Transforming the Classic 70s Australian 3-Bed Cottage
In the words of a classic Aussie-ism, avoid the 'mutton dressed up as lamb’ look with our tips to update your Aussie Classic into the 21st century.
If you grew up in one—or your parents did—you know the classic 60s or 70s suburban three-bed cottage. It’s the heart of a generation, packed with nostalgia but often lacking in aesthetics or spatial flow for modern life. The good news? These homes are ripe for transformation!
Here’s how to update one while keeping its original charm intact.
1. Respect the Brick
Nothing dates a home faster than its brickwork. You could wait for that roughed-up blonde brick with raked mortar to come back into style, or you could work with it. Instead of covering it with a super-smooth render in hopes of a "modernized" look, consider a bagged or ‘dirty’ render finish. This keeps some of the original texture while allowing you to update the color in a way that complements the house’s inherent style.
Boxed gables and brick sills are reminiscent of the era this cottage was built in
2. Know What to Keep, and What to Change
Some features exude vintage charm, while others scream dated. Slanted brick sills? Pure 70s. A simple fix—having a qualified masoner square them off—instantly brings the home forward. Similarly, boxed gables weigh down the facade; opting for recessed gables makes a huge visual difference.
3. Mid-Century Touches That Make Sense
A nod to the past doesn’t mean living in the past. Thoughtful material choices—like paneling—can evoke a mid-century feel while serving a practical purpose. If you remove a door and don’t want the hassle of re-bricking, turning the area into a paneling feature is an elegant solution that fits the era.
4. Windows: A Secret Weapon for Transformation
Windows tell the story of a home, and outdated ones can seriously age a space. Chipped, overpainted timber frames and drab aluminium don’t do a house any favors. While window replacement or refurbishment requires an investment, it’s likely more affordable than you expect—and one of the most impactful changes you can make.
5. Give the Porch a Personality
Something about these homes loved a concrete slab porch. Instead of seeing it as an eyesore, use it as an opportunity! Paving or tiling over it turns it into a statement piece. Try a coordinating patterned tile on step risers—it’s a small detail that adds playfulness and personality.
Before; our Glenbrook project, primed for renovation
6. Rethink the Garage Door
One of the biggest challenges for first-time renovators? Garage doors. Between tilt, sectional, roller, and flat panel options, the choices seem endless—but your house’s structure will likely limit you. In one Glenbrook project, for example, the original flat panel door was replaced with swing barn doors. Not only did this aesthetic solution work, it was necessary. The low roof clearance meant a standard garage door wasn’t an option, so instead, the home gained custom hardwood barn doors with automatic gate openers—practical, stylish, and undeniably charming.
After; our Glenbrook home post-renovation (image: Dukes Estate Agents)
7. Work With Your Roofing
Many of these homes used terracotta or cement roof tiles in a wave or Tudor profile. The temptation might be to rip them off and swap for a steel roof, but often these tiles are in great condition and don’t need replacing. A professional restoration can assess the roof before major works—checking for broken tiles, repainting, or resealing where needed.
If the original tile color firmly places the home in another era, you can repaint, but sometimes embracing its uniqueness is even more rewarding. Take the Baulkham Hills project: its bright (but dirt-covered) orange wave terracotta roof tiles were once paired with dark-red brick and terracotta masonry wall-top Roman tiles. Instead of painting over them, we *leaned in*—using them as inspiration for a modern-Mediterranean design, keeping even the Roman tiles.
Updating a 70s Australian three-bedder is all about balancing past and present. A thoughtful approach ensures you keep the essence of the home while making it functional and visually exciting for today.
Now—ready to take on one of these beauties? It’s time to hit us up!
