My Houzz: A Midcentury Revival That Goes the Distance
A 20th-century Australian classic becomes an architect’s 21st-century dream home while maintaining its original charms
It was a lucky day when the Elia family chanced upon a rundown midcentury modern home for sale in the Heathmont suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Jeremy Elia, a trained architect, could immediately see the architectural value of the house. The flat roof, cantilevers, large expanses of glass, flat planes and open plan particularly caught his attention. Despite the midcentury modern house being a rarity in that area in 2003, it had languished on the market for eight months due to the unusual design and the major work needed to bring it back to life.
That work, which Elia happily took on, meant almost entirely refurbishing the home, though he kept the original features where possible. The renovation included adding a bigger and more modern kitchen with new cabinetry and appliances, a new and larger laundry, a bigger master bedroom with a new en suite bathroom and walk-through closet, a relaxed living-dining area, a refurbished existing bathroom, and new flooring throughout. The renovations also increased the overall floor space of the home by 30 percent.
That work, which Elia happily took on, meant almost entirely refurbishing the home, though he kept the original features where possible. The renovation included adding a bigger and more modern kitchen with new cabinetry and appliances, a new and larger laundry, a bigger master bedroom with a new en suite bathroom and walk-through closet, a relaxed living-dining area, a refurbished existing bathroom, and new flooring throughout. The renovations also increased the overall floor space of the home by 30 percent.
The house was built in the late ’50s by the local doctor, and it is positioned on a large lot with the majority of the house visible from the street. However, it’s elevated high enough to allow for privacy.
The roof is almost flat, but it appears to float above the walls when viewed from the street. This, along with a cantilever, lightens the weight of the home from the street view. Other key architectural features include the adjustable vertical louvers on the street facade, and the metal chain that is connected to the protruding gutter. The chain visually anchors the house back to the ground and functions as an overflow for the gutters; this is a quintessential architectural feature of midcentury design.
The roof is almost flat, but it appears to float above the walls when viewed from the street. This, along with a cantilever, lightens the weight of the home from the street view. Other key architectural features include the adjustable vertical louvers on the street facade, and the metal chain that is connected to the protruding gutter. The chain visually anchors the house back to the ground and functions as an overflow for the gutters; this is a quintessential architectural feature of midcentury design.
As you go up the stairs and approach the front door, you step onto decking and see glimpses of the interior through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The house is designed to lightly touch the ground and appear as if it were floating. This will become more evident as the vegetation grows around most of the house. They have mass-planted ‘Limelight’ acacias, which when fully grown will look like green clouds with the house floating above them.
The house is designed to lightly touch the ground and appear as if it were floating. This will become more evident as the vegetation grows around most of the house. They have mass-planted ‘Limelight’ acacias, which when fully grown will look like green clouds with the house floating above them.
As you enter the house, there’s a long hall that opens to the living, dining and kitchen areas. A sense of open space is immediate as you walk behind the feature wall to see the beautiful view out toward the hills.
“The entry passageway features an internal wall that doesn’t touch the ceiling and creates a functional element that separates two spaces — the kitchen and entry,” Elia says. The featured wallpaper emulates a monochromatic midcentury design motif. The Stelton Time wall clock provides a contemporary look, as does the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 speaker, which doubles as a design feature in the home.
“The entry passageway features an internal wall that doesn’t touch the ceiling and creates a functional element that separates two spaces — the kitchen and entry,” Elia says. The featured wallpaper emulates a monochromatic midcentury design motif. The Stelton Time wall clock provides a contemporary look, as does the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 speaker, which doubles as a design feature in the home.
The Platner armchair (upholstered in velvet) and Platner side table are part of the midcentury furniture collection Elia has gathered over the past 11 years, knowing they would fit perfectly with the look and feel of the home.
Elia’s favorite spot is the sitting area between the kitchen and the formal living area. It has great views out toward the deck, water feature, trees and horizon beyond.
Womb chair and ottoman: Knoll; long ottoman: B&B Italia; Ring table: Interstudio; Atollo table lamp: Oluce
Womb chair and ottoman: Knoll; long ottoman: B&B Italia; Ring table: Interstudio; Atollo table lamp: Oluce
The home was extended north and west, bringing it closer to the street and creating a larger kitchen, dining and living area. The other end of the house was extended farther south to create a larger master bedroom, as seen beyond the open slat-wall door.
Eames molded plywood chairs: Living Edge; sofa: Jardan
Eames molded plywood chairs: Living Edge; sofa: Jardan
The family loves the original feature of the wood-slat walls on both sides of the fireplace, with one side concealing the entrance to the master bedroom.
