A Guide to Timeless Classic Home Design in Australia

Lee Makin
Published July 10, 2024

In the world of luxury home building, popular architectural and design trends come and go, but timeless, classic home design remains constant. A home that embodies enduring elegance and classic design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures long-term value and functionality. 

At Makin Homes, we specialise in creating bespoke luxury homes that seamlessly blend classic design principles with modern innovations, providing our clients with a home that stands the test of time.

Timeless Classic Home Design
Project name: Fistina Ramble

What are considered classic architectural styles in home design?

Australia has a rich architectural heritage of elegant home design. Classic and enduring styles, such as Colonial, Victorian, Georgian and Mediterranean, have long been revered for their beauty and timeless charm. To read more on Australian architectural styles, make sure to read our previous blog.

These long-established styles, widely known for their attention to detail and classical proportions, can be adapted to suit contemporary lifestyles while preserving their timeless appeal.  

How can classic architectural designs be modernised?

Although classic home designs provide a wealth of charm and style, they can pose various challenges for modern life. For example, traditional floor plans, with multiple room divisions, may reduce interaction time between family members and make it difficult for parents to supervise children.   

However, thanks to modern architectural innovations, such as open floor plans, innovative technologies and environmentally sustainable building methods, it’s now possible to build a timeless home that includes classic design features that are adapted to modern demands and contemporary ways of living. 

For example, Federation-style homes, with their signature ornate detailing and decorative timberwork, can be modernised with open floor plans and expansive windows, offering a perfect balance of traditional elegance and contemporary luxury.

Modernising classic architectural designs

Project name: Chalgrove Road

Additionally, the refined balance, symmetry and clean lines of Mid-Century Modern architecture lend themselves well to modern interpretations, providing a structured yet flexible framework for luxury living.

Mid-Century Modern architecture: Balancing symmetry, clean lines, and luxury living

Project name: Seawind Drive

Timeless design features to consider for your home build

High-quality, durable materials are the cornerstone of enduring home design. There’s a vast range of lasting and stylish materials and colour options for you to choose from when building your dream home; for example:

  • Natural stone: A timeless and elegant design, natural stone such as marble and limestone is an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and many other home features. Opting for natural stone is also beneficial for its durability and ability to hold its value over time. 
  • Hardwood flooring: A durable, aesthetically pleasing material that comes in a variety of beautiful colours and dynamic patterns.
  • A neutral colour palette: Neutral shades and accent colours, such as whites, creams, greys and taupes (consider shades such as James White, Off-White and Ammonite), provide a stylish, timeless look that are well suited for walls, cabinets and other home decor features. A light neutral colour palette also allows for better flow of light into a space. 

Additionally, symmetry and proportion are key elements of timeless classic home design. Balanced layouts, harmonious room sizes, and well-proportioned spaces contribute to a calming sense of order and sophistication. 

At Makin Homes, our design philosophy emphasises these principles, ensuring each home we build exudes timeless elegance. By collaborating closely with our clients throughout the planning and construction phases, we ensure that every custom home we design is future-proof.

Adapting to evolving needs through functional design

Timeless classic home design must also be practical and adaptable to the changing needs of the people living in the home. Open floor plans and versatile spaces enhance livability, allowing homeowners to tailor their environment to suit their lifestyles. Consider the following:

  • Open floor plans: Allow occupants to move freely through spaces, reconfigure furnishings and home decor to suit preferred room layouts, and create large entertainment spaces for families to come together.
  • Future-proofing homes with smart technology: Integrating smart home systems that can evolve with technological advancements ensures that your home remains functional and up-to-date.
  • Sustainability: Sustainable design approaches, such as energy efficient features like solar panels and water conservation strategies, contribute to a lower carbon footprint, provide lower energy usage and reduce running costs into the future.

Sustainable design and energy efficiency are integral to our approach, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that our homes are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Adapting to evolving needs through functional design

Project name: Finn Court

How to create a timeless home exterior

When considering how to design a timeless home, it’s important to give careful thought to a home’s exterior and its overall aesthetic, as this is what creates that initial impression. 

Timeless home design exterior is characterised by balanced facades, traditional roofing materials, and meticulous attention to detail. 

You could consider traditionally inspired materials such as stone cladding, slate or terracotta roofing designs, and herringbone or running bond brick patterns to add to the enduring appeal of a home.

Landscaping is equally important in achieving a timeless exterior look. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that complement the architecture of the home create a cohesive and inviting environment. 

Adding a luxurious alfresco area to your home’s exterior is another excellent way to bring your home to life and add value to your property. It also makes your spaces more flexible, and allows for the seamless flow of indoor to outdoor spaces. To learn more about innovative alfresco design ideas, read our previous blog.

At Makin Homes, we work closely with landscape designers to ensure that the outdoor areas of our homes are as timeless and captivating as the interiors.

Case study: Bendalong Boulevard project

Our Bendalong Boulevard project is a testament to Makin Homes’ expertise in creating timeless luxury homes. 

This stunning residence, with its notable triple fronted brick veneer, aligns with the Regional Gabled Cottage style. 

In this style, the distinctive gabled roof is a dominant design element, and a practical means of providing shade and entertainment space. 

Bendalong Boulevard

Project name: Bendalong Boulevard

The construction of the house can be entirely of brick (often painted), entirely timber, or a combination of brick on the lower part of the house and timber on the upper section. Some houses of brick construction have featured verandahs and porticos. Roofs are usually galvanised iron and windows metal framed. 

The use of natural stone in the bathroom and kitchen, hardwood floors, and a neutral colour palette ensures that this home will remain elegant and functional for years to come. 

The home design’s prioritisation of natural light also creates a more spacious, open and inviting living space, creating a comfortable and inviting living environment.

Timeless Home Design

Project name: Bendalong Boulevard

Home builds that last: achieving timeless luxury 

Achieving a timeless luxury home design requires a thoughtful blend of classic architectural styles, high-quality materials, and practical, future-proof solutions. 

With Makin Homes, our proven ability to build luxury homes that remain timeless for years to come makes us your ideal partner for building your ideal home. Browse some of our recent projects to gain a greater insight into our design and build capabilities. 

If you’re looking to build a custom luxury home that exudes timeless elegance and will last the test of time, contact us today for a consultation. We are excited to bring your ideal home to life.

Lee Makin
Lee Makin, founder of Makin Homes, started his building career in 1995 as a bricklayer. After facing a challenging personal building experience, he founded Makin Homes in 2008 with a focus on transparency and open communication. Known for his client-first approach, Lee ensures every project receives personalised attention, building a maximum of 10 homes per year to guarantee each client’s dream home becomes a reality.
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