West London Family Home

As the arrival of the new CMID blog draws near, we pause to reflect on designers that are of particular appeal one way or another.   We are drawn to the residential works of the Charles Mellersh Design Studio for its enduring commitment to simplicity without draining rooms of warmth and comfort.  This is evident in an older post looking at previous Charles Mellersh work - see here  - as it is with this more recent West London effort, as seen above and below.  Though each interior is site specific and styled in different ways, both are undeniably warm and layered with eye-catching visuals that do not burden the limited space.  It's a good balancing act and effective interior design can often be reduced to finding balance. 

Interesting sidebar:  Charles Mellersh started his design career as a journalist and stylist, including a stint as an interiors editor with the influential magazine, Wallpaper*.  This would have provided ample opportunity to hone his style and, perhaps, approach his own design work with a practiced critical eye for what works for the broader  readership/audience.  And indeed, the rooms below have a certain unifying appeal to them that could cut across various demographics: male/female, family home/professional couple without kids etc.  It's both versatile and smart politics!

Words by Craig Greaves and photographs via Charles Mellersh Design Studio

Michel, Helsinki

Here is a restaurant that I have been inspired by recently - it is called Michel and located in Helsinki, Finland.
Designed by the clever Joanna Laajisto, a Finnish interior architect and designer who trained and made her career in Los Angeles designing large scale commercial projects before returning to her native country. Laajisto was inspired by 1940's kiosks that were built in the Finnish capital for Michel. I love the use of white tiles, pistachio green painted panelling, marble lined walls, natural timbers and cognac leathers. The interiors are light, modern and fresh (as well as stunning and timeless), which works beautifully alongside Michel's uncomplicated, fresh and approachable menu. Lovely.

Photographs via Joanna Laajisto

House Plants

Plants on display and as an art subject in this Melbourne apartment by Hecker Guthrie.

All of the sudden I am really into houseplants. Yeah, I know, being an interior designer, you think I would be into them ages ago. While I have always loved cut flowers and foliage, over the last few weeks houseplants have been taking the lead.
I have seen many great examples of  plants in interiors over the last year, with Melbourne design firm, Hecker Guthrie being my main inspiration as they do plants extremely well, and I think this has helped me get over my silly association that house plants were a little.. well, naff.
Now my view has definitely changed and within two weeks I have three new houseplants inhabiting my home. There is something about having greenery inside that is just lovely.

 

Here, in the home of Paul Hecker, the houseplants add colour and soften the neutral interior.

 

The stylish home of Simone Hagg where houseplants make an appearance in several rooms.

 



Meet my new plants - a Phalaenopsis orchid and a Button Fern.

A Maidenhair Fern

Please go to links for photo credits. The last three images by Charlotte Minty.

Work in Progress

I went onsite today and it was great to see this kitchen I designed earlier this year almost completed. The T & G and panelled cabinetry is looking great in the this soft grey green and it works beautifully with the warm recycled timber bench tops.
Photograph by Charlotte Minty.

Stylish Sydney House in Urbis Magazine

It has been quiet here at CMID over the last week or so as I have had a forced break due to getting my appendix removed! On reflection it has been great (for me, not so for my clients) to have some down time and I am recuperating well.
I am back in the office next week - however, I wanted to get back on the blog as the latest issue of Urbis magazine is out today and I have the pleasure of sharing this cool Sydney home designed by Carter Williamson Architects. Featured in the latest issue, this former worker cottage has been updated for modern living while making a nod to its historical roots as demonstrated through its single level cottage-style street façade and the rich material palette of brick, galvanised metal sheeting, timber and tiles. I love the consistent use of the grass green glass tile throughout the house - it contrasts beautifully against the earthy palette of materials. Get the latest issue to see more of this feature by Elana Castle as well as the rest of the magazine. Enjoy.

 

 

Photographs by Brett Boardman for Urbis magazine.

New Work - Residential Furnishings

Here I am finally getting around to taking some photos of recent work! This residence has been an on-going collaboration with Minty Architecture and Design, ie. my architect sister. We have worked with these clients over several years through different design and building stages - it has been great seeing how this home has progressed. Earlier this year, I worked with the clients on their furnishings for the dining and living areas - here are the results.

Photographs by Charlotte Minty.