New Beginnings: How this 1940s home was transformed into a modern Art Deco dream

It’s not just a home renovation, but a lifestyle overhaul.

The homeowners were ready for a new adventure, swapping their spacious suburban home for the hustle and bustle of inner-city living. Passionate about Art Deco and Art Nouveau, they set out to infuse their new home with these timeless styles, while keeping in tune with the bustling neighbourhood filled with cafes, bars, and live music venues. This new beginning brings a refreshing mix of style and vibrancy to both their lifestyle and home.

Nailing down the perfect house was crucial for the renovation. And with Janik Dalecki, director of Dalecki Design, along for the ride, house hunting became way more exciting, helping them find just the right place to kick things off. 

He joined his client in the search for the ideal renovation project and found it in a 1940s corner duplex in North Perth, now known as The Alma. After giving his stamp of approval, the homeowner and Janik reimagined the space together, transforming the once humble property into a timeless, revitalised corner of the neighbourhood.

The original house, with its three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout, was in need of some TLC. The goal of the renovation was to design a two-bedroom home that, despite its smaller footprint, offers a refreshing sense of space and openness

The home’s beauty lies in its layering of materials, with bold red brick nodding to its heritage, while the modern addition fits seamlessly onto the block. Thoughtful choices in materials maintain the character of the home and suburb. The vibrant red brick gently echoes the original structure, paired with charcoal mortar and blackened timber cladding, giving the home a sharp, contemporary feel.

The house’s hidden potential was revealed through its 1940s heritage. The design prominently features the original archways, alongside a focus on showcasing the homeowners’ art and furniture. Classic interior elements, such as the grand archway and stepped mantle fireplace, are reinterpreted with sweeping arches and circular designs. Art Deco influences are beautifully integrated with terrazzo, banded mosaic tiles and brass tapware, blending the old with the new.

Inspired by the vibrant bar and café culture of the local suburb, the design incorporates contrasting atmospheres, combining light and dark elements to create spaces that are both lively and intimate. 

The centrepiece of the home is the impressive curved, double-height void ceiling. This striking architectural feature not only floods the interior with light, but also enhances the overall sense of spaciousness and drama.

The dreamy kitchen is designed to reflect both a peaceful retreat and an intimate space for entertaining. It’s the kind of kitchen where you could unwind all day, featuring a smartly integrated coffee nook, a sweeping six-metre curved island bench, and a cosy window seat that exudes a relaxed café vibe. By night, it transitions into a moody, bar-inspired setting, perfectly paired with quiet alcoves for unwinding.

Bringing the outside in, the home features views of the garden and surrounding treetops, with louvred windows and a curved window seat that dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor. The spacious outdoor living area, which doubles as a secondary parking bay, includes an integrated fireplace and barbecue, providing easy access to both the kitchen and scullery.

Image credits: Dion Robeson
Styling: Matt Biocich