Do You Know What Style Your House Is in Australia? See All Designs

One of the first things you usually do when planning to build, remodel or buy a home is to look up architectural types that appeal to you online. Yes, we know that there have been a lot of changes in the designs and architecture along the way.

You might wonder what style my house in Australia falls under, given the wide range of styles, designs and trends. From traditional Australian design to modern house styles, there are many different types to explore. This blog will help you know about the most popular house styles in Australia. And in the end, you can decide what style is yours or maybe what style you would want.

So, let’s start from the start.

Victorian (1804-1901)

The first on the list is the Victorian style. You must have heard or have seen this design in many films. It has three phases, the first one being the early Victorian days. During this phase, the homes were mostly made of brick. They also had the following design elements:

A huge verandah
Pitched roof
Lattice work

These details gained a lot of popularity as we entered the mid-Victorian period as well. Then came the late Victorian houses. The design had the following elements:

Terraces
Small windows
Narrow steps
Stone fireplaces

In this design, the bedrooms were either off the hallway or upstairs if the terrace was two stories high. Other than this, the living and dining areas were in the front and the kitchens were made in the back.

So, if you have the major elements of this era in your home or the project you’re going to invest in, then you are in luck! Just a few minor renovations can change the whole game and give you high value.

Pro Tip: Today, using natural stone Travertine pavers for verandahs or fireplaces can make it more appealing.

Edwardian/Federation (1901-WW1)

There are a lot of times that landscapers and homeowners are confused between these two styles. It is mostly the same thing. Named after King Edward (1901–1910), "Edwardian" architecture was popular throughout Australia's Federation era. It's simple to mix up the two designs because they share comparable design aspects like bay windows, red brick exteriors and ornate detailing.

Some of the details that were seen in this 1900s house style in Australia were:

The outdoor space was made of red bricks with fretwork. It is a type of ornamented wood feature.
Roofs made of Slate tiles were steep and tall, typically made of red terracotta tiles.
Larger residences typically had a tower over a detailed bay window or verandah gazebo, as well as a gable over each exterior chamber. Bottom of Form

Art Deco (1920s)

The world of design has never been the same since the Art Deco era. Many designers still use its timeless and unique style even in the 21st century.

Homes inspired by this 20th century design use geometric shapes and have detailed finishes. This mix of architecture and interior design brings a fresh look that honours the past and also fits the present. Exciting, isn't it?

Post-War Architecture (1940s)

Do you know that Australia faced a lot of problems post-World War II? Yes, it included a shortage of homes. However, this also meant a lot of changes were happening. This was especially true in the building and construction fields.

New homes were built during this time because of the European war refugees who settled in Australia post-war. What did Australian homes look like in the late 1940s? They included a lot of cottages and bungalows made of brick.

Mid-century Modern (1950s-1960s)

This is one of the most popular house styles in Australia. Mid-century modern houses had large glass-like windows or doors to let in light. They truly believed that the outdoors was an extended part of their home. Other than this, they loved an open floor plan.

The 1950 house styles in Australia used brick and natural stones. And these features are still in demand today.

Minimal Style (1960s and Beyond)

When we talk about design styles in these years, then open plan living areas and using conventional building materials come to our mind. The homes were made keeping simplicity and clean lines in mind.

As part of this trend, we saw a shift towards more natural light in the home, particularly with large floor-to-ceiling windows. The garden also mirrored the shift towards blending the home with the natural surroundings. It is what we nowadays call a modern yet minimal design.

By using more native plants instead of traditional cottage gardens or European styles, homeowners wanted to try out something different for the Australian landscape.

Contemporary Style (2000s and Beyond)

Today’s most popular house style in Australia includes spaces like:

Large open-plan kitchen
Dining
Entertainment
Study
Family room

Using sustainable flooring tiles and pavers such as natural stones is one of the features that distinguishes it from others. To adjust to larger families and a modern lifestyle, many people are now extending old homes into contemporary style.

To Sum It All Up

Knowing the architectural style of your house can increase its value. Every era has its own beauty, from the clean lines of modern designs to the lovely details. Understanding these styles allows you to connect with Australia's rich architectural legacy, whether you're planning renovations or just enjoying your house. So, did you get the answer to “What style is my house in Australia?” We hope you did!

FAQ's

What is the Style of Architecture in Sydney?

Sydney, the oldest city in Australia, has a mix of old and modern architecture over its 200-year history. It is not one single architectural style that can be seen there.

What Do Houses Look Like in Australia?

Sustainable design ideas are loved by modern Australian architecture. Open-plan designs, huge windows for natural light and stone pavers are common features of many modern home styles. To achieve a sleek and uncluttered appearance, they place a high value on clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.