A Forgotten Mid-Century Home in Brighton Finds a Fresh White Palette

by Erin Miller on March 16, 2026
A bright courtyard sits at the center of this renovated mid-century home, surrounded by white walls, simple furniture, and planters that will eventually be shaded by vines.

In Brighton, Australia, a mid-century modern home that had been left untouched since the 1950s has been reimagined by Chelsea Hing Interior Design Studio. The property had long sat overgrown and empty at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac.

The homeowner discovered the house during evening walks through the neighborhood and eventually tracked down the owner to purchase it. After studying the original drawings, the designers focused on the defining feature of the home: the O-shaped layout that surrounds a central courtyard.

A Courtyard Filled With Light

At the center of the house is a light-filled courtyard that reflects the clean white palette used inside and out. Simple furniture and planters furnish the outdoor space, while vines will eventually grow to create shade. Because the house wraps around the courtyard, the space draws natural light into the surrounding rooms.

A bright courtyard sits at the center of this renovated mid-century home, surrounded by white walls, simple furniture, and planters that will eventually be shaded by vines.
A bright courtyard sits at the center of this renovated mid-century home, surrounded by white walls, simple furniture, and planters that will eventually be shaded by vines.

Clean Lines in the Living Room

Inside, complicated design elements were removed to create clean lines and a more relaxed layout. In the living room, a large dark rug defines the seating area while stacked wood boxes form a simple coffee table.

A large dark rug and stacked wood boxes used as a coffee table create a simple focal point in the living room of this Brighton mid-century renovation.
A large dark rug and stacked wood boxes used as a coffee table create a simple focal point in the living room of this Brighton mid-century renovation.
A large dark rug and stacked wood boxes used as a coffee table create a simple focal point in the living room of this Brighton mid-century renovation.

A Reading Nook in the Corner

Behind the living room, a small reading nook offers a quiet place to sit. A sculptural pink chaise, vertical artwork, and a wall-mounted bookshelf give the corner both personality and function.

A sculptural pink chaise and wall-mounted bookshelf create a compact reading nook tucked behind the living room.
A sculptural pink chaise and wall-mounted bookshelf create a compact reading nook tucked behind the living room.
A sculptural pink chaise and wall-mounted bookshelf create a compact reading nook tucked behind the living room.

A Dining Room With Warm Wood

In the dining room, a wood accent wall adds warmth. It also frames a built-in bench fitted with black cushions, creating a simple and practical seating area.

A wood accent wall and built-in bench with black cushions bring warmth and simplicity to the dining room.

A Kitchen With Subtle Color

The kitchen pairs minimalist wood and white cabinets with a long island. A terracotta-colored tile backsplash surrounds the window, adding a warm tone to the otherwise light palette.

Minimalist wood and white cabinets pair with a terracotta tile backsplash in this bright and simple kitchen.
Minimalist wood and white cabinets pair with a terracotta tile backsplash in this bright and simple kitchen.

A Calm and Simple Bedroom

The bedroom remains simple and calm. Gray bedding and a colorful art piece add subtle contrast, while metallic accents introduce a hint of glamour.

Gray bedding, colorful artwork, and metallic accents create a calm and simple bedroom.
Gray bedding, colorful artwork, and metallic accents create a calm and simple bedroom.

A Bathroom With Bold Contrast

In the master bathroom, black tiles cover the walls and contrast with white vanities and round mirrors. A large oval freestanding bathtub sits opposite, while a doorway between the vanities leads to the walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.

Black tiled walls, round mirrors, and a freestanding oval bathtub define the master bathroom, which connects to a walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.
Black tiled walls, round mirrors, and a freestanding oval bathtub define the master bathroom, which connects to a walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.
Black tiled walls, round mirrors, and a freestanding oval bathtub define the master bathroom, which connects to a walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.
Black tiled walls, round mirrors, and a freestanding oval bathtub define the master bathroom, which connects to a walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.
Black tiled walls, round mirrors, and a freestanding oval bathtub define the master bathroom, which connects to a walk-in closet with dark wood cabinetry.

A Bathroom With Mixed Materials

A second bathroom combines wood paneling, black tiles, and a white vanity. A white bathtub completes the space while maintaining the material palette used throughout the home.

Wood paneling, black tiles, and a white bathtub combine in this bathroom with a simple and balanced material palette.
Wood paneling, black tiles, and a white bathtub combine in this bathroom with a simple and balanced material palette.

A Pool Just Beyond the Windows

Large floor-to-ceiling windows look out toward a swimming pool and small wood deck. The outdoor space remains visible from inside, reinforcing the connection between the home and its surroundings.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of a swimming pool and wood deck just outside the house.

What was once an abandoned mid-century house is now a bright family home. By simplifying the layout and centering the design around the courtyard, the renovation brings light and clarity back to the property.

Photography by Eve Wilson and Rhiannon Taylor