City Beach Residence

A mid-century house, stunningly restored and redesigned with great respect for its architectural and interior design heritage.

Located in City Beach, a coastal suburb of Perth, Australia, this residence is a beautiful example of mid-century architecture and design. The client, an entertainer and dog owner who was passionate about the character of the house, tasked Fremantle-based firm Design Theory with the restoration and redesign of the property. Originally designed by local architects Duncan, Stephen & Mercer, the building dates back to the late 1950s/early 1960s. From the first inspection, it became clear that the house required extensive repairs and upgrades for comfortable modern living. Nevertheless, the studio focused on preserving the charm of the original architecture and of the mid-century interiors.

The client’s brief requested a home with three bedrooms, two baths, and spaces that are both pet-safe and flexible enough for socializing with friends and enjoying moments of solitude. While reorganizing the layout, the team discovered that the entire structure of the house required extensive repairs. Design Theory completed not only the building, renovation, and redesign steps of the project, but also the interior design and the furniture design. Taking cues from the dwelling’s mid-century heritage, the studio created a cozy and stylish home that celebrates its identity. Apart from restoring the original vintage furniture, the team also refurbished original elements such as pendant lights and door knockers.

Honest and tactile materials like Blackbutt wood and brick give extraordinary warmth to the interiors. Additionally, color plays a crucial role throughout the house. Inspired by the landscapes of Western Australia, the palette ranges from light green to rich brown and warm orange. Ultimately, this project showcases how studios can update and modernize architectural gems without sacrificing the original design’s soul and character. Photography by Jack Lovel.