Secret Design Studio
@secretdesignstudio.bsky.social
We specialize in mid-century building and interior design services for additions and alterations. We are based in Mt Waverley and service Australia.
This House & Garden cover is from October 1975—just a month before Whitlam’s dismissal. Bright colours, optimism, and the suburban dream… while Australian politics was about to flip upside down.
Secret Design Studio Archives
#Whitlam #TheDismissal #1970sAustralia #MidCenturyAustralia
Secret Design Studio Archives
#Whitlam #TheDismissal #1970sAustralia #MidCenturyAustralia
November 11, 2025 at 10:27 PM
This House & Garden cover is from October 1975—just a month before Whitlam’s dismissal. Bright colours, optimism, and the suburban dream… while Australian politics was about to flip upside down.
Secret Design Studio Archives
#Whitlam #TheDismissal #1970sAustralia #MidCenturyAustralia
Secret Design Studio Archives
#Whitlam #TheDismissal #1970sAustralia #MidCenturyAustralia
Heading to a Holgar & Holgar home in Toorak this week for a Dr Retro House Call. Always bold, glamorous and full of personality. Fingers crossed for one of their famous sweeping staircases. These photos are from a memorable one in Eaglemont.
#HolgarAndHolgar #DrRetroHouseCall #ModernistAustralia
#HolgarAndHolgar #DrRetroHouseCall #ModernistAustralia
November 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Heading to a Holgar & Holgar home in Toorak this week for a Dr Retro House Call. Always bold, glamorous and full of personality. Fingers crossed for one of their famous sweeping staircases. These photos are from a memorable one in Eaglemont.
#HolgarAndHolgar #DrRetroHouseCall #ModernistAustralia
#HolgarAndHolgar #DrRetroHouseCall #ModernistAustralia
Seems like Westleigh might be sleeping on one of its most remarkable homes. “The Abloy,” designed by Michael Dysart and Associates for Habitat Pty Ltd. So if a Habitat-era home, a touch of Brutalism, and a bush block ready for a native garden speaks to you…
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
November 9, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Seems like Westleigh might be sleeping on one of its most remarkable homes. “The Abloy,” designed by Michael Dysart and Associates for Habitat Pty Ltd. So if a Habitat-era home, a touch of Brutalism, and a bush block ready for a native garden speaks to you…
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Just visited a freshly settled Lewis Coote mid-century home.
Styling furniture gone = the house’s real personality revealed.
Beautiful condition.
Only problem: one missing cooktop knob.
Got a source for mid-century appliance hardware? Drop a lead 👇
#mcm #midcenturymodern #architecture #renovation
Styling furniture gone = the house’s real personality revealed.
Beautiful condition.
Only problem: one missing cooktop knob.
Got a source for mid-century appliance hardware? Drop a lead 👇
#mcm #midcenturymodern #architecture #renovation
November 7, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Just visited a freshly settled Lewis Coote mid-century home.
Styling furniture gone = the house’s real personality revealed.
Beautiful condition.
Only problem: one missing cooktop knob.
Got a source for mid-century appliance hardware? Drop a lead 👇
#mcm #midcenturymodern #architecture #renovation
Styling furniture gone = the house’s real personality revealed.
Beautiful condition.
Only problem: one missing cooktop knob.
Got a source for mid-century appliance hardware? Drop a lead 👇
#mcm #midcenturymodern #architecture #renovation
Mid-century lovers: heads up.
A real Alistair Knox designed home just hit the market in Blackburn.
North-facing. Soulful. Needs gentle hands.
Share with the right person 💛
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
A real Alistair Knox designed home just hit the market in Blackburn.
North-facing. Soulful. Needs gentle hands.
Share with the right person 💛
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
November 7, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Mid-century lovers: heads up.
A real Alistair Knox designed home just hit the market in Blackburn.
North-facing. Soulful. Needs gentle hands.
Share with the right person 💛
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
A real Alistair Knox designed home just hit the market in Blackburn.
North-facing. Soulful. Needs gentle hands.
Share with the right person 💛
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Dr Retro House Call 🚗💨
Tomorrow we’re heading to Heidelberg to visit a beautifully preserved Lewis Coote Home — a slice of late-1960s Melbourne modernism still standing proud.
#DrRetroHouseCall #MidCenturyMelbourne #LewisCooteHomes #SecretDesignStudio #MidCenturyModern #MelbourneArchitecture
Tomorrow we’re heading to Heidelberg to visit a beautifully preserved Lewis Coote Home — a slice of late-1960s Melbourne modernism still standing proud.
