Secret Design Studio

Passionate about quality residential design, collects interesting 20th century furniture, champions mid century modernist architecture with an irregular blog.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

These 1960s handmade glazed terracotta tiles have come up a treat with a good clean in the #MidCenturyMtWaverley pre-sale makeover. I love the variation in size and colour, which contribute to their great character. Perfect application behind a BBQ. #jelliscraigmonash

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

We have just signed the contract to buy new premises in the Malvern area. This is a significant step, as we will have a shopfront on a busy road, making it much easier for both new and existing clients to find us. We may need a name change to “Not-So-Secret Design Studio”!

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

If you are looking to book in a “Dr Retro House Call” or “Dr Retro Virtual Visit” sometime in the future you may like to take advantage of our 25% discount on our Gift Certificates, representing a saving of $150, for the next ten Gift Certificates purchased

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

It is rare to discover something that I have never seen before, such as this original biomorphic guest powder room in a client’s house in St Kilda East. Complete with matching coat cupboard (in the reflection) and space-age foil wallpaper. By Hungarian architect Steven Adorjan

[Retro To Go @RetroToGo]

Bookcases, room dividers, call them what you will. But I’ve gone for the top 20 midcentury modern shelving units in this round-up of stylish storage. A few in the sale right now too. https://t.co/d5b0vPqJvP

[Domus @DomusWeb]

Between Case Study Houses by Eames and Neutra, and buildings by Ray Kappe and Charles Moore, a vast modern and contemporary heritage has been threatened or destroyed by fire, as the city that is devouring its history. https://t.co/PJJaiThZQ3

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Our sample delivery today is from Kosny Timber, which manufactures pre-made timber screen modules from various beautiful hardwood timbers. While these are made for external screens, I could see lots of potential applications for internal room dividers with a mid-century vibe.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

It is always good to read about a beautiful mid-century modern home in a 1959 edition of Australian Home Beautiful and then do a bit of sleuthing and discover that it looks like it is still standing and largely original. Last sold as a two bedroom home in 1995 for only $230,000.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

We love working on smaller projects and the opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship of original brickwork rather than smothering it in an unsympathetic render finish.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

I had the privilege of visiting this modestly scaled and beautifully detailed mid-century home the other day for one of my last Dr Retro House Calls in-home consultations for 2024. Built in 1959 by a Dutch bricklayer for his family, it is largely original and has been cherished.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

A completely original retro kitchen spotted in a property for sale in Mt Waverley, including the original stove. The rest of the house is uninspiring and in poor condition so will most likely be redeveloped. Pity fashion trends have moved on from kitchens with personality…

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Designed by Dutch architect Gerrit Hartland for himself, it was an audacious design based around a timber portal frame, a butterfly roof, and a series of courtyards. While it was very beautiful in its day, it had not been well maintained. It sold for $1.115m!

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

The door is rapidly closing on available appointments at our 2024 rate. Unfortunately, we will be increasing our appointment fees for reservations made in 2025.
If you would like to reserve one of the remaining appointments please let me know before they are all gone.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Last opportunity to save $200 on 2025 consultations (must purchase before December 1st)
We offer house call visits for homeowners who need professional advice about renovations and improvements but don’t want to engage an architect for design services. https://t.co/tyfMF64HK3

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

If you want to snap up this limited offer please contact me an I will send you information about purchasing in 2024 and redeeming your gift certificate in 2025.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Most buildings in the Mackay city centre were designed and constructed within the first three decades of the 20th Century, thus making Mackay one of the best collections of Art Deco buildings in Queensland. n fact, there is even a website dedicated to Mackay Art Deco.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Secret Design Studio did a tour with one of our clients today to help with interior design selections for her Dromana beach house renovations and stumbled across this Brutalist/Minimalist “alter” of a stovetop surfaced with Dekton.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting “Gillison House” designed by architect Robin Boyd. This is one of Secret Design Studio’s favourite homes In Balwyn. On the market with Jellis Craig Real Estate

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

Secret Design Studio stumbles across so many regional mid-century gems hidden away. This wild and fun basement bar is a feature of a home in East Tamworth, for which Secret Design Studio is currently preparing a design report before our Virtual Visit on Zoom tomorrow afternoon.

[Secret Design Studio @Secret_Design]

I discovered that the Frazer House, designed by architect Geoffrey Twibill, was featured on the front cover of Home Beautiful in June 1961.