Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Where Palm Beach Meets the Gum Trees
A love for mid-century design and a knack for renovating led this family to a 1960s gem on the outskirts of Melbourne
Mid-century modern enthusiasts Meaghan and Ash Dunne snapped up this ’60s designed home in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Park Orchards, and have used the last 14 years to renovate it. They have created a home that pays homage to its mid-century roots while simultaneously creating a space suited to a 21st-century lifestyle. When it eventually came time to tackle the backyard, the iconic mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs, with its clean lines and seamless connection with indoor-outdoor living, was a natural source of inspiration.
The home was last renovated in the ’70s and ’80s prior to the Dunnes moving in, and was in need of another update. Designed by Meaghan and built entirely from scratch by Ash, the kitchen has been a true labour of love. “The kitchen has become the focal point of the house, where we gather to eat, chat and catch up,” Meaghan says. “We went with a mid-century theme, and used timber veneer with stainless steel.”
The couple admit to receiving a little help from their talented friends along the way. The stainless steel throughout the kitchen was fabricated by their friend Evan ‘Eggs’ from Eymac.
The couple used pieces they have collected over the years to decorate their home. “Most of the items in our house have no real value,” says Meaghan. “We don’t search out the expensive Danish furniture (who can afford it?!) Most of our furnishings are from op-shops or the side of the road, with some IKEA thrown in and of late, Kmart bargains as most of our savings go into building materials!”
Dining table and chairs: Vinnies
Dining table and chairs: Vinnies
This eye chart hanging in the living room was salvaged from the old Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, before it was demolished.
A study nook located off the living room serves as the perfect space for some private study time, and with four sons at school and university, it’s put to good use.
Some time ago, Ash and Meaghan considered whether they would sell and move closer in to the city. Instead they decided to stay and create an outdoor oasis for their family, extending their living space with an area to relax and entertain.
Meaghan and Ash designed the pool themselves using retro public pools as their inspiration. “I’ve always loved public pools and their history,” says Meaghan. The monumental steel-framed roof, aptly nicknamed ‘The Taj’, was no small feat to construct. Built by Ash, it serves as a testament to his skill and tenacity as a builder and craftsman. Meaghan adds, “I wanted to create a breezeway effect and the expressed joints and glass have certainly done this.”
Swimming pool: Australian Spas and Pools
Meaghan and Ash designed the pool themselves using retro public pools as their inspiration. “I’ve always loved public pools and their history,” says Meaghan. The monumental steel-framed roof, aptly nicknamed ‘The Taj’, was no small feat to construct. Built by Ash, it serves as a testament to his skill and tenacity as a builder and craftsman. Meaghan adds, “I wanted to create a breezeway effect and the expressed joints and glass have certainly done this.”
Swimming pool: Australian Spas and Pools
The cement stairs leading up to the swimming pool were made by Ash too. “His carpentry skills come into play on every job we do. The only thing he wont tackle is bricklaying!” says Meaghan.
The low-maintenance, water-efficient garden means less time spent on work and more time for play!
Landscaping: GRD Landscaping
Landscaping: GRD Landscaping
The faux grass was a suggestion made by Meaghan’s son when they were debating whether they wanted to step out onto a soft or hard surface. “I was worried that in such a large area, paving or concrete would have made the area too sterile and natural grass would not have grown under the roof,” says Meaghan. “It was a gamble going with the faux grass, but we are super happy with the result… it gives a great retro patio feel.”
Faux grass: Grass by the Metre
Faux grass: Grass by the Metre
Hamburger and Donut tables: Third Drawer Down
Childhood memories play a huge part in how Meaghan goes about styling her home. “We travelled a lot as kids to Victorian coastal towns. I loved the ’70s motels we stayed in, with the besser blocks used as screens or near pool areas.” They have therefore replicated the look in their own home.
Besser blocks: Breeze Blocks
Besser blocks: Breeze Blocks
According to Meaghan, one of the negative features of a mid-century home would have to be it’s lack of storage. This issue was solved by some very clever re-purposing of the cedar panels that lined the entry wall. Ash simply cut back to the original wall and used the cedar panels to create floor-to-ceiling cupboards along the length of the hallway.
Down the opposite end of the hallway is Meaghan’s growing art collection. She admits to always buying a piece of art or some other decorative item when travelling to bring back home. “I love to buy a poster from a gallery when I’m overseas too.”
“The living area we call the ‘back room’ and it’s our lazy, lounge-around room used for watching TV and movies,” says Meaghan. “The sofa is so comfy to lie around on … lots of friends and guests have slept on that sofa!”
Artwork: Zizzou; sofa: King Furniture
Artwork: Zizzou; sofa: King Furniture
River Phoenix cushion: Alpha60
Paddy’s room is decorated to suit his fun-loving nature. “The boys like their rooms to be quite simple. They all have their own taste and I pick up pieces when I see them that remind me of their personality,” says Meaghan.
The master bedroom is colourful and fun, with vibrant yellow bedlinen and mismatched mirrors hung on the wall. Meaghan loves her cat cushion on the bed, which reminds her of her old cat that passed away a few years ago; “She was always on my bed,” she says.
Other cushions: Douglas and Hope
Other cushions: Douglas and Hope
TELL US
What do you like about this colourful home for a young family? Let us know in the Comments section.
What do you like about this colourful home for a young family? Let us know in the Comments section.
Who lives here: Meaghan Dunne, her husband Ash and their four sons, Curtis, 23, Liam, 17, Eamon, 15, and Paddy, 14
Location: Park Orchards, Melbourne, Victoria
Size: 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Meaghan and her youngest son, Paddy.