How to reduce costs and maintain quality and style in Modern Classical design

Modern Classical design, one of the eight new design styles released in the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025, is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite design styles. Why? It gives homeowners a chance to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and practical modern living. Modern Classical is a style that transforms traditional neoclassical elements by bringing in softer curves, textures and contemporary features. It’s no wonder why so many people are sitting up and taking notice.

However, there is one important challenge that homeowners need to consider when following the Modern Classical style, and that’s how to manage a tight budget while still ensuring a high-quality finish.

Justine Orton from Orton Haus has plenty of practical advice on balancing budget with style: “Maintaining flexibility and a positive attitude can help you navigate unexpected obstacles effectively – recognise that unexpected challenges will arise during the building process.”

So, here’s how you can keep your costs down while still nailing a high-end Modern Classical design.

Choose materials that are long-lasting and hit the ‘style’ mark

Picking the right materials can have a big impact on your project's budget and timeline. Prioritise resilient and durable building materials that are engineered to stand up to harsh Australian conditions. Exterior cladding options like Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding, for example, have both an aesthetic charm and plenty of practical durability.

As Orton puts it, this type of cladding is “weather resistant”, which makes it ideal for a long-lasting, stylish exterior that can stand up to the elements. Complementing it with double-glazed windows and smart shading solutions – such as window hoods – can help reduce your energy costs and improve year-round comfort indoors.

Incorporating curves within your budget

A defining feature of the Modern Classical style is how curves and archways are used. But the reality is that custom curves and bespoke arches are a quick way to drive up costs thanks to their complexity and the amount of labour involved.

If you want to stick with this style without breaking the bank, use smart alternatives like standardised archway kits, or integrate curved designs subtly through furniture or other decorative pieces – rather than just the structural elements. “Rounded furniture, arched doorways and curved layouts guide movement gently, reducing stress and fostering emotional comfort,” Orton explained.

Homeowners can strategically select affordable furniture pieces and simple curved accents – such as mirrors or rounded fixtures – to achieve the desired look without having to break the budget for more construction costs.

Money-saving tips for Modern Classical design

Orton offers up these invaluable cost-saving tips drawn from her own experience designing Modern Classical homes:

Bulk buy for discounts: Choosing consistent finishes and fixtures means you can get the benefit of bulk-buying discounts. Using the same type of flooring or tile throughout your home, for example, can help to greatly reduce your material costs while making sure the style is consistent.

Melamine and laminate joinery: Go for stylish but still budget-friendly materials like melamine or laminate for cabinetry, as it can help you achieve a high-end look without the premium price tag.

Engineered timber flooring: It’s a popular and practical alternative that will still give you that warmth and elegance of solid hardwood – but at a fraction of the cost. “Plan thoroughly,” Orton adds. “A well-thought-out plan can prevent costly changes and delays later in the project.”

The best exterior solutions by James Hardie for Modern Classical homes

James Hardie’s portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions are perfect for creating the Modern Classical look because they deliver sophistication and resilience in spades, and they are cost-effective to install and maintain:

Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding: The fine-render finish adds subtle elegance while standing up against the elements, which can help save money and time spent on maintenance.

Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding: Contemporary sophistication at its finest – this cladding will generate visual interest through its flowing lines, which are perfect for upper levels and dramatic facades.

Axon™ Cladding: A vertical-joint timber look-alike that is extremely elegant and has defined vertical lines that harmonise beautifully with Modern Classical aesthetics.

Finding luxury in the simplicity

Embracing the Modern Classical look for your project doesn’t have to mean overspending. There are some strategic choices that will make it entirely possible to get a luxurious, functional home on a budget.

“Off-the-shelf vanities matched with melamine finishes and stone tops will provide a consistent, premium appearance at a much lower price than custom-built vanities,” Orton said. "IKEA wardrobe carcasses paired with custom-made doors also deliver a high-end look while significantly reducing costs compared to fully custom wardrobes."

Invest well for decades-long quality

Investing in high-quality, versatile materials will guarantee your Modern Classical home is just as durable as it is beautiful. It might not seem like the most important decision right now, but choosing cladding and other materials that will stand the test of time can mean you spend less on future maintenance while also locking in your home’s true value.

Orton says that in order to make a budget-friendly Modern Classical project work, it needs to start and end with understanding your financials.

“Have a clear grasp of the financial aspects of your project, including budgeting and cost management. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the building process.”