What is Modern Classical design?

Modern Classical is a new and emerging architectural home style identified in the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast for 2025. Putting a modern twist on the elegance of a neoclassical exterior, Modern Classical balances both traditional and whimsical. It’s a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary functionality, and it’s a look that is clearly resonating with Australian homeowners and renovators.

In essence, Modern Classical design is all about creating a charming and practical look that will stand the test of time. However, balancing classical grandeur with modern simplicity isn’t easy. This design code needs to capture a refined yet relaxed aesthetic, and in doing so it needs to be both sophisticated and comfortable for everyday living.

Modern Classical design explained

Modern Classical is an elegant yet – perhaps surprisingly – very accessible style that updates the traditional forms of neoclassical architecture with contemporary functionality.

While historically, neoclassical designs have evoked grandeur through imposing columns, detailed mouldings and strict symmetry, today’s Modern Classical has updated such elements with softer curves, biophilic touches, subtle textures and more. All said and done, it involves creating a luxurious yet laid-back look that’s perfectly compatible with modern Australian homes.

“Modern Classical feels sophisticated yet approachable, combining the warmth of classical design with the clean lines and simplicity of modern aesthetics,” said Justine Orton from Orton Haus, a featured expert in our Modern Homes Forecast 2025.

Why Modern Classical emerged as the eighth look in the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2025

With more and more interest in wellbeing, flexibility and resilience, Modern Classical has naturally emerged as an appealing response to our changing priorities. As a style, it uniquely balances timeless beauty with practical, adaptable spaces that are designed for modern living. It also meets the needs of multi-generational families and flexible-living arrangements.

As Australians increasingly look for homes that are at the same time luxurious and practical, Modern Classical has fast become an appealing option.

It’s a style that provides a sense of luxury without losing functionality, catering to our busy lifestyles and desire for homes that support wellbeing and ease.

Why Modern Classical is perfect for the Australian landscape

Australia's varied – and at times harsh – climate and outdoor-oriented lifestyle demands that home design embraces environmental conditions without sacrificing style. Modern Classical homes are designed to boost our connection to nature while incorporating passive cooling and heating principles, as well as using high-quality, long-lasting materials.

According to Orton, there are plenty of reasons why wellness should be ‘baked into’ this style: “Overhead gardens and garden courtyards visible from inside the home create a tranquil and inviting connection to nature."

She also emphasises that curves and rounded elements like furniture and arched doorways can reduce stress while also fostering emotional comfort.

Builder: O’Shea & Sons Builders; Photographer: Shoot to Sell

How to achieve the Modern Classical look

The beauty of Modern Classical design is in its total versatility, with some of its major hallmarks being:

Curved and arched details: Archways, arched doorways, curved furniture – they create a level of emotional comfort while subtly guiding movement through spaces.

Neutral, warm palettes: Soft and muted colours help illuminate natural light, which adds depth and warmth for a more inviting atmosphere.

Biophilic elements: Integrating greenery and water features can promote wellness and connect indoor spaces to the outdoors.

Metal and matte textures: Matte black, brushed brass and gold accents, in particular, can add a layer of luxury or sophistication while creating visual interest.

Builder: O’Shea & Sons Builders; Photographer: Shoot to Sell

Which Hardie™ exterior cladding works best in Modern Classical designs?

Achieving the perfect Modern Classical design relies on materials that will not only add style, but are highly durable and can stand up to Australia's disparate climates. James Hardie’s portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions is specifically suited to deliver both practicality and elegance.

Here are the top three products we recommend when designing a Modern Classical home:

Stria™ Cladding Fine Texture: Perfect for the ground floor of a Modern Classical home due to its robust and versatile nature. Installed horizontally, it creates strong, clean lines that emphasise the architecture of the home while adding warmth through its subtle texture.

Hardie™ Brushed Concrete Cladding: This cladding offers a sleek look with its flowing lines, which adds visual interest to the upper levels of a Modern Classical home. The brushed concrete texture complements this style by providing a contemporary twist on traditional materials, enhancing the overall aesthetic with a touch of elegance.

Axon™ Cladding 400mm: The wider 400mm groove spacing offers a striking vertical line detail that adds height and sophistication to any part of a Modern Classical design. Its clean, contemporary look aligns perfectly with the style, providing a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements.

Case study: Orton Haus

Orton Haus has designed some amazing builds around Newcastle, NSW, many of which capture the true essence of the Modern Classical style. Orton affirms that taking such a design approach tends to deliver in both functionality and beauty.

“I love the curves and colour,” she said. “Rounded furniture, arched doorways and curved layouts guide movement gently, reducing stress and fostering emotional comfort. Meanwhile, colour profoundly impacts mood: promoting tranquillity and focus, neutral tones provide balance and calm. Together, curves and colour create harmonious environments.”

For Orton, Modern Classical principles help her to create spaces that can flexibly accommodate different lifestyles: “I’ve just designed and built a Modern Classical duplex. Designed for maximum flexibility, this duplex can serve multi-generational families or rental or holiday purposes. The layout ensures privacy while maintaining a sense of community through a shared facade.”

Discover the Modern Classical look with James Hardie

With its combination of timeless elegance, practical solutions and wellness-focused design, Modern Classical gives homeowners an opportunity to create a stylish and functional home that’s suited to every lifestyle.