation, creating a light-filled and minimal space which still feels warm and welcoming thanks to the use of natural materials. This beautiful home is the result of a great collaboration between client and designer, proving that even if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, calling in an expert is the best way to execute that vision.