A simple gallery-style track light runs the length of the house, providing the main light source for most of the entry level. Softer floor and table lamps and feature lights create more intimate lighting in other areas.
A simple gallery-style track light runs the length of the house, providing the main light source for most of the entry level. Softer floor and table lamps and feature lights create more intimate lighting in other areas.
“There are a number of key items that really characterize the decor in our home. These are a mixture of ’50s, ’60s and ’70s design items mixed with more contemporary pieces,” says Elia of the midcentury combinations throughout the home. “I try to keep things as simple as possible, but love so many furniture pieces that it’s been difficult to not make the house look like a furniture showroom.”
He looks for beautifully styled, high-quality products. “I prefer spending more money on the authentic items because the subtlety in some of the detailing and quality of workmanship is a lot better. I still have a few replica pieces [such as this Eames lounge chair], but over time will look at replacing these with genuine items.”
Coupé 3321 floor lamp: Oluce
He looks for beautifully styled, high-quality products. “I prefer spending more money on the authentic items because the subtlety in some of the detailing and quality of workmanship is a lot better. I still have a few replica pieces [such as this Eames lounge chair], but over time will look at replacing these with genuine items.”
Coupé 3321 floor lamp: Oluce
The interior finishes have been pared back to a simple engineered oak veneer floor, white walls and charcoal feature walls. The texture and color come from the furniture, art, rugs and other decor.
Artwork: Sam Shmith
Artwork: Sam Shmith
As a student, Elia had been very much inspired by the work of pioneering modernist architect Harry Seidler, especially the homes he designed in the early years of his career when he first arrived in Australia. Elia recognized many similar elements in this home, including the open-plan layout, simple use of planes, flat roof and window frame composition.
During 11-plus years of planning and renovating, the Elias utilized 21st-century elements to create their dream home from this 20th-century classic.
During 11-plus years of planning and renovating, the Elias utilized 21st-century elements to create their dream home from this 20th-century classic.
Alfredo vase: Georg Jensen
On the southern side of the home, a balcony runs the length of the formal living area and master bedroom, maximizing views.
The eight-person dining table is custom-made, with a stainless steel frame and a Carrara marble top, accompanied by Eames aluminum group chairs from Herman Miller.
PH Snowball pendant lights: Louis Poulsen
PH Snowball pendant lights: Louis Poulsen
Beyond the wood-slat wall and fireplace in the formal living area, the master bedroom was extended from what was originally a small office space into a large and peaceful sanctuary with a big walk-through closet off one side leading to a contemporary en suite.
Spun Light T table lamp: Flos; Eames molded plastic chairs: Herman Miller
Spun Light T table lamp: Flos; Eames molded plastic chairs: Herman Miller
The property was originally the site of a quarry, so deep cliff faces are features in the backyard. The cut cliff extends through the middle of the block, and the house is nestled in the quarry cut, creating a lower section for the house. From the window of the master bedroom on the middle level of the home, the cut rock is visible.
Sciangai coat stand: Zanotta via Space Furniture
Sciangai coat stand: Zanotta via Space Furniture
“I’d describe my decorating style as uncluttered and really focused on furniture pieces rather than decorative elements,” Elia says. “Selecting a Florence Broadhurst wallpaper for the en suite wall was the most decorative we went.”
Sinks: Catalano via Rogerseller; Logic faucets: Rogerseller
Raindance Select shower rail: Hansgrohe via Rogerseller
All three children’s bedrooms are on the home’s upper level. George’s updated bedroom is his teenage haven. Jacqueline’s and Anastasia’s rooms at this point were still to be renovated.
Albert sofa: Jardan; table lamp: Arne Jacobsen; Parentesi floor lamp: Flos
Albert sofa: Jardan; table lamp: Arne Jacobsen; Parentesi floor lamp: Flos
The bright portrait of soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo contrasts with the dark color scheme of George’s bedroom.
“The middle [entry] level is the main active zone of the home and brings us all together. We mainly end up in the kitchen and living room,” Elia says.
The family loves the open-plan layout of the main living areas and the large expanses of windows with great views out to the garden, deck or horizon.
Charles leather ottoman: B&B Italia; Saarinen Executive chairs and Saarinen Tulip coffee table: Knoll; Twiggy floor lamp: Foscarini
The family loves the open-plan layout of the main living areas and the large expanses of windows with great views out to the garden, deck or horizon.
Charles leather ottoman: B&B Italia; Saarinen Executive chairs and Saarinen Tulip coffee table: Knoll; Twiggy floor lamp: Foscarini
Louvers on the outside of the home control the late-afternoon sun coming from the west. They’re easily adjustable from inside.
