Mirror House is a minimalist residence located in Hawthorn, Australia, designed by Pasquale Cook. The revamp included a meticulously selected collection of furniture and art, featuring works from Baxter, lighting designs by Gaetano Sciolari for Stilnovo, and pieces by artists Jahnne Pasco-White and Kirsty Budge. The approach to materiality aimed at paying homage to the home’s architectural roots in the late early ’90s, opting for a palette that combines light, airy finishes with bold elements like marble and brass, all employed with moderation to achieve a sense of luxury without veering into pretentious territory. Set against the backdrop of a verdant street with vistas of the city and nearby parks, the residence’s design strategy was to craft a tranquil atmosphere. This was achieved through the use of soft, muted wall colors and strategic placement of gloss ceilings in areas such as the library, which serve to invite the external environment in, enhancing the home’s connection to its surroundings.

The design was also deeply influenced by the homeowners’ desire for a warm, streamlined living space that embraces the natural aging process of materials, contributing to a richer texture over time. This preference informed the decision to section off the stairway and opt for distinct rooms over an open-plan layout, facilitating intimate spaces for reading and music—a reflection of the clients’ personal interests. The essence of the home’s redesign was to ensure harmony between the existing 1990s architectural structure and the new interior scheme. This was accomplished by grounding the internal walls and proportions to maintain a seamless dialogue between the inside and outside of the home. The choice of striking stone for the cabinetry and the addition of vellum and brass fixtures infuses the space with a measure of elegance and luxury.