Decades of Australian Home Design and What’s Making a Comeback

Insights from Nexus Built on 30 Years of Building and Renovating Homes

At Nexus Built, we’ve been building and renovating homes for decades. John started in the industry over 30 years ago and has seen firsthand how Australian homes have changed through the years. Mel has worked closely with clients on countless projects and studied interior design principles to better understand how spaces work and feel. Together, we bring a mix of practical building experience and a deep appreciation for design trends past and present.

We’ve built custom homes through all these eras, and we remember the houses we grew up in: the colours, the textures, the things we loved and the things we couldn’t wait to change. Like fashion, home design brings back old favourites, but with experience and better materials, we often bring them back in a way that works for modern living.

Here’s a look back at the styles that shaped Australian homes from the 80s to the early 2010s, what’s gone for good, and what’s making a comeback.

The 1980s

If you grew up in Australia in the 80s, you probably remember mission brown. It was on walls, trims, and even kitchen cabinetry. Timber panelling was everywhere, sometimes halfway up the wall, sometimes full height. Slate floors were considered premium, especially in entryways and living rooms. Brick feature walls were common, and homes often had heavy timber beams and dark tones. Federation revival details started to appear too with stained glass panels, decorative fretwork, and leadlight doors.

Glass blocks also made a big comeback in this decade after first appearing in the 1930s. They were used in kitchens, bathrooms, feature walls, and even entrances. They added light and a sense of modern style, but by the early 2000s they had fallen out of favour because of leaks and poor insulation. Today, they’re trending again with vibrant colours, circular patterns, and improved performance. Modern glass blocks are energy-efficient and often used as design features rather than privacy screens.

From a builder’s perspective: Homes were solid but heavy. Brick veneer construction was the norm, and insulation was minimal compared to today’s standards. Slate floors looked great but were cold and unforgiving in winter. Timber panelling was easy to install but made rooms feel dark and closed in. Glass blocks were stylish but often tricky to seal properly.

What people loved: Homes felt substantial. Timber and slate were considered premium. Indoor plants were everywhere, and they made spaces feel alive. Glass blocks added a touch of modern flair and light.

What we’ve left behind: Mission brown walls and trims, sauna-style timber interiors, and brick feature walls inside living spaces.

What’s come back: Timber, but in lighter tones and sustainable species. Stone is popular again, but with warmer finishes and better thermal performance. Indoor plants are now part of biophilic design. Glass blocks have returned with bold colours and patterns, making them a statement feature.

The 1990s

The 90s brought a big shift. Beige was everywhere: walls, carpets, tiles. Tuscan-inspired kitchens were the dream, with terracotta floors, ornate cornices, and heavy timber cabinetry. Feature walls started to appear, often in bold colours like burgundy or forest green. Federation revival continued with decorative plasterwork and stained glass in entryways.

Australian homes in the 90s often had big formal living rooms and dining rooms, separate from the kitchen. Open-plan living was only just starting to gain traction.

From a builder’s perspective: Construction was still brick veneer, but insulation improved slightly. Kitchens were heavy and detailed with lots of timber joinery. Homes were built with separate rooms, which meant more walls and less natural light compared to today’s open designs.

What people loved: The Tuscan look felt warm and luxurious. Beige was considered safe and timeless. Formal rooms gave homes a sense of occasion.

What we’ve left behind: Faux Tuscan arches, heavy decorative plaster, and beige-on-beige interiors.

What’s come back: Warm earthy tones, but used sparingly and balanced with light neutrals. Textured walls are back too, but in modern finishes like Venetian plaster or limewash.

The 2000s

The 2000s were all about open-plan living. Australian homes started knocking down walls to create big, flowing spaces that connected the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This was the decade of stainless steel kitchens, glass splashbacks, and downlights everywhere. Laminate timber flooring became popular as a cheaper alternative to real timber. Neutral tones dominated with lots of white and cream, and feature walls in bold colours were still hanging on from the 90s.

Outdoor living became a big focus. Alfresco areas and sliding doors were added to create that indoor-outdoor flow we still love today. Kitchens were designed as the hub of the home, often with big island benches and stainless steel appliances.

From a builder’s perspective: Open-plan layouts meant structural changes. Removing walls required more beams and engineering. Downlights became standard, but homes often lacked layered lighting. Laminate floors were quick to install but didn’t last like solid timber. Energy efficiency was still an afterthought.

What people loved: Open-plan living felt modern and social. Alfresco areas made entertaining easy. Stainless steel and glass looked sleek and contemporary.

What we’ve left behind: Overuse of stainless steel, glass block walls, and cheap laminate timber that never really looked like the real thing.

What’s come back: Open spaces are still popular, but now they’re zoned for better functionality. Kitchens are still the heart of the home, but finishes are softer and warmer. Outdoor living is here to stay, but now it’s about energy efficiency and comfort.

The Early 2010s

The early 2010s were the era of grey. Grey walls, grey floors, grey furniture, sometimes all in the same room. It was considered modern and sophisticated at the time. Subway tiles became a kitchen and bathroom staple, usually in white with dark grout. Barn doors were everywhere thanks to the farmhouse trend. Hamptons-inspired coastal looks also took off in Australia with white cabinetry, shaker profiles, and soft blues.

Industrial styling was popular too with exposed brick, metal light fittings, and reclaimed timber. Open-plan living continued, but now with big island benches and pendant lights over the kitchen.

From a builder’s perspective: Homes were bigger, and open-plan layouts were the norm. Barn doors were a fun feature but often poorly installed. Grey tones were easy to paint but made spaces feel cold. Energy efficiency started to improve with better glazing and insulation.

What people loved: The Hamptons look felt fresh and coastal, perfect for Australian beachside living. Grey tones seemed safe and stylish. Barn doors were a fun feature that made homes feel unique.

What we’ve left behind: Grey-on-grey interiors, barn doors as a “must-have,” and the obsession with monochrome palettes.

What’s come back: Subway tiles are still here, but now in bold colours or textured finishes. Farmhouse touches remain, but mixed with modern elements. Industrial styling has softened and feels more refined.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back over the decades, it’s clear that home design trends never really disappear. They evolve, and sometimes they come back better than before. The timber panelling and slate floors of the 80s have returned as part of biophilic design, but now they’re lighter, warmer, and chosen for sustainability. The earthy tones of the 90s are back too, but balanced with natural light and modern finishes. Even the open-plan living of the 2000s is still here, just smarter and more comfortable.

One feature worth mentioning is skylights. They were popular decades ago but fell out of favour because of leaks and heat loss. Today, advancements in design and installation have solved those issues. Modern skylights are energy-efficient, reduce reliance on artificial lighting, and bring natural light into spaces that need it most. They’re not just a design choice—they improve wellbeing, cut energy costs, and support sustainable living.

There’s a benefit to being around the industry for so long. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. We remember the homes of our youth, the colours, the textures, the things we loved, and we know how to bring those ideas back in a way that suits today’s lifestyle. Nostalgia is powerful, but experience makes it practical.

At Nexus Built, we believe good design is about creating homes that feel right for the people who live in them. Trends will come and go, but the best homes combine the charm of the past with the comfort and sustainability of the present.