Think your Aussie home has its quirks? Think again. Beyond our brick veneers and beloved backyards lies a world of residential oddities that will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about houses.
In fact, take a peek behind the curtains of international real estate and you’ll discover some truly head-scratching features. From bizarre bathroom setups to surprising kitchen omissions, a whole new world of home design awaits.
And whether it's a nod to heritage or a response to climate, these design choices tell rich stories about how people live around the world.
The porcelain puzzle
The humble toilet, a seemingly universal fixture, presents a fascinating array of regional variations. Across the Pacific in the US, visitors might be taken aback by toilets that seem perpetually full. This isn't a plumbing issue, but rather a higher water level design intended to improve hygiene levels and reduce the cleaning required to keep the toilet clean.
Toilets in the USA have deeper water for ease of cleaning. Picture: Getty
Venturing further east to Greece, the concept of a flushing toilet in older homes can be a foreign one. Many still rely on septic systems unsuited for paper, leading to the common practice of disposing of toilet paper in a separate bin. In parts of Asia, particularly in public facilities and older residences, you'll often encounter the squat toilet. While perhaps less comfortable for the uninitiated, they are considered more hygienic by some.
Squat toilets are commonly used in Asia. Picture: Getty
“Bathroom design varies more than you might expect,” said interior designer and director at Ace Property Agency, Rebecca Cardamone. “In Australia, toilets tend to have lower water levels, thanks to strict plumbing codes and a big focus on water conservation. Over in the US, it’s a different story, with higher water levels designed to minimise marks in the bowl.
Australian toilets have less water for environmental reasons. Picture: Getty
“The bidet remains popular in European countries such as Italy and France and, while once something you’d rarely see here, it’s now popping up in more Aussie bathrooms, especially in modern renos. Whether it's a built-in bidet seat or a fully integrated smart toilet, it’s all about comfort, hygiene, and adding that ‘hotel luxury’ at home.”
Bizarre bathrooms
Bathrooms might seem like the most universal room in a house – but they too are shaped by culture and regulation. For example, there's the absence of the seemingly essential power outlet near the sink in some European countries, leaving you to ponder the logistics of shaving or hair styling.
Australian bathrooms commonly have power points, but that is not the case everywhere. Picture: Getty
In many Japanese homes the bathroom is traditionally separated into three distinct zones to keep the toilet area hygienic and the bathing area conducive to relaxation. This deliberate separation into wet and dry zones is a significant departure from the combined bathroom common in many Western countries like Australia and the US, where the toilet, sink, and shower/bath are typically all in the same room. It reflects a cultural emphasis on cleanliness, hygiene, and the ritualistic aspect of bathing as a way to unwind.
“In Japan, bathrooms are often split into zones – with a separate wet room for bathing,” said property manager at Raine & Horne Commercial, Damien Lake. “Even safety regulations differ: in the UK, power points in bathrooms are banned, while in Australia, they’re relatively common.”
Kitchen conundrums
The heart of the home, the kitchen, also presents some stark contrasts. The ubiquitous garbage disposal found in many American kitchens is a relative rarity in Australia. While some Aussie homes have them, they are far from standard, with concerns around water usage and potential strain on sewage systems often cited.
Garbage disposals are common in the US. Picture: Getty
And while Australians reach for their trusty electric kettles multiple times a day, this appliance is far less common Stateside. Due to the lower voltage (120V compared to Australia's 230V) electric kettles take significantly longer to boil water, leading many Americans to opt for stovetop kettles or the microwave.
Electric kettles are not common in the US, instead, they boil water on the stove. Picture: Getty
“The way we use our kitchens says a lot about our lifestyle,” commented Miss Cardamone. “Australians are leaning more and more into sustainability. Unlike in the US, garbage disposals aren’t standard here, with most households opting for pull-out bins that separate food scraps, recycling, and general waste.”
Socket switcheroos
The simple act of plugging in an appliance reveals another set of international idiosyncrasies. Unlike Australia, American power points do not have individual switches. Outlets are always live, which can be a surprise for international buyers.
An American 110 volt three prong electrical power outlet. Picture: Getty
The reasons for this difference are largely historical and related to electrical standards and safety regulations developed over time. The US system prioritises a constant live circuit, relying on circuit breakers for safety.
“In the US power outlets typically lack on and off switches,” said broker and owner of Arizona Network Realty, Russell Diehl.
Australian power outlets have switches. Picture: Getty
“It’s my belief that Americans are so accustomed to controlling appliances directly or through smart home tech that there’s little demand for switch-integrated outlets now. Compared to parts of Europe or Asia, where layered safety is a priority and energy costs are higher, the US system feels more ‘plug and play’.”
Scandi saunas
In Scandinavian countries, particularly in Finland, saunas are not just a luxury but a deeply ingrained part of daily life. The word ‘sauna’ itself is Finnish, meaning ‘bathhouse.’ Evidence suggests that the earliest forms of saunas in the Nordic region date back as far as 7,000 years ago, so its unsurprising that it’s very common to find built-in saunas in homes here. Indeed, it’s estimated that there are over three million saunas in Finland for a population of around 5.5 million, meaning many homes, even apartments, have their own sauna.
