Mid-century modern architecture in Australia is best characterised by flat or raked roof lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, easy interior flow and great indoor-outdoor connections – many of the qualities in a home that we now recognise as quintessentially Australian.
The biggest names behind Australia’s Modernist movement include architects such as [Harry Seidler](https://www.homestolove.com.au/harry-seidlers-award-winning-modern-marvel-2905 |target=”_blank”), Robin Boyd and Hugh Buhrich, whose ground-breaking designs built throughout the 50 and 60s now enjoy heritage-list status.
Lately there’s been a resurgence of interest in and appreciation of mid-century modern homes, with many proud owner’s choosing to restore rather than renovate these sought-after properties, preserving them for themselves and future generations to enjoy.
Here we take a look at some of our favourite mid-century modern homes, and newly built homes inspired by mid-century style.
This home, known as The Quarterdeck, was designed by architect Glynn Nicholls and built in 1959. A recent restoration saw the interiors updated and two new wings added in keeping with the building’s original design. During the renovation, the butterfly roof, exposed structural steel beams, shiplap panelling, bagged brick interior walls and original 1950s windows were restored.
Built in the 1940s, this coastal modernist home had seen better days by the time couple Danica and Mark stumbled upon it. A renovation totally refreshed the home, bringing its best features – such as the distinctively modernist facade, stone veneer detailing and breeze blocks – back into the spotlight.
Before Madeleine Blanchfield Architects arrived on scene, this home was a featureless, 1970s brick house. Located on the NSW South Coast, where many homes were built in the mid-century modern style, it seemed only fitting to bring the home into line with its surroundings. “We wanted the home to be laidback, understated and honest,” says Madeleine, who also chose materials that would withstand salty coastal air and bushfires, which are a constant threat in the region.
When Sally McGarry set about building a mid-century inspired home in the Byron Bay hinterland, she wanted to capture the essence of her grandparents’ Canberra home, The Fenner House, which was designed by architect Robin Boyd. “It features the same elongated roofline, large expanse of glazing, modernist lines and passive orientation as The Fenner House,” says Sally of her home, which she named Las Palmas.
Mid-century influences are visible everywhere in the newly built home of Oak and Orange co-founder, Sarah. The home is arranged in a u-shape, which means views of the azure blue pool are visible from almost every room. Large floor-to-ceiling windows face north, maximising daylight and capture the beauty of the bushland surrounds.
Once coated in brown paint with carpet in every room (yes, even the bathroom), this two-bedroom beach shack was in dire need of a revamp. Owners Bec and Marcus decided to renovate the home, but made the decision not to extend, instead working within the existing footprint to create a spacious, open-plan family home.
This mid-century modern cottage was built in 1962 from locally quarried bluestone. The home’s interior was renovated in 2018, mostly to remedy the home’s lack of insulation. “The bones and original design intent were sound, but the place needed an update in terms of building technology and interior palette,” says architect Paul Cooksey who worked alongside interior architect Bek Buchnall of Northern Edge Studio to bring the home into the 21st century.
Tim Ross is an advocate for Australian architecture, with a self-confessed soft spot (or obsession) with Modernist design. His own home, an original 1959 Modernist abode designed by renowned architect Bill Baker, is testament to his affection. “As a nutty Modernist it has been a dream home for me,” Tim says.
An untouched, original 1960s brick and weatherboard house in Beaumaris, Victoria was the perfect blank canvas to showcase this Melbourne family’s passion for mid-century retro style. A sensitive renovation has refreshed the home with many original features restored and new additions inspired by the home’s heritage.
Interior designer Rhiannon Farmer and her builder/carpenter fiance Matt Orr (pictured) completely gutted and renovated this 1950s clinker-brick house in Melbourne to create a light-filled home that embraces mid-century modern design.
Mid-century style continues to shape many modern homes built today. Take this modernist inspired contemporary holiday home for example. From its steel and glass structure to the brick work and timber panelling, it’s clear this modern home borrows heavily from classic mid-century design.
This Modernist style home was originally designed by Peter Hall, the architect famous for completing the Opera House. “It’s a testament to Peter Hall that this house is still the perfect design decades later,” she praises. “It’s really sustainable; cool in summer and warm in winter. And it’s designed to complement the natural environment, something more houses today should consider!” says owner Lill Jenner.
Stepping into this mid-century modern home in Moorooka, Queensland, built by architect Robin Spencer, is like stepping straight back into the 60s. It has remained intact and undisturbed by any additions or incursions. Even the original bathroom and kitchen remains!
This 1960s beach house on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has been transformed into a modernist masterpiece. Floor-to-ceiling windows, timber panelling and a raked ceiling pay homage to the home’s heritage while a Scandi-meets-retro interior has refreshed the home tenfold.
Self-confessed fans of mid-century modern style, restaurant owners Sarah Doyle and her husband Elvis Abrahanowicz live in this charming home in Surry Hills. A mix of modern and vintage furniture and bold decor choices, like this jungle-inspired wall paper, inject character and soul into the lively abode.
This riverfront house designed circa 1959 on Queensland’s Gold Coast has been resurrected by architect Paul Uhlmann, who reinstated the Modernist character by accentuating the original features with stunning new joinery. “I love that we have been able to keep this wonderful house in the family, as well as retain its characters,” says David. “That, to me, is priceless.”
Bower Architecture & Interiors and LBA Construction Group remodelled this 1960s modernist home in Melbourne’s St Kilda. Remaining sensitive to the era of the house, the architects maintained its single-storey profile, choosing to extend out across the former side driveway to create more living and storage space, and inserting voids and galleries to bring light and a feeling of spaciousness to the home.
“Its connection to nature, close proximity to the beach, and rich mid-century architecture” is what won the owners of this 1950s home in Beaumaris, Victoria over at auction. Rather than renovating, they have injected the home with plenty of colour and a mix of modern and vintage furniture to amplify the retro aesthetic.
The owners of this open and airy modernist home in inner-city Brisbane hired Brisbane architect Robyn Booth to draw on the principles of modernist design to complement the existing structure for a home renovation that included a new ground floor hub, open-plan living, informal dining area and bespoke kitchen.
