Lisa didn’t want a complete overhaul; she aimed to preserve the home’s mid-century charm while addressing structural repairs. That’s when she turned to Paul Butterworth Architect to help restore the house to its former glory.
The goal was a thoughtful mid-century remodel that rejuvenated the house without compromising its original design. “Most of the house was kept intact,” Paul noted.
Rather than a full rebuild, the mid-century renovation focused on refreshing the existing layout and introducing modern updates for daily living.
A key change was the addition of a new dining space and deck, dramatically improving the indoor-outdoor flow. This updated layout enhanced connectivity between the interior and landscape, taking full advantage of the home’s east-facing aspect and natural breezes from Moreton Bay.
The stronger link with nature reshaped Lisa’s experience of her mid-century home, making outdoor living a daily pleasure.
Her design approach was guided by a passion for mid-century architecture. She drew inspiration from Sydney’s Rose Seidler House by Harry Seidler, the now-lost El Dorado Motel on the Gold Coast, and classic Palm Springs mid-century homes in California.
Colour played a central role in Lisa’s mid-century remodel. Her favourite shade, yellow, informed design choices: the front door painted chartreuse and yellow accents added above the second-floor windows provided bold contrast against the crisp white exterior.
Inside, the kitchen kept its 1960s layout, while a new yellow benchtop introduced vibrancy without disrupting the home’s mid-century identity.
Paul Butterworth’s team addressed more than aesthetics. The renovation solved major maintenance issues: a new roof, repaired water ingress, full repaint, and restoration of original timber floors ensured longevity and renewed comfort.
The redesigned outdoor living space is a standout feature of this mid-century modern remodel. The large balcony, now a hub for entertaining, showcases a vivid mural by local artist Drapl—merging artistic flair with Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle.
The entry also received a significant update. A new concrete terrace with breezeblocks and a V-shaped steel beam delivers a warm welcome, echoing the geometry typical of mid-century design.
This architectural language continues into the ground-floor garage, where painted blue triangles introduce a bold, modern twist while respecting the home’s mid-century heritage.
For Lisa, the remodel made her home feel brighter, more open, and joyful. “The new design is playful, capturing Lisa’s enthusiasm for mid-century architecture,” said the architect. He hopes this project encourages others to see potential in renovation over demolition.
“These homes are more than structures,” Paul added. “They hold stories and meaning.” The result is a home that respects its mid-century roots while embracing contemporary living—a carefully balanced blend of past and present.
