Exploring the Top 8 Modern Home Styles for 2025 with James Hardie
Perth’s sunny Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, calls for home designs that are not only stylish but resilient and energy-efficient. At Aussie Plasterboard, we understand the importance of selecting materials that can withstand Western Australia’s unique weather conditions. That’s why we’re excited to share insights from the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025—a comprehensive report exploring the top home styles reimagined for the year ahead.
This year's forecast, led by research experts Fiftyfive5, highlights eight popular, enduring, and emerging home styles that balance aesthetic appeal with the practical demands of Perth's climate. Let’s explore these styles and how you can incorporate them into your Perth home for 2025!
1. Box Modern: Sleek, Minimalist, and Built for Perth’s Climate
The Box Modern style is defined by its minimalist design, characterized by large, cube-shaped volumes and flat roofs—perfect for maximizing shade and minimizing heat gain during Perth’s hot summers. This style’s emphasis on open layouts and energy-efficient materials makes it a practical choice for WA homeowners.
James Hardie’s Axon™ Cladding, available at Aussie Plasterboard, is an excellent choice for this style, offering thermal efficiency and protection against the elements. Its vertical lines add height and sophistication to any façade.
Design Tip: Opt for double-glazed windows and energy-efficient insulation to reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
2. Modern Farmhouse: Warm and Weather-Ready
The Modern Farmhouse style combines rustic charm with modern functionality, making it ideal for Perth’s diverse climate. The focus is on natural materials, exposed beams, and open spaces that allow for cross-ventilation during warm days.
James Hardie’s Villaboard is perfect for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, offering a smooth finish and durability to withstand Perth’s humid winter months. Pair it with wide verandas to provide shade and protect against rain.
Design Tip: Use light-coloured, reflective roofing materials to reduce heat absorption and create a cool, comfortable living space.
3. Modern Heritage: Tradition Meets Modern Resilience
Perth’s older suburbs, such as Fremantle and Subiaco, are known for their heritage homes. The Modern Heritage style elevates these traditional homes with bold renovations and modern finishes. This style’s focus on contrasting facades is perfect for making a statement while retaining historical character.
Aussie Plasterboard recommends Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding for a smooth, contemporary finish that complements historical features. Its low-maintenance properties are ideal for Perth’s mix of coastal air and urban dust.
Design Tip: Use drought-resistant native plants for landscaping to complement the home’s aesthetic and withstand Perth’s dry conditions.
4. Barn: Bold, Airy, and Perfect for Coastal Living
Barn-style homes, with their vaulted ceilings and open-plan layouts, are gaining popularity in Perth’s outer suburbs and coastal areas. The steeply pitched roofs are not only visually striking but also practical for redirecting rainwater during winter.
For this style, Stria™ Cladding in earthy tones provides a modern yet rustic look that suits Perth’s coastal and rural landscapes. Its durable and weather-resistant properties ensure longevity in both salty air and sun-drenched conditions.
Design Tip: Install ceiling fans and large sliding doors to promote airflow during summer. A rainwater tank can help capitalize on winter rainfall for garden irrigation.
5. Japandi: Minimalism with a Coastal Twist
The Japandi style blends Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian functionality, making it a perfect fit for Perth’s coastal suburbs like Cottesloe and Scarborough. This style’s focus on natural materials, open spaces, and soft colour palettes creates a calm, zen-like atmosphere that suits a beachside lifestyle.
James Hardie’s Villaboard is ideal for wet areas, offering a water-resistant and seamless finish. Pair it with timber accents and neutral tones to enhance the minimalist look.
Design Tip: Incorporate limestone or travertine tiles for a natural coastal feel that’s also cool underfoot during hot Perth summers.
6. Modern Coastal: Inspired by Perth’s Beaches
Perth’s coastline offers endless inspiration for the Modern Coastal style, characterized by white weatherboards, airy spaces, and a relaxed vibe. This style is perfect for homes in suburbs like Hillarys and City Beach, where ocean views and open layouts are highly sought after.
James Hardie’s Linea™ Weatherboard is a top choice for capturing this look, providing durability against salty sea breezes and UV exposure. Its wide boards offer a classic yet contemporary aesthetic.
Design Tip: Opt for retractable awnings and outdoor living spaces with shade to protect against Perth’s harsh sun while maximizing sea breezes.
7. Mid-Century Modern: Practical Elegance for Perth’s Sun
Mid-Century Modern continues to thrive in Perth’s suburbs like Floreat and Dianella, where open floor plans and large windows create a seamless connection to outdoor spaces. This style’s emphasis on natural light and ventilation is perfect for Perth’s sunny climate.
James Hardie’s Axon™ Cladding offers vertical lines that enhance the clean, minimalist aesthetic of this style while providing excellent thermal efficiency. Use warm wood tones and vintage-inspired furnishings to complete the look.
Design Tip: Eaves and covered patios can help manage sunlight exposure, reducing glare and heat buildup during peak summer.
8. Modern Classical: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Functionality
New for 2025, Modern Classical blends the sophistication of classical architecture with modern functionality—an ideal match for Perth’s affluent suburbs like Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith. Arched doorways, symmetrical layouts, and intricate moldings define this style.
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding provides a refined finish that suits this style’s elegance while ensuring protection against Perth’s intense UV radiation. Marble countertops, brass fixtures, and herringbone floors add a touch of luxury.
Design Tip: Choose energy-efficient windows with UV coatings to protect interiors from fading and reduce cooling costs.
Lifestyle Themes Shaping Perth Homes in 2025
The James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025 highlights four influential lifestyle themes that are shaping home design in Perth:
- Building Efficiencies: Emphasizing sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions to cope with rising energy costs.
- Wellbeing: Designing spaces with natural light and ventilation to promote mental and physical health.
- Flexibility: Creating multi-functional spaces to adapt to changing lifestyles and remote work trends.
- Resilience: Building homes that can withstand environmental challenges like bushfires and coastal erosion.
At Aussie Plasterboard, we offer a wide range of James Hardie products designed to meet these themes, ensuring your home is beautiful, durable, and built to thrive in Perth’s unique climate.
Build Your Modern Life with Aussie Plasterboard
Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist appeal of Japandi, the coastal charm of Modern Coastal, or the timeless elegance of Modern Classical, the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025 provides invaluable insights to bring your vision to life. Visit Aussie Plasterboard in Perth to explore the full range of James Hardie products and get expert advice on choosing materials that are perfect for Western Australia’s climate.
Let’s build a resilient, efficient, and beautiful home—together.
