A Mid‑Century Farmhouse Near Melbourne: A Riot of Color in the Countryside

Set amidst the vine‑clad hills of the Yarra Valley, an unassuming country house built in 1986 has undergone a metamorphosis that transforms it into a mid‑century fantasia. Originally a modest Oregon timber, stone and glass structure, it has been reimagined by Studio Manifold under the decorative eye of Simone Haag, infusing it with colour, texture and whimsy—while preserving architectural integrity.(Architectural Digest)

🌿 The Narrative

Originally conceived by a protégé of mid‑century Australian architect Alistair Knox, the house felt lifeless and neglected until the current owners, returning from Utah, purchased it on a nearly 100‑acre estate. What began as a modest refurb evolved into a comprehensive redesign—one that respects the home’s original bones while inserting vibrant personality.(Architectural Digest)

🎨 Palette & Detail

Soft, neutral backdrops now contrast with daring accents in turquoise, lilac and mustard. Terrazzo floors shimmer where threadbare carpets once lay; raw brass fittings replace dated hardware. The serene living spaces host bespoke vintage pieces alongside local craftsmanship, all selected for tactility and emotional resonance. Each guest suite asserts its own identity, yet the whole home reads as a unified portrait of bold, considered colour.(Architectural Digest)

🌳 Context & Connection

Floor‑to‑ceiling glazing frames vineyards and bushland. Original timber features remain intact, while double‑glazing improves energy efficiency. The renovated home balances indoor and outdoor life—its material story rooted in regional flora and land use, yet leavened with polish and humour.(Architectural Digest)

📈 Why It Matters

• Architectural Renaissance: The project illustrates how underwhelming American timber homes of the 1980s can, through sensitive intervention, become modern masterpieces.

• Sensory Economy: Bold pigmentation and tactility deliver impact without extravagance—more subtle alchemy than maximalism.

• Design Narrative: Sunday aesthetic replaced by layered storytelling—each room offers emotional texture, historical depth, and personal voice.