A tall wall of cabinetry on the street side of the kitchen contains an integrated Gaggenau fridge, freezer and wine fridge. It also contains the pullout pantry, with a beverage pantry on one end of the cabinet wall. On the other side is a breakfast nook.
The beverage pantry and breakfast nook are hidden by a set of pocket doors that retract back into the cabinetry, allowing for increased space when opened. Closed, they make the interior look clean and uncluttered.
Pendant lights above the island look informal and loose to counterbalance the formal layout of the kitchen cabinetry.
Aim pendant lights: Flos
The beverage pantry and breakfast nook are hidden by a set of pocket doors that retract back into the cabinetry, allowing for increased space when opened. Closed, they make the interior look clean and uncluttered.
Pendant lights above the island look informal and loose to counterbalance the formal layout of the kitchen cabinetry.
Aim pendant lights: Flos
As in many homes, the kitchen is the heart of this house, and therefore the family has invested a lot in it. The cabinetry sticks to a simple palette in both colors and finishes, with minimal use of hardware. Appliances integrated into the cabinetry reinforce the simplicity of the design.
The sink is opposite the island and has a mirrored backsplash, which allows anyone at the sink to look at the view behind or at someone sitting at the island.
Masters stools: Kartel
The sink is opposite the island and has a mirrored backsplash, which allows anyone at the sink to look at the view behind or at someone sitting at the island.
Masters stools: Kartel
The main financial splurge was the marble kitchen counter. “It’s a beautiful piece that looks monolithic. I specifically selected the slab because of its deep blue veins,” Elia says.
The Gaggenau cooktop and exhaust vent are in the island. The vent hood rises out of the counter and tucks back in neatly when not in use. Again, these expensive items were viewed as long-term investments.
The Gaggenau cooktop and exhaust vent are in the island. The vent hood rises out of the counter and tucks back in neatly when not in use. Again, these expensive items were viewed as long-term investments.
From the middle of the kitchen, there are views to both the formal and informal living areas. Windows bring in the trees and natural light when the pocket doors are fully open.
MedaSlim dining chairs from Vitra are another of Elia’s favorite furniture pieces in the informal dining area.
The floor is a Royal Oak product made of engineered oak veneer in black and smoked finishes.
The floor is a Royal Oak product made of engineered oak veneer in black and smoked finishes.
The most significant design challenge for the renovations was to maintain the key features and general style of the midcentury architecture while bringing it into the 21st century using modern and durable materials. In the end, the family clad the entire house in metal and wood, replaced the roof, and swapped out all the windows for double-paned aluminum versions.
Exterior finishes: Monument and Flooded Gum, Dulux
Exterior finishes: Monument and Flooded Gum, Dulux
On a patio created underneath the cantilever of the upstairs bedrooms, the family can enjoy eating outside on balmy nights.
The brickwork sticking out from the wall is an original feature of the home and reflects the interior staircase leading to the upstairs area.
The brickwork sticking out from the wall is an original feature of the home and reflects the interior staircase leading to the upstairs area.
Honoring the history of the building was one thing Elia kept in mind throughout the renovation. For example, he found out that the first owner and builder of the house sold the property to the late Ron Clarke in 1960. The Olympic athlete and marathon runner (and mayor later in life) lived in the house for 15 years with his wife and their three children.
“Soon after our renovations were completed, we contacted Ron’s wife and sons, and invited them over for morning tea to visit the house and see the new renovations,” Elia says. “They were very appreciative of being invited, and reminisced at length about the wonderful times they had living and growing up in the house. They were also very complimentary of the renovations and were glad we maintained most of the elements of the original house.”
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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“Soon after our renovations were completed, we contacted Ron’s wife and sons, and invited them over for morning tea to visit the house and see the new renovations,” Elia says. “They were very appreciative of being invited, and reminisced at length about the wonderful times they had living and growing up in the house. They were also very complimentary of the renovations and were glad we maintained most of the elements of the original house.”
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Jeremy and Olga Elia, with Anastasia, 16 (not pictured), George, 13, and Jacqueline, 10
Location: Heathmont, Victoria, Australia
Size: Five bedrooms, three bathrooms
When Elia saw the house from the outside, he fell in love with it straight away. But first, he had to persuade his wife that it had potential and was the right house for them. “It stood out from all the houses in the area, and back then, midcentury modern homes weren’t as popular as they are now,” he says.
The house needed extensive work due to the rotten wood siding that was covered in thick paint. There was very little if any insulation, and it had a leaking roof and odd additions. But what Elia found most peculiar was the position of the laundry, which was in what’s now the living area — with the best views in the house.