Ep116: Alistair McLean - The Appeal of the Retro and Mid-Century Home

Over the last 5-10 years, there has been a real surge in interest to embrace the character in homes built between 1950 and 1980, especially with those in their 30s and 40's. It's a style that makes them reminisce about their family home or their grandparents' home, but it is also an era that's got the character but without the hefty price tag of a period home of the 1800's-1930's. Today, we are going to talk about the appeal of the retro and mid century home with Dr Retro!

Alistair McLean is the principal of Secret Design Studio, a small boutique design consultancy focused on mid century design including architecture and interiors. Alistair's practice is based in Melbourne, though he helps clients across Australia with design advice that is in sympathy with their mid-century homes through his 'Dr Retro' consultations.

1. Firstly, what is a mid-century or retro home?

   a. What's the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

   b. What era do you consider to be retro?

2. What age group of buyers are keen on buying homes from the 1950's to mid 1980s to renovate?

3. What elements and structural attributes do they love about them?

4. Where does a new owner start with a renovation to a mid-century home?

5. We recently saw on 'The Block' that a Neil Clerehan designed home was renovated, trying to be keeping with the architect's original vision. Which architects could fetch a premium?

6. Which Melbourne suburbs attract buyers wanting to maintain the integrity of a mid-century or retro home?

7. Do you find that owners of mid-century or retro homes like to do some sympathetic renovations, but also put a 21st century twist?

8. Leanne from Beaumaris is going through the planning stages of renovating her mid-century home, and wants to know... 'Can an unsympathetic renovation devalue a mid-century home?'

9. Why is it important to enlist an architect who understands your vision when it comes to renovating these homes?

10. Where can buyers source recycled materials to add to the integrity of the home?

11. Why is it important to recognise that this architecture is actually an historic period in terms of how Melbourne transformed through the years?

 

CONTACT:  

Alistair McLean can be contacted through the website: www.secretdesignstudio.com

 

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