The Design Files: A modernist masterpiece in the Dandenongs

Who: Photographer Janine Harris, Sam Harris and their children Luca, 10, and Juno, 5

What: An under-the-radar modernist masterpiece In the Dandenongs

Where: Ferny Creek, Melbourne

Little is known about the history of this incredible modernist home on the edge of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges owned by White Salt Photography founder Janine Harris, Sam Harris and their children Luca, 10, and Juno, 5.

When the couple bought the property in 2014, they were told it was built over 10 years in the late 1960s (although previous real estate listings say the 1970s) by an owner-builder and designed by his architect son.

Janine and Sam were immediately taken with its unique features, including warm timber panelling, exposed brick and a remarkable indoor garden and pond.

“The house was filled with light from the setting sun, and the views were breathtaking,” Janine says. “We instantly fell in love with the design and saw potential to make this place the house of our dreams.”

The living areas are the heart of the home and remain in near-original condition. The front door opens directly onto this space, which is subtly separated by the fireplace, a lush indoor garden and split levels similar to the 1969 Featherston House.

There’s even a turtle (named Minty) and goldfish in the indoor pond.

A kitchen renovation was completed by Smith & Smith in 2015, followed by more extensive alterations designed by Ashlee Bennett of Haus of Hanem in 2018.

This project involved the installation of steel windows and doors that better frame the surrounding leafy landscape, the replacement of all flooring (including sympathetic terrazzo tiles) and a complete overhaul of the bathroom.

Concrete steppers were also added to the garden for a more contemporary feel.

Other additions, such as solar panels and underfloor heating, have made the property more sustainable and comfortable.

Harris calls the property the perfect house for four. Eight years on, she’s also never tired of the property’s outlook across the trees.

“The living room has views over St Kilda and the bay, which is magical at sunset and night-time, looking at the city lights.”

How to embrace brown

It’s true, brown is back. After peaking in popularity in the 1970s and then falling out of favour for many years, brown is finally making a comeback in Australian interiors.

– Move over mission brown, the new brown palette is warm and energising. Look for toasty chocolate browns, burgundy, ochre and nutmeg hues.

– If your home was built in the 1960s or ’70s, chances are you’re already well on your way to brown town. Enhance an existing brown palette by embracing original brown brickwork and timber panelling – don’t be tempted to cover up or replace original materials and surfaces.

– Complement browns with warm whites where possible. Avoid bright, clinical whites with blue undertones.

– When it comes to decoration, consider 1970s-inspired styling to support a brown-based palette. Choose timber furniture, textural fabrics such as velvet and boucle, Japanese-style paper-lamp lighting and lush indoor plant life.