#DrRetroHouseCall #MidCenturyMelbourne #LewisCooteHomes #SecretDesignStudio #MidCenturyModern #MelbourneArchitecture
November 3, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Dr Retro House Call 🚗💨
Tomorrow we’re heading to Heidelberg to visit a beautifully preserved Lewis Coote Home — a slice of late-1960s Melbourne modernism still standing proud.
#DrRetroHouseCall #MidCenturyMelbourne #LewisCooteHomes #SecretDesignStudio #MidCenturyModern #MelbourneArchitecture
Tomorrow we’re heading to Heidelberg to visit a beautifully preserved Lewis Coote Home — a slice of late-1960s Melbourne modernism still standing proud.
#DrRetroHouseCall #MidCenturyMelbourne #LewisCooteHomes #SecretDesignStudio #MidCenturyModern #MelbourneArchitecture
Loved this kind feedback after a Dr Retro House Call:
‘The time just flew, your insights really helped me focus on what matters most!’
After a short break, Dr Retro House Calls are back in Melbourne from November 🎉
🕙 10:30am or 2:30pm
🚗 Regional VIC by arrangement
💻 Zoom for interstate
‘The time just flew, your insights really helped me focus on what matters most!’
After a short break, Dr Retro House Calls are back in Melbourne from November 🎉
🕙 10:30am or 2:30pm
🚗 Regional VIC by arrangement
💻 Zoom for interstate
October 26, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Loved this kind feedback after a Dr Retro House Call:
‘The time just flew, your insights really helped me focus on what matters most!’
After a short break, Dr Retro House Calls are back in Melbourne from November 🎉
🕙 10:30am or 2:30pm
🚗 Regional VIC by arrangement
💻 Zoom for interstate
‘The time just flew, your insights really helped me focus on what matters most!’
After a short break, Dr Retro House Calls are back in Melbourne from November 🎉
🕙 10:30am or 2:30pm
🚗 Regional VIC by arrangement
💻 Zoom for interstate
Mid-century magic = indoors + outdoors in perfect harmony 🌿✨
Open today at 2:30pm — last Saturday before the auction (Sat 18th, 12pm). Don’t miss it!”
#MidCenturyVibes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #OpenHomeToday #AuctionCountdown #RetroCool
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Open today at 2:30pm — last Saturday before the auction (Sat 18th, 12pm). Don’t miss it!”
#MidCenturyVibes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #OpenHomeToday #AuctionCountdown #RetroCool
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 11, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Mid-century magic = indoors + outdoors in perfect harmony 🌿✨
Open today at 2:30pm — last Saturday before the auction (Sat 18th, 12pm). Don’t miss it!”
#MidCenturyVibes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #OpenHomeToday #AuctionCountdown #RetroCool
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Open today at 2:30pm — last Saturday before the auction (Sat 18th, 12pm). Don’t miss it!”
#MidCenturyVibes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #OpenHomeToday #AuctionCountdown #RetroCool
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
When quirky meets cool 💫
These Carlo Bartoli ‘Solar’ chairs from the 1960s make poolside style look effortless. Would you lounge in these icons? 👀✨
Open house this Thursday, 4:00 pm — come take a seat.
#MidCenturyVibes #PoolsideStyle #RetroCool #OpenHome
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
These Carlo Bartoli ‘Solar’ chairs from the 1960s make poolside style look effortless. Would you lounge in these icons? 👀✨
Open house this Thursday, 4:00 pm — come take a seat.
#MidCenturyVibes #PoolsideStyle #RetroCool #OpenHome
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 8, 2025 at 9:36 PM
When quirky meets cool 💫
These Carlo Bartoli ‘Solar’ chairs from the 1960s make poolside style look effortless. Would you lounge in these icons? 👀✨
Open house this Thursday, 4:00 pm — come take a seat.
#MidCenturyVibes #PoolsideStyle #RetroCool #OpenHome
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
These Carlo Bartoli ‘Solar’ chairs from the 1960s make poolside style look effortless. Would you lounge in these icons? 👀✨
Open house this Thursday, 4:00 pm — come take a seat.
