Vintage Sellers Revive a 1970s Unit
The vintage sellers behind Way Back When have transformed a 1978 apartment in Ivanhoe into a showcase for mid-century design, blending their professional sourcing with personal style.
Josh Reed and Meg O’Halloran operate Way Back When, a side hustle dedicated to sourcing mid-century furniture. Their business naturally led them to dream of living in a home with similar aesthetics.
“There’s something about the quiet confidence of mid-century design. It feels timeless without trying too hard, and that’s something we’ve always connected with,” says Josh.
The couple purchased a 1978 unit that, while not from the mid-century era, shares many of the same qualities. Josh describes the moment they fell in love with the property.
“As soon as we walked through the front door, we both looked at each other and knew it was something special. The exposed brick and beams, timber panelling, and beautiful natural light immediately won us over,” Josh adds.
They were not looking for the biggest house or the newest renovation. The couple sought a home with soul that suited their current stage of life.
Local History and Original Features
Neighbours say the home was built by local builder Ron Elliot. He reportedly only constructed homes within view of the Ivanhoe Town Hall clock, a detail that anchors the property in the local setting.
The apartment retains its original character. Meg notes the home feels like stepping back in time.
“One of the biggest reasons we fell in love with it was how original it remained. It felt like stepping back in time in the best possible way,” Meg explains.
The unit features generous proportions and a thoughtful connection between rooms. This layout works well for a couple who have spent years collecting furniture.
Because they had already amassed a collection of pieces, the home felt like a pre-existing canvas. “Because we’d spent years collecting furniture beforehand, many pieces already had a place waiting for them,” Josh says.
Current interiors mix 1970s furniture with contemporary art and colourful accessories. The result is a playful space that does not compete with original features.
The couple’s favourite items include a 1970s made in Melbourne modular lounge with plastic covers still on and Italian 1970s chrome chairs. These pieces attract compliments from visitors.
Theirs is a case of buying a home that reflects their values as collectors. They prioritize quality over quantity.
“Buying this place as first homebuyers felt incredibly special because we weren’t just purchasing a house – it’s an extension of our passion,” Meg states.
Their goal is to show that a home can feel raised and contemporary without a major renovation. The approach relies on thoughtful choices and pieces with a story. For those interested in how vintage items are restored, [Studio Makes Old Materials Shine Again](https://homeandimprove.com/studio-reuse-old-materials.html) offers a look at the process.
