After eight years of living in her 1960s home in Stafford Heights, Lisa decided it was time for a transformation. The house, located in a quiet Brisbane suburb, offered incredible views of Moreton Bay but was in dire need of repair.
Over the years, the property had developed significant issues, including peeling paint, electrical and plumbing problems, and a leaky roof. Lisa knew her home had potential, but it was overshadowed by these mounting maintenance concerns. That’s when she turned to Paul Butterworth Architect to help restore the house to its former glory.
Lisa didn’t want a complete overhaul; she wanted to preserve the home’s mid-century charm while addressing the necessary repairs. The goal was to rejuvenate the house without losing the integrity of its original design. “Most of the house was kept intact,” Paul noted.
Rather than opting for a total rebuild, the renovation focused on refreshing the existing structure while adding some key updates to make the house more functional for modern living.
One of the biggest changes was the addition of a new dining space and deck, which dramatically improved the indoor-outdoor connection. The renovation created a seamless flow from the interior living spaces to the outdoor areas, capitalising on the home’s east-facing orientation and capturing the natural breezes from Moreton Bay.
This enhanced connection to the landscape made a significant difference in how Lisa experienced her home on a daily basis.
Lisa’s vision for the renovation was deeply influenced by her love for mid-century architecture. She was inspired by iconic designs like the Rose Seidler House in Sydney, created by Austrian-Australian architect Harry Seidler, as well as the retro charm of the now-demolished El Dorado Motel on the Gold Coast. Additionally, her visit to the mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs, California, played a significant role in shaping her ideas for the project.
Bright and bold colours were an essential part of Lisa’s vision. Her favourite colour, yellow, became a focal point throughout the design. The front door was painted a striking chartreuse, adding a playful touch to the entryway, and a vibrant yellow square was incorporated into the second-floor windows to create a pop of colour against the white-framed exterior.
Inside, the kitchen retained much of its original 1960s charm, but a new yellow benchtop was installed to make the space feel fresh and lively.
Paul Butterworth and his team didn’t just focus on aesthetics, though. The renovation addressed all of the home’s longstanding maintenance issues. The roof was replaced, water ingress was fixed, and the entire house was repainted inside and out.
These updates were essential in ensuring that the house would remain structurally sound for years to come. The home’s floors were also sanded and refinished, breathing new life into the original timber.
One of the highlights of the renovation is the redesigned outdoor living space. The expansive balcony, which now serves as a central hub for entertaining and relaxing, features a stunning abstract mural by local artist Drapl.
This vibrant artwork, combined with the balcony’s positioning, allows Lisa to fully enjoy Brisbane’s subtropical climate while taking in the breathtaking views.
The entryway of the home was also given a makeover. A new concrete terrace framed by breezeblocks and a V-shaped steel beam offers a welcoming touch for visitors, while tying in with the mid-century aesthetic that Lisa loves.
The geometric design elements continue down to the ground-floor garage, where painted blue triangles add a playful and modern touch to the façade.
For Lisa, the renovation has made her home feel more open, airy, and joyful. “The new design is playful, capturing Lisa’s enthusiasm for mid-century architecture,” the architect said. He hopes that this project will inspire others to see the potential in renovating older homes rather than replacing them.
“These homes are more than just buildings,” Paul added. “They are legacies, built with care, and filled with memories. We helped Lisa turn her vision into a reality, and in doing so, enriched her lifestyle in ways she hadn’t imagined.” The result is a home that honours its past while embracing the future—a perfect blend of mid-century charm and contemporary comfort.
