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The Design Files' Top 10 Australian Homes Of 2023

Well folks, here we are again! Another year has whizzed by, so it’s time to start looking back at some of the best stories we saw in 2023.

Today we’re kicking it all off with our favourite (and most popular) column; Australian Homes!

These stories really showcase what TDF is all about; clever, real Australian homes, no matter the size or budget. And, we saw so many incredible homes this year that it was hard to choose just 10!

From a 1950s modernist family home in Sydney to an idyllic country home in Korumburra, and a dreamy beach house on the Great Ocean Road, take a look at our most popular homes from 2023!

Written

Lucy Feagins

Steel trims in Dulux Cuddlepot Half (to match the custom tinted breeze blocks). Cabinetry in Dulux Dollar. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

The hallway connecting the two ‘buildings’ within the extension. Gubi Patcha Lounge Chair. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Ceramics by Stephanie Phillips from Pepite. Dulux Dollar on kitchen cabinetry. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Photographer Eve Wilson’s Palette-Perfect Inner City Family Home

If you’ve been reading The Design Files for any length of time (thankyou!), you probably recognise the name Eve Wilson. That’s because Eve is our longest standing collaborator! She’s been photographing TDF stories for almost 10 years, including the very home you see above, which happens to be her own stunning family home in Cremorne, Melbourne.

Eve lives here with her husband Jon Atchison, and their daughters Elliot (7) and June (5). The house itself is a small weatherboard cottage, with an extension designed by Studio Bright that packs a punch, to say the least!

The architects have capitalised on every inch of the 144 square metre block (that’s only 4.22 metres wide!) to create a three-bedroom home that’s not only generous, but utterly unique. Breeze blocks on the facade provide the home with a distinct design identity, while filtering light through the interiors and offering privacy.

Read the full story here!

Artwork purchased in a market in Nairobi, Kenya. Laredo rattan lounge chair purchased from Lawsons Auctioneers. Italian striped modular sofa purchased from Home Furniture on Consignment. Berber rugs from West Elm and Etsy. Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Tess Thyregod

Cassina Maralunga sofas. Lowline sofa by MDF Italia. Violette’ artwork by Stanislas Piechaczek. Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Tess Thyregod

Gubi dining chairs (‘Perfect for wiping clean with the twins!’ says Gemma). Dining table purchased from Facebook Marketplace. Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Tess Thyregod

A Stylist’s Under-The-Radar 1950s Modernist Family Home

This mid-century modern house on Sydney’s Upper North Shore was designed in the 1950s by prominent architect and furniture designer Douglas Snelling.

Despite its architectural pedigree, when stylist and art director Gemma Keil came across the home earlier this year, she found it empty and unloved. ‘It was nothing like the open for inspections in the east where you line up in crowds only to shuffle through poky overpriced houses,’ she says. ‘Hardly anyone turned up to this showing, and people were walking straight out as they thought it was too run down or they didn’t have the imagination. I, on the other hand, had felt like I stumbled into a dream.’ We couldn’t agree more!

With that right styling and a few minor cosmetic tweaks, Gemma has made the house her incredible family home that looks straight out of California.

Read the full story here!

Inside Julia’s Melbourne family home. Dining table from Grandfather’s Axe. Lola Terracotta Vase from Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa on loan from Jardan (Julia has ordered the same one, in a slightly different colour – to be delivered soon!). Cushion from Jardan. Woven basket from Pan After. Dining chairs by Thonet. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

HAY Pallisade outdoor setting. Landscape design by Peachy Green. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Stevie Rug from Jardan. Pepper Side Table by Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa on loan from Jardan (Julia has ordered the same one, in a slightly different colour – to be delivered soon!). Lola Terracotta Salad Bowl from Jardan. Rice storage from Analogue Life. Pots purchased in Puglia, Italy. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Multigenerational Dream Family Home

Since founding The Design Files in 2008, I’ve seen hundreds of incredible Australian homes, but I’ve honestly never wanted to live somewhere, quite as much as Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s new Melbourne house!

The cook, best-selling author, and our very own food columnist recently signed the lease on this newly-renovated Victorian house in Clifton Hill with her husband Nori Nishimura, and their two children Haruki (7) and Yukito (3).

Julia and Nori chose the home for its location, architectural design, and its self contained studio out the back — allowing Julia’s mum Rachel to live here comfortably too.

Read the full story here!

