In The Groove

Creative thinking and a dash of colour confidence jolted this Melbourne home out of its 1960s time warp, preparing it for the brightest of futures.

- Jackie Brygel

Nestled among rows of stately Edwardians, this modernist home in Melbourne’s inner south-east is a standout. Undaunted by its century-old neighbours, the updated residence celebrates colour at every turn.

When Nicole and David Neal, parents to Callum, 15, James, 13, and nine-year-old Charlotte, bought the four-bedroom house in 2011, it was a far cry from the exciting home it is today. In fact, the couple was advised to call in the wrecking ball. “We had one architect look over the place who said the house didn’t fit into this area and should be knocked down!” says Nicole.

“It was built in 1967 and hadn’t been touched – inside or out – since then, though it was well maintained. Think pristine late1960s decor: yellow shag-pile carpet, lino, brown mosaic tiles in the bathrooms, a Mission Brown kitchen with very narrow benches and, on the outside, mottled chocolate-coloured bricks.”