Art Deco / Modern
Art deco / Modern 1920-1930
Art deco architecture is defined by curved facades, decorative brickwork, geometric elements, chevron patterns, parquetry floors and timber wall paneling. Port- hole style windows also a popular feature. Dark timber features are prominent with wide architraves and skirtings, chair rails and picture rails very common. Ionic example is Minerva Theater in Sydney’s Potts Point.
During the building boom after World War 2 (1950-1960) this style was very popular, Mid-century modern homes are still popular today these homes commonly feature large expanses of glass for light, cross ventilation, strong connection to the outdoors, open plan, limited materials- often brick, timber, metal, glass, tiles and patterned laminate. Flat or raked roof lines.
Edwardian / Federation
Edwardian 1901-1910 Federation 1890-1914
Federation or Edwardian homes are distinguished by their red brick exterior, return verandas, galvanized iron or terracotta tiles are generally used for roofing, which is designed with a steep pitch, The gable ends and roof eaves often feature ornate timber brackets and timber detailing and fretwork are common on the verandas.
These homes generally have larger living areas with fireplaces, often with picture rails and or chair rails, stained glass windows (often incorporated Australian Fauna and Flora), bay windows and long central hallways. Victorian-era features are still evident, including plaster ceiling roses and cornices and timber skirting and architraves. Very detailed and bold, thick ornate timber moulds are common.
Hampton / Bungalow
Hamptons / bungalow
While the bungalow style shares many similarities with Edwardian/ federation homes, what sets them apart is the signature brick or rendered brick columns that hold up the front verandas. Most commonly constructed from weatherboard or brick. Simple layout, single story originally very dark wide timber detail used inside around doors and windows.
Hamptons have typically gabled roofs, porches or verandas with closely spaced picket balustrades. The style is a blend of elegant and sophisticated design, with a coastal warm feel, often sought after by Australian home buyers. Large open planned naturally lit living spaces. Wainscoting is an elegant feature and easily achieved with some inlay moulding and chair or picture rails.
Victorian / Colonial
Colonial 1788-1901
Victorian 1837-1901
The main attribute to a colonial home is symmetry. Colonial homes are normally square, with the door located in the exact centre and the windows reflected perfectly on either side. Basic layout with rooms off a central hallway. Vernadas on 2 or more sides. Built from local materials from timber or brick with a iron roof.
Late Victorian homes, including terraces, will feature steep narrow stairs and small windows. Living and dining rooms are toward the front and kitchens to the rear, with bedrooms off the hallway or upstairs if 2 stories. The quality of woodwork and moulding was directly related to the status of the house. Moulding gives form and shape to a room and is an important element in Victorian design.