The home
A three-bedroom 1960s modernist house in Melbourne's east. Set on a hill, the U-shaped home incorporates a covered balcony, and has views over parkland.
Who lives here
Sam Johnson, owner of Vintage Posters Only in Armadale, his children Gracie, 10, and Charlie, 9, with Minxy the cat and two chickens, Fatty and Fluffy.
The lounge, balcony and dining rooms are filled with a mix of mid-20th centuryand contemporary furniture, with accessories to match Photo: Armelle Habib
What we did
"My late wife Sharon discovered this fantastic home 14 years ago – it was listed for sale on a Wednesday and by Saturday it was ours," says Sam. "We added contemporary modcons, but left the structure intact, preferring to keep the spaces intimate."
Some of Sam’s favourite posters, including works by Georges Braque and Le Corbusier, hang in the lounge room. The sofa is by Jardan, the lamp by Workroom, and the Patricia Urquiola rug from Hub. Photo: Armelle Habib
"I love the lounge room, with all its beautiful posters and textures, and how you can look through the balcony into the dining area and kitchen."
“We replaced the rear exterior solid brick walls with floor-to-roofline sliding glass doors to let in more light,” says Sam. Photo: Armelle Habib
The 'hood
"It's a special spot, as it sits on a small hill and doesn't feel like you're in the depths of suburbia," says Sam.
The T-shaped balcony is partially covered with LaserLite roofing, allowing year-round use. “My Aunty Dorothy bought these white chairs in the ’60s, and we’ve re-upholstered them,” says Sam. Photo: Armelle Habib
Future plans
"Together with my friend Joost Bakker [a sustainability specialist and artist], I'm landscaping the backyard and preparing to add a circular concrete pool," says Sam.
“I made the pink sideboard, and the flowers were grown in my friend Joost Bakker’s garden,” says Sam. “We painted all the window frames and trims white – it’s a classic ’60s look.” Photo: Armelle Habib
Best advice
"Buy a house with heaps of natural light, and get help. I'm lucky to have great mates who give me fantastic advice."