Ikea dining table and bench. Cherner chairs bought from Facebook Marketplace. Shelf painted in Dulux Tiamo. Lamp base and shade bought in op-shops. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Kitchen painted Dulux Tranquil Retreat. Vintage wooden bowl. Barstools bought from Facebook Marketplace and painted black. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Painting by Enos Namatjira. Ikea coffee table. Armadillo rug. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

A 1980s Timber Beach House Where Every Day Feels Like A Holiday

For many Australians, a dream summer holiday involves the sun, sea, and coming together as a family in a familiar home.

Josephine and Paul Luczak and their two children are lucky enough to experience this more often than most, in their circa 1988 Cape Schanck beach house, clad in western red cedar.

The couple have made only minor cosmetic renovations to the existing home, to highlight its original design features, and celebrate its sweeping ocean views.

Read the full story here

Low Lounge Chair by Percival Lafer from Vampt Vintage Design. Life Interiors Bowie Textured Velvet 3 Seat Sofa. Jardan Spreckels Rug. Sarah Ellison Isola Side Table. GlobeWest Seville Tile Coffee Table. Fourth Street Smoked Oak Egg Sculpture. Yo-Yo Ma Bach Project In San Antonio 2019 poster by Will Bryant. Shokupan photographic print by Alana Dimou. Valencia Oranges risograph print by Alice Oehr. Learning From Japan print from Design Museum Denmark. Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Jono Fleming.

Still Life With Pumpkin artwork from Palette By Jono Fleming. Kitchen island bench made by the homeowner. Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Jono Fleming.

Photo – Alisha Gore. Styling – Jono Fleming.

An Eclectic Sydney Family Home, With International Flair

Depending on the image or angle you’re viewing of Chad Barnier and Heidi D’Elboux’s home, you might think the property is in Bali, Copenhagen, or even New York City.

The home — which is actually located in St Peters, in Sydney’s inner-west — ties together these global influences through its eclectic design and artful styling.

The result is an inspiring and vibrant family home for the couple, their one-year old son Dallas, and bulldog Nash.

Read the full story here!

Vintage ’70s brown velvet sofa from Retro Cool Sydney. Woodpark painting by Karla Chartres. Vintage Italian Bitossi lamp from Facebook Marketplace. G Plan teak sideboard from Facebook Marketplace. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Kitchen cupboards in Laminex Green Slate. Timber handles by Kethy. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Custom-made curved rug from Tsar Carpets. Urna Vase from Marimekko. Tile-topped vintage coffee table from Grandfather’s Axe. GE Scandi radiogram from Facebook Marketplace. Vintage ’70s brown velvet sofa from Retro Cool Sydney. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

A Lovingly Updated Mid-Century Beaumaris Home

The bayside Melbourne suburb of Beaumaris features one of the greatest concentrations of unique, mid-century homes in Australia. Many of these homes call for care and restoration, so it’s lucky when one falls into the hands of buyers like Natashia Ting and Peter Rosser.

The couple purchased this 1961 house in 2019, and have worked with Tecture architects to enhance its modernist sensibilities, alongside modern practicalities.

Materials and colours pay tribute to the original era, facilitating a home that is both sophisticated and playful, whilst remaining timeless.

Read the full story here!

Dampier Lantern from The Society Inc. Table and chairs handed down from Alice’s aunty and uncle. Stokke Trip Trapp high chair. Vase inherited from Marlon’s nanna and poppa via Bendigo Pottery. Woodturned salt pot from the Korumburra Men’s Shed. Paintings on the wall were a wedding present from Ellen Taylor featuring all the things growing in the garden. Photography – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Baskets sourced from Facebook Marketplace. Corn jug and cups from the Korumburra emporium. Bonnie and Neil tea towel. Le Creuset kettle. TS Makers chopping board. Speckled bowls from Ivo Angel. Vase from the Korumburra op shop. Ella Reweti vases. Yo-Dan glasses. Fowlers Vacola jars filled with homegrown produce. Robert Gordon egg holder. Painting by Love SJ. Paint colours Dulux Royal Oakleaf and Dulux Hog Bristle Half. Photography – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Dampier Lantern from The Society Inc. Table and chairs handed down from Alice’s aunty and uncle. Vase inherited from Marlon’s nanna and poppa via Bendigo Pottery. Woodturned salt pot from the Korumburra Men’s Shed. Dulux Hog Bristle Half paint. Photography – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The Idyllic Country Family Home Of The Design Files’ Partnerships Manager, Alice Ziebell!

This home is extra special as it belongs to one of our own – The Design Files’ partnerships manager, Alice Ziebell!

Alice and her husband Marlon purchased their house in Korumburra, South Gippsland back in 2010, with long term plans to turn it into a country weekender. But when Covid hit in 2020, the couple decided to bunker down here while expecting their first child. Three years later, they’ve settled into country life, permanently!