#MidCenturyVibes #PoolsideStyle #RetroCool #OpenHome
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Yes, there’s a Shag in the bedroom. 😉 #ArtGoals
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #ShagArt #OutboundWithTheInCrowd #tikitime #RetroStyle
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #ShagArt #OutboundWithTheInCrowd #tikitime #RetroStyle
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 8, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Yes, there’s a Shag in the bedroom. 😉 #ArtGoals
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #ShagArt #OutboundWithTheInCrowd #tikitime #RetroStyle
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #ShagArt #OutboundWithTheInCrowd #tikitime #RetroStyle
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
secret_design_studio
1m
Topless barman not included. Smiles, mid-century vibes, and Tiki bar very much are. 😎🍹
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
1m
Topless barman not included. Smiles, mid-century vibes, and Tiki bar very much are. 😎🍹
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 7, 2025 at 12:40 AM
secret_design_studio
1m
Topless barman not included. Smiles, mid-century vibes, and Tiki bar very much are. 😎🍹
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
1m
Topless barman not included. Smiles, mid-century vibes, and Tiki bar very much are. 😎🍹
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
🏡 Mid-Century makeover in Mount Waverley!
Old kitchen ➡️ new master suite (ensuite + WIR)
New open-plan kitchen ➡️ garden + pool views 🌿💦
📍 13 Allister St, Mount Waverley
🕚 Open Thursday 9 Oct 4.00 to 4:30pm & Saturday 11 Oct 2:00 to 2:30pm
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Old kitchen ➡️ new master suite (ensuite + WIR)
New open-plan kitchen ➡️ garden + pool views 🌿💦
📍 13 Allister St, Mount Waverley
🕚 Open Thursday 9 Oct 4.00 to 4:30pm & Saturday 11 Oct 2:00 to 2:30pm
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 5, 2025 at 11:39 PM
🏡 Mid-Century makeover in Mount Waverley!
Old kitchen ➡️ new master suite (ensuite + WIR)
New open-plan kitchen ➡️ garden + pool views 🌿💦
📍 13 Allister St, Mount Waverley
🕚 Open Thursday 9 Oct 4.00 to 4:30pm & Saturday 11 Oct 2:00 to 2:30pm
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Old kitchen ➡️ new master suite (ensuite + WIR)
New open-plan kitchen ➡️ garden + pool views 🌿💦
📍 13 Allister St, Mount Waverley
🕚 Open Thursday 9 Oct 4.00 to 4:30pm & Saturday 11 Oct 2:00 to 2:30pm
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
From the front door ➡️ family room ➡️ pool + waterfall 🌊 … the sightline says welcome home.
💧 In Feng Shui, water flowing towards the house = prosperity + opportunity 💰
💫 For everyone else? Just a stunning, calming feature you’ll love every day.
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
💧 In Feng Shui, water flowing towards the house = prosperity + opportunity 💰
💫 For everyone else? Just a stunning, calming feature you’ll love every day.
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
October 4, 2025 at 7:36 AM
From the front door ➡️ family room ➡️ pool + waterfall 🌊 … the sightline says welcome home.
💧 In Feng Shui, water flowing towards the house = prosperity + opportunity 💰
💫 For everyone else? Just a stunning, calming feature you’ll love every day.
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
💧 In Feng Shui, water flowing towards the house = prosperity + opportunity 💰
💫 For everyone else? Just a stunning, calming feature you’ll love every day.
www.realestate.com.au/property-hou...
Our mid-century pre-sale makeover client has told me that the Uber Eats delivery driver liked the makeover so much that he told her how nice it was! Some photos from an Uber Eats delivery driver's view...
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
September 23, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Our mid-century pre-sale makeover client has told me that the Uber Eats delivery driver liked the makeover so much that he told her how nice it was! Some photos from an Uber Eats delivery driver's view...
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
Some Greyhounds are great at photo-bombing! Nice match with the runner rug. This is the telephone table in the entry hall of the home which is currently being prepared for sale. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
September 22, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Some Greyhounds are great at photo-bombing! Nice match with the runner rug. This is the telephone table in the entry hall of the home which is currently being prepared for sale. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
An essential addition to every mid-century home that battles with keeping expansive areas of glass clean a robot window cleaner. Final stages of the mid-century pre-sale makeover have been reached. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover #RobotMyLife
September 21, 2025 at 9:14 AM
An essential addition to every mid-century home that battles with keeping expansive areas of glass clean a robot window cleaner. Final stages of the mid-century pre-sale makeover have been reached. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover #RobotMyLife
secret_design_studio
#MidCenturyMtWaverley
“Welcome to your New Lifestyle” by Josh Agle is the the most appropriate artwork to place in the entry hall of our pre-sale mid-century makeover project in Mt Waverley.
