The pages of Home Beautiful magazine are brimming with Australia’s most inspiring homes. Each new build, renovation or historic restoration represents a triumph for a talented team of designers and builders, as well as the families who inhabit them.
Some homes in particular, however, seem to really capture your hearts, garnering thousands of likes, shares and saves on Facebook and Instagram. This year, your favourites were varied and unexpected, ranging from exteriors that ooze kerb appeal to newly built homes with architectural details. Hamptons style homes with vibrant patterns and clashing colours were also a big hit.
Here are 10 of the most popular Home Beautiful homes this year, as chosen by you!
1. Intergenerational Hamptons style home in Melbourne
This grand, 6-bedroom home in Melbourne’s south-east has been Sue’s home since 1993. In that time it has undergone a number of renovations, but the most recent revamp transformed it into a welcoming home with a clean and classic blue-and-white colour palette.
The entrance hallway is painted in Dulux Natural White half-strength, a shade that allows the front door’s beautiful lead glass windows to truly shine.
2. Modern country manor in the NSW Southern Highlands
After relocating from Sydney’s eastern suburbs to the NSW Southern Highlands, couple Annelise and Oliver decided to build their dream family home. The result is a contemporary, yet classic, cottage with an abundance of natural light.
Initially, they intended to paint the exterior all black, but ultimately decided against it. “I love the freshness and simplicity of an all-white facade,” says Annelise.
3. Heritage white cottage with a modern renovation
This home not only captured your hearts – garnering plenty of love on social media – but the hearts of its owners, builder Dale and his wife Gemma. They purchased the century-old weatherboard with the intention of renovating and selling it on, but the more they worked on it, the more they fell in love with the home and its leafy location.
“It quickly went from being a home that we were going to house-flip into a home we plant to stay in for a much longer time,” says Dale.
4. Light, bright new build in Brisbane
Despite the challenges of working on a sloping site, Brisbane couple Christal and Chris of Zou Build knew they could create a stylish, contemporary home with a relaxing modern vibe. They designed the family home to be low maintenance, “so weekends are spent enjoying it rather than maintaining it,” says Christal.
The end result is a home with glorious high ceilings, plenty of natural light and a Scandi minimalist interior.
5. From 80s relic to resort style home
Before it was given an award-winning renovation, this home was a relic of the 1980s with a brown, yellow and maroon interior to match! It’s a far cry from the dreamy, coastal abode it is today. The owners removed sunken split levels, reduced the number of stairs and opened up the main living area to create a family-friendly home they adore.
They also added wall-to-wall glass sliding doors to capture views of the coastline that stretches from Burleigh heads and Surfers Paradise. “Our favourite time of day is dusk when the space glows pink at sunset,” says owner Michelle.
6. Colourful Hamptons home in Brisbane
This library, complete with custom joinery and wall-to-wall bookshelves, is homeowner Kate’s favourite room. “Whenever friends stay, they’ll often pull out a book to read and it’s a great conversation room,” she says.
While many Hamptons style homes feature a classic blue-and-white colour scheme, Kate worked with interior designer Anna Spiro to create a colourful home filled with clashing prints and sumptuous fabrics. “For years I’d bought fabrics and pieces from Anna’s store and always wanted to work with her,” says Kate.
7. Modern country farmhouse
This home’s timeless exterior, clad in a mix of timber and limestone, belies its recent origins. After an 18-month design and build, the home was completed in 2021. Owners Kristy and Mark designed the home to complement the surrounding landscape and selected interior finishes that would stand up to life with three kids and two dogs.
The look and feel of the modern home was inspired by Kristy’s love of Queenslanders, Australian farmhouses, cottages and American architecture. Kristy worked with builder Rachael Turner of Front Porch Properties to bring her vision to life. “We wanted a home that was classic, cosy and comfortable, and Rachael said yes to almost every crazy idea we had,” says Kristy.
8. Contemporary Gold Coast mansion with arched details
Awarded the 2022 House of the Year at the Gold Coast Master Builders Awards, this home was also a hit with buyers when it was listed for sale for $8-10 million, quickly becoming one of the most viewed homes in the country.
The mansion, which is built in a luxury Mediterranean style, features 180-degree views of the coast, arched details, expanses of concrete and a double-height living area. The home was reportedly sold to AFL legend Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and model/entrepreneur/author wife Jesinta.
9. Waterfront Hamptons home
You could be forgiven for thinking this stunning bathroom is located in the penthouse suite of a luxury hotel. Its smart, symmetrical layout and marble flooring create a grand yet relaxed atmosphere. “I wanted the ensuite to feel luxurious and romantic with beautiful marble floors, elegant cabinetry and a big tub to soak in,” says homeowner Kristy.
The hero of the space is an elevated tub, which is complemented by a bespoke Roman blind with navy border. Every other room in the waterfront home is equally beautiful, with views of the water and a wrap-around pool. “In summer, we’re either in the water, or looking at it,” says Kristy.
10. Colourful worker’s cottage in Brisbane
After more than a decade living in this 1930s worker’s cottage, owners Monica and Joe decided it was finally time to give the upper-storey a complete overhaul. The plan was to create a spacious living, dining and kitchen area where the family could get together.
“With so much more light, space and fresh finishes, it feels like a new home, yet still has the charm of an old Queenslander,” says Monica. The classic kitchen features Carrara marble benchtops and powder-blue cabinetry.