Alice and Marlon completed an owner-designed renovation (in just four months!) that has taken their charming country cottage to the next level.

Read the full story here!

Inside Leigh’s beautiful beach house! 6286 Dining Table by Fredericia from Cult Design. Custom made banquette seat. Akari Pendant Light from Finnish Design Shop. Ceiling stained with Porter’s Paints Watermark. Photo – Nikole Ramsay for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Art wall left to right: ‘Blonde Girl’ by Heide Yardley. ‘Lost Cat’ ceramic bowl and watercolour painting by Noel McKenna. ‘Untitled’ oil painting by Tim Bass. Stylised flower by Wilma Tabacco. ‘Scott in Central Park Snow’ by Donald Holt. ‘Richie Tenenbaum’ by Marc Etherington. ‘Max’ ceramic tile by Noel McKenna. Oil painting by Angela Brennan. ‘Otways Coastal’ lithograph by Jan Senbergs. ‘Love Hurts’ by Jon Campbell. Pastel drawing by Julian Martin. Watercolour by Noel McKenna. ‘Hakusan Waves’ ceramic thong by Gerry Wedd. ‘After the Rain’ by Julian Twigg. Pastel drawing by Fulli Andrinopoulos. Below: ‘Cupcakes’ by Lucy Culliton. Ceramic vessels by Hermie Cornelisse. Photo – Nikole Ramsay for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Skantherm Shaker Fireplace from Oblica. Korbo Classic 24 Galvanised Wire Basket and Akari Pendant Light from Finnish Design Shop. Artek Day Bed from Anibou. Duvet by Marimekko. Photo – Nikole Ramsay for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

An Interior Designer’s Dreamy Beach House On The Great Ocean Road

The beach house of Leigh Ellwood is the definition of a dream.

The interior designer and her family purchased the ‘80s home in 2020 for its perched position above the Great Ocean Road, offering ocean views as far as the eye can see.

These views drove a subsequent renovation inspired by the minimal timber interiors of Cabanon (1951) on the Côte d’Azur in France—the holiday house of Le Corbusier.

By reducing the palette of materials to the essentials (plus some special paintings – by an Archibald Prize winner), the house recedes into the background, allowing the natural world (and that view!) to become the complete focus. Just perfection!

Read the full story here!

Dining table from Jardan. Chairs by Thonet. Coffee machine by La Marzocca. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The kitchen features solid American oak cabinetry and floors are also hardwood American oak sealed with Rubio Monocoat. Stools by Grazia&co. Steel bench top made from handcrafted 8mm thick rolled steel. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

Ligne Roset Togo Sofa from DOMO. Wood fireplace by Cheminees Philippe. ‘10,000 paper planes’ by Ross Coulter. Painting on left by Christopher Zanko. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli

The Vine-Covered, Victorian Family Home Of Frank Body Co-Founder, Bree Johnson

Bree Johnson, co-founder of beauty label Frank Body and branding agency Willow & Blake, used to regularly park her car in front of a grand Victorian house in Richmond, covered in creeping vines.

She dreamed of one day owning the property, so when it came up for sale, there was no hesitation. Bree and her husband Steve Rowley inspected the Melbourne home and bought it the very same day.

The 1888 house is now Bree and Steve’s divine family home, with a sleek, contemporary extension designed by Therefore Studio.

Read the full story here!

Sideboard from Grandfather’s Axe. Artwork by Gavin Brown. Eames elephant (bought from an op-shop). Shelves from Smith Street Bazaar. Big Shadow lamp by Marcel Wanders (bought for $80 off Gumtree). Vitra Panton chairs. Tobi’s 10-year-old fiddle leaf fig! Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Gatto lamp from Red Rider. Eames storage unit (bought for $400 from Gumtree). Green artwork by Mitjili Napurrula. R.M. Williams boots collection from Tobi’s horse riding days. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

Vitra Panton chairs. Persian rugs add warmth and colour to almost every room. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Editorial styling – Annie Portelli and Sarah Hendriks

A Modernist-Inspired, Fully-Accessible New Melbourne Family Home

The Elsternwick, Melbourne home of chef Tobi Dikstein and access consultant Nick Morris is remarkable.

What looks like an authentic mid-century build is actually a modern family home (built in 2017) that’s ‘discreetly fully-accessible’ for Nick, who uses a wheelchair. ‘There is no way anyone could tell that the house was built specifically for a paraplegic,’ says Tobi.

Designed and built by Fasham, the concrete and timber home is solid, timeless, and made eclectic through Tobi and Nick’s artful styling. In Tobi’s words, it’s a ski lodge in winter, and a pool party in summer!

Read the full story here!