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
#MidCenturyMtWaverley
“Welcome to your New Lifestyle” by Josh Agle is the the most appropriate artwork to place in the entry hall of our pre-sale mid-century makeover project in Mt Waverley.
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
September 17, 2025 at 10:18 PM
secret_design_studio
#MidCenturyMtWaverley
“Welcome to your New Lifestyle” by Josh Agle is the the most appropriate artwork to place in the entry hall of our pre-sale mid-century makeover project in Mt Waverley.
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
#MidCenturyMtWaverley
“Welcome to your New Lifestyle” by Josh Agle is the the most appropriate artwork to place in the entry hall of our pre-sale mid-century makeover project in Mt Waverley.
#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash #welcometoyournewlifestyle #midcenturymakeover
Hoping and praying that the weather stays fine for the rest of the day so that @solshine painters can finish painting the exterior for this pre-sale mid-century makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
September 16, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Hoping and praying that the weather stays fine for the rest of the day so that @solshine painters can finish painting the exterior for this pre-sale mid-century makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
Round or Square? I prefer round as they have a more mid-century vibe. They are also easier to move around if you can imagine Fred Flintstone changing a wheel.
I will be sharing photos of the finished entry path in this pre-sale makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
I will be sharing photos of the finished entry path in this pre-sale makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
September 13, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Round or Square? I prefer round as they have a more mid-century vibe. They are also easier to move around if you can imagine Fred Flintstone changing a wheel.
I will be sharing photos of the finished entry path in this pre-sale makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
I will be sharing photos of the finished entry path in this pre-sale makeover. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
Few plants are more evocative of Melbourne’s mid-century gardens than the Strelitzia, “Bird of Paradise”. The timing of the flowering of “the birds” looks perfect for the photo shoot planned for when this Mt Waverley home hits the market. Not too long now…#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
September 11, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Few plants are more evocative of Melbourne’s mid-century gardens than the Strelitzia, “Bird of Paradise”. The timing of the flowering of “the birds” looks perfect for the photo shoot planned for when this Mt Waverley home hits the market. Not too long now…#MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
These 1960s handmade glazed terracotta tiles have come up a treat with a good clean in the #MidCenturyMtWaverley pre-sale makeover. I love the variation in size and colour, which contribute to their great character. Perfect application behind a BBQ in an alfresco area. #jelliscraigmonash
September 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
These 1960s handmade glazed terracotta tiles have come up a treat with a good clean in the #MidCenturyMtWaverley pre-sale makeover. I love the variation in size and colour, which contribute to their great character. Perfect application behind a BBQ in an alfresco area. #jelliscraigmonash
Bay views from Mt Waverley? Perhaps a view in real-estate speak, but more of a water glimpse (or glimpsette) in reality. On a clear day you can see the cargo ships. I can’t wait to share photos of this Mid-century home when the pre-sale work is complete. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
September 8, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Bay views from Mt Waverley? Perhaps a view in real-estate speak, but more of a water glimpse (or glimpsette) in reality. On a clear day you can see the cargo ships. I can’t wait to share photos of this Mid-century home when the pre-sale work is complete. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
I am currently helping a family member in the preparation of the family home to go on the market late September. The bones are good, the rooms are light-filled and well-proportioned, it has been well-maintained, and there are a few features that make it cool. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
September 8, 2025 at 12:58 AM
I am currently helping a family member in the preparation of the family home to go on the market late September. The bones are good, the rooms are light-filled and well-proportioned, it has been well-maintained, and there are a few features that make it cool. #MidCenturyMtWaverley #jelliscraigmonash
Secret Design Studio has been a bit quiet and reflective over the past few weeks with the passing of a close family member. The memorial service was held last Friday, followed by a wake that we hosted at home. We will be taking a bit of time off to focus on our existing clients.
September 7, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Secret Design Studio has been a bit quiet and reflective over the past few weeks with the passing of a close family member. The memorial service was held last Friday, followed by a wake that we hosted at home. We will be taking a bit of time off to focus on our existing clients.
My scariest pre-purchase inspection yet! One of the design services that I offer clients is a pre-purchase inspection to see the design potential of a property. This property had a generous basement that could only be accessed via a "lift", which was a scary unfenced platform.
June 13, 2025 at 11:33 PM
My scariest pre-purchase inspection yet! One of the design services that I offer clients is a pre-purchase inspection to see the design potential of a property. This property had a generous basement that could only be accessed via a "lift", which was a scary unfenced platform.