The good, the dated and the distinctive: 100 years of WA houses

We’ve rounded up properties from the 1920s through to the 2020s to see how WA homes have evolved, and what each era tells us about the way we lived.

Ever wondered what 100 years of housing style looks like?

From ornate ceilings and jarrah floors to open-plan living, theatre rooms and sleek modern finishes, each decade has left its mark on the way WA homes look and feel.

Some features feel timeless, some feel nostalgic, and others are very much a product of their decade.

We’ve rounded up properties from the 1920s through to the 2020s to see how WA homes have evolved, and what each era tells us about the way we lived.

1920s: Big character and beautiful details

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116 Railway Street, Cottesloe

Homes from this era are known for their decorative details, generous proportions and strong sense of character. Common features include high ceilings, timber floors, front verandahs, leadlight glass and fireplaces.

This Cottesloe home captures that period charm, with polished timber floors, ornate ceiling detail, original fireplaces, decorative timberwork and a classic front verandah. Refreshed interiors help bring it into modern family living while retaining its character.

1930s: Elegant lines and leadlight details

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61 Petra Street, East Fremantle

The 1930s often carried over the craftsmanship of earlier character homes, while introducing cleaner lines and subtle Art Deco influences. Leadlight windows, ornate ceilings, jarrah floors, tuck-pointed brickwork and more connected living spaces were common features.

At 61 Petra Street, those period details are still a key part of the home’s appeal. The leadlight windows, timber floors and ornate ceiling details sit alongside modern updates, including more open living spaces and an outdoor area designed for entertaining.

1940s: Practical homes with lasting details

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213 Canning Highway, East Fremantle

Homes from the 1940s were often more restrained than earlier character homes, reflecting the impact of the war years and a growing focus on practical family living. While many homes from this period were simpler in form, they often retained generous ceilings, solid construction, decorative cornices and defined rooms.

This East Fremantle property shows that practical post-war style, with a long central hallway, high ceilings, decorative ceiling detail, patterned flooring and a more modest exterior form. It also keeps plenty of retro charm, from the original-style kitchen and bathroom finishes to the lace curtains and timber cabinetry.

1950s: Suburban comfort and retro charm

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1/102 Hardy Road, Bayswater

The 1950s marked a period of suburban growth, with homes designed around comfort, practicality and the needs of the post-war family. Simple brick facades, timber floors, fireplaces, separate living spaces and hardworking kitchens were common features.

This Bayswater home leans into that mid-century character, with polished timber floors, a brick fireplace, decorative cornices and a classic red-brick exterior. The coloured bathroom tiles, original-style kitchen and timber-lined rear room add a nostalgic touch that clearly ties the home to its era.

1960s: Light, outlooks and simple lines

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85 Princess Road, Doubleview

By the 1960s, home design had moved further away from ornate detailing and towards simpler, more functional spaces. Brick construction, large windows, low-pitched rooflines, defined rooms and practical kitchens became common, while interiors often included bold tiles, timber finishes and textured feature walls.

This Doubleview home shows that mix of function and retro character, with broad windows, polished timber floors, a clean brick exterior and a feature stone wall in the living area. The bathrooms and kitchen retain period-style details, including gold-toned framing, coloured fixtures and timber trim.

1970s: Texture, timber and personality

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10 & 12 Curve Road, Swan View

Homes from the 1970s varied widely, but the decade is often remembered for its willingness to play with texture, colour and less formal living spaces. Exposed brick, timber finishes, feature walls, raked ceilings, sunken lounges and bold kitchens or bathrooms all became part of the era’s design language.

This Swan View home takes those ideas to the max, with timber-lined walls, exposed brick, raked ceilings, visible beams and rich timber floors. The result is a warm, retreat-like home that leans fully into the texture and personality many people associate with 1970s design.

1980s: Bold finishes and built-in entertaining

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23 Driver Way, Bull Creek

The 1980s were not shy when it came to interiors. Exposed brick, built-in bars, tiled bathrooms, decorative wallpaper, timber cabinetry, arches and strong colour choices all made their way into homes, with entertaining areas becoming more prominent.

This Bull Creek property captures that confidence, with a built-in bar, patterned wallpaper, exposed brick walls, warm timber finishes and a red tiled bathroom that does not fade quietly into the background. It is a clear reminder of a decade where homes often had plenty of personality and weren’t afraid to make a statement.

1990s: Suburban polish and family function

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2A Leeton Close, Halls Head

The 1990s brought a polished suburban style, with homes often designed around neat presentation, defined rooms and practical family use. Feature brickwork, bay windows, formal lounges, open kitchen areas and paved patios were common elements.

This Halls Head property captures that style, from the decorative facade and bay window to the brick-paved driveway and rear patio. Inside, the cream cabinetry, peach-toned bathroom tiles, pelmets and mix of formal and casual living spaces help place it in the decade.

2000s: Open-plan living and practical family zones

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41 Ridge Road, Cockburn Central

By the 2000s, connected kitchen, dining and family areas had become a key part of everyday home design. This decade also saw strong use of tiled floors, neutral interiors, large paved outdoor areas, double garages and practical layouts designed for busy households.

This Cockburn Central home reflects many of those features, with a broad open living area, tiled floors, neutral finishes, a paved alfresco area and a double garage. The bathroom layout is also a clear marker of the era, with a separate toilet and adjoining vanity area giving the home a practical setup for family living.

2010s: Low-maintenance living takes hold

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10 Cosin Street, Piara Waters

The 2010s reflected changing land use, with smaller blocks becoming more common in new residential areas. Designs placed more emphasis on efficient layouts, open-plan living, built-in storage, double garages and alfresco areas that extended the usable living space.

This Piara Waters home fits that style, with its compact block, double garage, open living area and paved alfresco zone. The simple finishes and practical layout show how homes of the decade were designed to balance space, convenience and lower maintenance.

2020s: Neutral palettes and practical design

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52A Fourth Avenue, Bassendean

Newer homes often favour neutral interiors, open-plan living and practical layouts that can suit a range of households. The 2020s look is generally cleaner and more restrained, with simple cabinetry, modern lighting, low-maintenance flooring and outdoor areas that are easy to manage.

This Bassendean home shows that style clearly, with white cabinetry, timber-look flooring, neutral finishes and an open kitchen, dining and living zone. The separate theatre room adds another usable space, reflecting the demand for layouts that can adapt to work, relaxation and family life.