The Australian interior design industry is ever evolving, with many diverse design trends and styles achievable depending on your unique interests and project parameters. As an interior designer I look to use the architectural context to inform choices in addition to applying the clients’ preferences to create a tailored home.
Design trends come and go, however, there are a few styles that will forever endure, whether building from new, renovating or altering furniture and décor specifications.
My favourite design styles and others that seem to be popular amongst my clients are listed below, enjoy the read!
Mid Century
My all-time favourite design style must be Mid Century, for its clean lines, outdoor connection and innovative building materials. Champions of this era in Australia include Alastair Knox, Harry Seidler and Robin Boyd, the later believing ‘good design can improve people’s lives and our world’. I particularly am fond of the ample timber cladding, mudbrick and expansive glass used within this style. We are fortunate to live in a house built in this style by Sibbel Builders, Dutch brothers who were known in Melbourne’s North and East for creating homes with soul and great attention to detail.
Further afield, think of Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra, the later creating one of the most well-known Palm Springs party homes- Kaufmann Desert House.
Maximalism
Embrace layering with bold colour, pattern and excess in this design style, as an industry professional I am seeing this trend gaining more attention this year and will love to see it embraced in Australian interiors. Combine different aesthetics to create a truly unique space, however it should be intentional and carefully curated.
TIP: look at style guides by well-known fabric or wallpaper wholesalers to see how they use colour and pattern to create their collections/lookbooks. I recommend Schumacher and Casamance
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design connects natural elements and the living world into the built environment. Achieve this style by selecting materials such as wood and stone, using organic shapes and forms, and incorporate plants, earthy textures and colour. Always consider the connection from inside to out, this style has gained popularity within the commercial and residential interior sectors as real indoor plants generate clear air and it is proven that seeing natural during the day whether it be a plant or garden can stimulate the senses and creates a sense of calm.
Hamptons
A sophisticated New York beach house, the Hampton design style is not losing any of its charm and popularity. If you love grand home estates with white walls, wall paneling, with hints of blues and greens this trend could be for you. I see many of my clients wanting to achieve this look, it is opulent at times and requires much layering to achieve the best look as an all-white interior is now quite dated.
TIP: be sure to have ample budget for patterned window coverings such as roman blinds and S-fold curtains, mix these with the ever-popular plantation shutter or timber and bamboo blinds to achieve the best layered look.
Modern Australian
TIP: we have an abundance of natural light, therefore neutrals can act as a lovely base, think sage, blue and yellow. Prior to painting walls, be sure to use paint swatches around the home to see how the colour alters during the day and into the evening.
Join me next month as I discover Japanese interiors after my trip in January with the family.
Generate conversation, Jenni
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