80 年代 Fasham Johnson 住宅复兴丨澳大利亚丨Nexus Designs 工作室

In the leafy suburb of Carnegie, Victoria, a 1980s Mid-Century Modern style house has been given a new lease on life. Originally constructed by renowned Melbourne builders Fasham Johnson, this family home has undergone a thoughtful refresh at the hands of its new owners, Bridget and Adam.

The couple’s approach to updating the house was one of respect and restraint. Rather than embarking on a major overhaul, they chose to make subtle yet impactful changes that honour the property’s original character while infusing it with their personal style.

“We’ve simply refreshed the home,” Bridget explains. “We removed some dated appliances and splashback tiles, and added in paint, new lighting and fittings including door handles.”

One of the most significant changes was the removal of a veranda that was blocking valuable northern light. This decision transformed the interior, flooding the space with natural illumination and informing many of the subsequent design choices.

Bridget, who works at Nexus Designs studio, drew inspiration from the company’s rich history. This influence is evident throughout the home, from the carefully curated furniture pieces to the thoughtful colour palette. The yellow Laminex dining table, crafted from a leftover panel found in the Nexus studio and paired with IKEA legs, serves as a direct nod to the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s.

The kitchen, with its original timber veneer, remains the heart of the home. Instead of replacing it, the couple chose to work with its warm, natural aesthetic. “We maintained the original timber elements, including the kitchen’s pine veneer, resisting suggestions to paint over them,” Bridget notes.

This balance of old and new is a recurring theme throughout the house. White walls offset the heavy timber features, while pops of colour are introduced through art, linens, and select furniture pieces.

The home is a showcase of thoughtful design choices. A locally made Monde sofa takes pride of place, its beautiful silhouette counterbalancing the house’s clean lines. An Archille Castiglioni Mezzadro stool by Zanotta adds a touch of iconic design, while new shelves, updated door handles, and modern lighting fixtures bring the space firmly into the present day.

For Bridget and Adam, the success of their project lies in the feeling it evokes. “It’s an honest, warm and welcoming space,” Bridget says. The light-filled kitchen and dining room have become the heart of their daily lives, hosting everything from quiet coffees and crossword sessions to lively dinners with friends.

As they look to the future, the couple has plans for the garden, proving that a home is always a work in progress. But for now, they’re content in their thoughtfully refreshed space—a perfect blend of Mid-Century Modern charm and contemporary living.

[Images courtesy of Nexus Design. Photography by James Geer.]