Balwyn North, Victoria: L.M and S.M’s 1970’s Sydney School inspired home
Secret Design Studio knows mid-century modern architecture

1970’s Sydney School inspired home in Balwyn North.

Secret Design Studio knows mid-century modern architecture

1970’s Sydney School inspired home in Balwyn North.

“We will never forget the look on Alistair’s face when he first saw the shagpile blue carpet – on the floor and one wall – of the main bedroom in our 1970s house. Priceless! We knew then that Alistair was the right person to help with our renovations. He is very enthusiastic, has great ideas and is passionate about 1970s architecture.

Better still, we never felt pressured to get lots of work done at the one time.  Our renovations have been a work in progress over many years.  And whenever there is an urgent problem, Alistair has always been available for quick advice – and an easy solution – over the phone. When we had to replace the original box gutter roof with a new deeper gutter, Alistair happily made suggestions to the builder to ensure the new work matched in with the original house design.

Alistair understands we haven’t won the Lotto and has been very creative to produce some WOW-factor renovations cost-effectively. For example, some ‘groovy’ fabric added to our old timber dining table chairs, matching new cushions and more of the same ‘groovy’ fabric to cover old door panels has completely transformed our living area – which also boasts a lime green
feature wall. Can’t wait to eventually finish the other rooms. Alistair has made the renovation process very easy – and fun!

He is also very hands on. We arrived home one day to find Alistair planting two new palm trees that he had suggested to ‘frame’ the entrance to our house.

Secret Design Studio knows mid-century modern architecture

1970’s Sydney School inspired home in Balwyn North.

Secret Design Studio knows mid-century modern architecture

1970’s Sydney School inspired home in Balwyn North.

Alistair’s first task was to complete an interior and exterior colour scheme for our house.  The exterior has now been painted – love our orange front door! – and we have been painting a few rooms at a time.  Our power room, which still boasts original blue tiles around the basin with original blue taps, has been completely transformed – and just cost us new paint!

We have had a number of two-hour consultations over the years with Alistair and each time he has given us lots of great advice. Value for money! He has even met us offsite, for example in blind and fabric shops, to help with final decorating decisions.

We look forward to continuing to work with Alistair.”

Secret Design Studio knows mid-century modern architecture

1970’s Sydney School inspired home in Balwyn North.