A lively yet serene update to a mid-century apartment for a growing family

An inherently personal project, Brighton East Residence sees Bonnie Mills, of Bonnie Mills Architecture + Interiors, renovate her mid-century apartment to cater to a growing family while creating a sense of calm, solidarity and peace. Although the process for Brighton East Residence did away with the traditional amiable tug of war that often occurs between designer and client, having a baby on the way served as a key challenge.

Nestled within a mid-century apartment block, it was important for Bonnie to renovate sensitively, uncovering and celebrating the original features of the building rather than obscuring them.

“Connecting to the mid-century build of the apartment was important because it allowed the space to feel timeless and connected to its context,” said Bonnie. “We wanted to celebrate the great things about mid-century design while still adding our personal touches and requirements for the living space.”

Walnut timber, brushed nickel, small square tiles and terrazzo stone were the finishes of choice, selected to not only highlight the heritage of the space but contribute to an enduring aesthetic that is relevant now and for decades to come. “Walnut was selected for its warmth and connection to the predecessor being a mid-century apartment,” Bonnie explained. “The brushed nickel for its sophistication and understated finish, and the small tiles for their simplicity and refined look which allow the space to speak for itself.”

The apartment needed to adapt to the next step for the young family, with priority placed on creating an open-plan living area and adding more storage.

Despite the small floorplan, careful attention is paid to ensure every moment has its place. From luxuriating with a magazine by the window to playing with the toys concealed beneath the bench seating to working remotely in the dining area, thoughtful planning ensures living space is maximised in this apartment.

Truly the heart of the home, the kitchen space was designed as a means to reconnect the family, allowing for observation and interaction with family members in the other common living and dining areas while providing function in terms of storage and practicality. “The open plan living, kitchen, and dining area are maximised in terms of their useability and function, allowing us to enjoy every aspect of apartment living without having any wasted space,” notes Bonnie.

The airy, light-filled nature of the kitchen belies its modest footprint, with the use of white-and-grey veined natural stone selected for its visual similarity to the shadows and light that dance across the benchtop in the afternoon. The subtle grey colour palette continues throughout the open-plan space, creating cohesion and design harmony.

Showcasing the timeless appeal of mid-century modern style, Bonnie selected a combination of modern and vintage mid-century furniture. In the kitchen areas of the open-plan space, sleek stools with wavy seats and peg legs are crafted from walnut timber, with similar furniture in the dining area creating a visual link between the spaces.

While the kitchen was designed to facilitate gathering and conversation, the bathroom serves as a solitary respite. A skylight allows for stargazing at night and a bathtub promotes relaxation and quiet contemplation, while full-height finishes serve to create an immersive and enveloping space. The subdued tones of grey and white continue into the bathroom, with the light palette opening up the area and adding to the relaxed feel of the environment. Function is not forgone, with the wet area also housing a separate laundry; a renovation must-have for the young family.

Exemplifying the design ethos at Bonnie Mills Architecture + Design, a muted colour palette and thoughtful touches serve to transform quotidian activities into moments of serenity and mindfulness.

Explore more projects by Bonnie Mills Architecture + Design on ArchiPro.