Home saunas are common in Scandinavian countries. Picture: Getty
“One of the more intriguing trends globally is the integration of wellness spaces within the home — especially the sauna,” said Mr Lake. “In Nordic countries like Finland, saunas are part of everyday life. It’s not uncommon to find them in apartments, basements, or even incorporated into bathroom suites. The sauna is not seen as a luxury but a vital wellness ritual — a space for both physical and mental rejuvenation.
This influence is slowly spreading. Homeowners around the world are embracing the sauna tradition – whether as a stand-alone structure in the backyard or tucked away in a bathroom renovation.”
Differing lighting designs
While an Aussie might expect a central overhead light to flood a room with light, wander into a typical American home and you're more likely to find a constellation of lamps scattered around, many controlled by a wall switch.
Many homes in the US don't have overhead lighting, instead lamps are controlled by wall switches. Picture: Getty
“Lighting design is another area where culture and climate clash,” explained Mr Diehl.
“In many US homes, especially older properties, you’ll find no overhead lighting in bedrooms or living rooms. It's my experience that lighting preferences are one of the most personal, and surprising, adjustments for international buyers.”
Climate considerations
Beyond internal fixtures, the very structure and design of homes around the world are sometimes heavily influenced by the climate. Basements, for example, are prevalent in many parts of America and Europe and even shelter from extreme weather like tornadoes or cold winters. These subterranean levels often house laundry rooms, recreational areas, or even additional bedrooms – a stark contrast to the slab-on-ground construction common in much of Australia.
Basements are the norm in many colder climates. Picture: Getty
Conversely, in regions prone to heavy snowfall, like parts of Canada and Scandinavia, you'll often find homes with steeply pitched roofs. This design is a practical measure to allow snow to slide off easily, preventing excessive weight buildup that could damage the structure.
“In many parts of the world home design is a direct response to local weather,” explained Mr Lake.
“In the Middle East and parts of South Asia, thick adobe-style walls and internal courtyards are common – helping to naturally cool interiors without the need for air conditioning. In contrast, Scandinavian and Canadian homes often feature steeply pitched roofs, designed to prevent snow buildup and structural strain during harsh winters.”
Dramatically pitched roofs are needed in areas with high snow-fall. Picture: Getty
Even the orientation of houses can differ significantly based on climate. In Australia, north-facing living areas are highly prized to capture sunlight in winter. However, in very hot regions, homes might be oriented differently to minimise direct sun exposure.
Laundry logistics
Though far from a standard feature in most modern Australian homes, the laundry chute – a vertical shaft for sending dirty clothes directly to the laundry room – is a more common sight in older, multi-story houses in the United States and parts of Europe.
Typically located in convenient spots like upstairs bathrooms, bedroom closets, or hallways, they offer a practical solution for quick disposal of laundry.
Laundry chutes are more common in the US and Europe. Picture: Getty
“Laundry chutes are a nostalgic favourite in older US homes,” said Mr Diehl. “These days, they’re less common in new builds but still seen as a charming and functional feature. In contrast, I've had international clients from tropical regions like Southeast Asia request outdoor laundry zones. It’s a total shift from the American preference for interior utility rooms.”
Cultural quirks
Cultural norms also play a significant role in shaping home design leading to features that reflect different social structures and ways of life. In some European cities, particularly older urban areas, it's not uncommon to find apartment buildings with shared laundry facilities in the basement or on a common floor reflecting a historical acceptance of shared amenities.
In Japan, the concept of ‘genkan’ (a small entryway where shoes are removed before stepping onto the main floor) is deeply ingrained in the culture. While open-plan living has become increasingly popular in Australia, some cultures favour more defined and separate rooms, reflecting different preferences for privacy and formality.
'Genkans' are areas for shoes in many Japanese homes. Picture: Getty
These social and cultural nuances highlight how homes are not just physical structures but also reflections of the way people live and interact within their communities. What might seem like a strange omission or an unusual addition is often simply a product of a different way of life.
“Cultural values are deeply embedded in how homes are structured and lived in,” explained Mr Lake. “In Japan, the genkan sets the tone for cleanliness and respect within the home. In Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, it’s common to find formal guest lounges or parlours — spaces designed purely for hospitality and entertaining.
The kitchen is a gathering place in many Italian homes, but cooking is sometimes done in a special, second kitchen. Picture: Getty
“Kitchen design also varies dramatically. In cultures where cooking and large family meals are central – such as in Lebanese, Italian or Indian households – the kitchen becomes a social hub, often featuring oversized ovens, prep areas, and even second kitchens. Meanwhile, in cities like Paris or Tokyo, compact, minimalist kitchens suit a lifestyle where dining out is often the norm.”
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