How to identify the style of your home’s architecture
Federation
Federation, or as they’re sometimes known – Edwardian, homes usually have a red brick exterior and embellished wood detailing. Terracotta tiles or galvanised iron are often used on the roof of Federation homes, and decorative detailing such as stained glass or bay windows, pressed-metal ceilings, plaster ceiling-roses and cornices are seen within the homes. You will usually also see timber skirting boards and architraves.
Victorian/Gothic/Georgian
Although some Victorian homes are relatively simple worker’s cottages with minimal fretwork, the classic Victorian home that most people recognise is very detailed. Look for features such as cast-iron lacework, ornamental brick facades made from evenly-sized blocks, embellished ceilings or mouldings, decorative plaster ceilings, fireplaces, turned-timber balustrades on staircases, non-religious stained glass and ornamental features on the roof.
Art Deco
A unique style of design developed in the 1920s and 30s, the phrase ‘art-deco’ may ring a bell as it was made popular in the film The Great Gatsby. This glam architecture style can be identified by geometric architectural or design elements, timber-veneer wall panelling, chevron patterns, parquet floors, stylised sunrise and floral patterns. Some art-deco buildings will also feature bands of brick, canopies or copings. This style usually paired blocky forms – arranged in geometric fashion, with curved ornamental elements and decorative motifs.
California Bungalow
In Australia, the California bungalow-style home was seen as a design that embraced a more informal and modern lifestyle. Design features typical to California Bungalows usually includes a single-level simple floorplan, front porch, sloping roof and verandah pylons. These homes are usually constructed from brick.
Contemporary
The contemporary Australian home is usually made up of robust materials, is open-plan, streamlined and embraces natural light and passive heating a cooling systems. You can expect to see rendered facades, clean lines and architectural elements that lend a ‘design’ feel to the over-all home.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern homes are beautiful. Usually open-plan with lots of natural light and large windows, this style of home typically features organic shapes, clean lines, pared-back and easy-to-live in layouts. The fabrications are generally simple, such as concrete, timber, and steel.
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