Why This Mid-Century Melbourne Home Has Stood The Test Of Time
Homes
On left wall: Landing at Exotica by Jan Senbergs. Sticking Your Neck Out by John Olsen. Still Waiting by Poster Club. Above fireplace: Artist Studio by Jan Senbergs. Untitled (blue) by Roar Studios. Breathe II by Michelle Goode. 1960s lamp from Peter’s parents’ home. Coffee table made by Peter from reclaimed beams from Deb and Peter’s former converted warehouse residence in Richmond.
Orlotan account director and producer Deb Goode with industrial designer Peter Roff-Smith.
Artist Studio by Jan Senbergs. Untitled (blue) by Roar Studios. Breathe II by Michelle Goode. 1960s lamp from Peter’s parents’ home. ‘The loungeroom is completely original, including the light fittings,’ Deb says.
The colourful mosaic is a retro-inspired addition from a 1994 renovation, which took inspiration from the abstract mural at the famous Rose Seidler House.
Vintage Tessa T1 swivel armchair and ottoman have been passed down from Peter’s parents’ home, a 1970s build in Wheelers Hill.
After its house ended up featuring in a
Artwork on left by John Waller. Table designed and built by Peter. Vintage Eames Herman Miller moulded dining chairs.
A sliding door can close off the living areas when entertaining kids and adults.
The dining room.
A glass door effortlessly opens to the courtyard and pool. Panton chairs. Outoor table designed and made by Peter.
‘We had always wanted a pool. Our block slopes up the hill, so the pool is on a tiered level up in the backyard. We decided on the perspex window to enjoy looking at water, and being able to see into the pool and the kids in it — it was the best decision,’ Deb says.
Green mosaic glass tiles add to the home’s retro character.
The main bedroom upstairs. Chedi painting by Peter. The original fibreglass Eames rocking chair was a gift from Deb to Peter early in their relationship!
The distinctively modernist exterior has been maintained, with both the yellow door and garage mural being heritage-protected. Deb’s beloved 1966 Ford Mustang in the driveway.
They say ‘when one door closes, another opens’. This was certainly the case for account director Deb Goode and industrial designer Peter Roff-Smith when they missed out on a Robin Boyd house at auction in 2009.
While they didn’t land the keys to the coveted home in Kew, it was at that same auction when a friend introduced them to the owner of another retro house that was just around the corner. As luck would have it, he was looking to sell.
‘We had been looking for a while and had friends already in our street; we were so happy to successfully buy in the area,’ says Deb, who has worked with Melbourne creative agency Orlotan for 20 years.
Built in 1958, the modernist gem had everything the couple had been dreaming of: abundant natural light, leafy outlooks from its elevated position on the side of a hill, and even a playroom for their children, who were then aged three, five, and seven years old.
Most of its original flair had been maintained by the former owners. However, there was one new eye-catching feature introduced after a sympathetic renovation with architecture firm Goad Fink in 1994.
In addition to updating the bathrooms and courtyard, they added a new custom mosaic kitchen splashback, inspired by the colourful mural at the iconic Rose Seidler House in Sydney.
In Deb and Peter’s creative hands, the house has further evolved. The couple first installed a pool, complete with a playful Perspex window that provides underwater views.
When family needed more space a few years later, they built an extension at the rear, containing a second living room, with the main bedroom and study located upstairs, unlocking views across the leafy neighbourhood.
‘We wanted to keep it as authentic as possible, retaining the feeling of being in the treetops and living in the light,’ Deb says.
‘Our home works really well,’ Deb says. ‘It has seen many little kids’ pool parties, a few big kids’ pool parties, and many adult birthday parties and our annual Christmas party.’
And thanks to Deb and Peter’s sentimental collection of vintage furniture, the house’s retro spirit is alive as ever. The Tessa swivel chairs and ottoman have been passed down from Peter’s family; the 1960s sideboard was a gift from friends; and they bought the Eames Herman Miller moulded dining chairs about 25 years ago.
‘Peter and I have been collecting art for a long time, often gifting each other artwork for birthdays,’ Deb adds.
Their careful custodianship is one of the reasons why the enduring house has served the family so well for the last 17 years — and why it will continue to do so for many years to come.
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