A weatherboard home in Newport has undergone a remarkable makeover that celebrates its mid-century roots while addressing modern family needs.
The 1960s property, redesigned by local firm Five Foot One Design, showcases how thoughtful renovation can honour original architectural character whilst solving practical challenges like insufficient storage and wasted space.
Director Kathryn Thompson said the project aimed to reimagine the quintessential Australian beach house by layering coastal elements over the home’s timeless mid-century design.
“We didn’t want this to feel like a predictable mid-century makeover,” Thompson explained. “It was important to be bold and expressive with colour, allowing each space to have its own personality, while staying true to the era and the client’s brief.”
The renovation tackled several functional issues head-on. The ground level, which houses the main living areas, kitchen, bathroom and three bedrooms, previously felt cramped and disconnected. The design team reimagined the entry foyer into a semi-open plan that flows naturally into the living and dining spaces.
Notably, the owners requested the kitchen remain separate rather than adopting a fully open-plan layout—a decision that maintains the home’s authentic retro floor plan.
A custom cantilevered joinery screen with integrated shelving and technology now cleverly divides the main dining area from both the lounge room and a casual dining nook, creating distinct zones whilst preserving visual connection throughout the space.
The lower ground level received particular attention. What was once a dusty storage room has been excavated and transformed into an inviting bar area with a second bathroom. Thompson described it as now being one of the home’s most compelling spaces—characterful, functional, and genuinely loved by the family.
Throughout the renovation, Five Foot One Design’s contemporary interpretation of 1960s design elements stands out. The kitchen features cream laminate surfaces, mosaic benchtops, overhead shelving and custom timber hardware that capture an authentic mid-century feel whilst remaining highly practical.
In the main bathroom, the original pink bathtub was retained as a striking centrepiece, complemented by blush glass mosaic tiles that create a gentle, feminine retreat.
Other heritage elements received careful attention too. Existing pine timber floors were refinished with a matte lacquer, and the home’s cedar windows were meticulously restored. Blackwood joinery, yellow accents, shiplap timber panelling, patterned tiles and shell-inspired lighting complete the distinctive aesthetic throughout.
Thompson said the project ultimately achieved the right balance—retaining the retro charm that made the home special whilst adapting spaces for contemporary family life.
“There’s a warmth and effortlessness to it—elevated, but still approachable—and that balance perfectly reflects who our clients are and how they wanted to live in the space,” she said.
The Newport renovation demonstrates that mid-century homes can be sensitively updated to meet modern needs without sacrificing their original character and charm.
Published 13-November-2025
