Modern Australian Living: Inside Nicola Rogers' Reimagined Terrace

“With every decision, I wanted to honour and celebrate the heritage features while creating a calm space for modern living.”

Modern foundations

In the world of interior design, modern Australian style is characterized by its emphasis on clean lines, thoughtful proportion, and architectural detail. For Nicola, creating these balanced spaces starts with intention. "The spaces are intentionally neutral to lay the foundation for interesting additions like the vintage objects I've collected over the years, new furniture additions and my growing collection of artworks," she explains. This approach to contemporary design doesn't merely embrace minimalism; it creates opportunities for personal expression and evolution while adapting modern interior principles to individual taste.

Nicola's Victorian terrace exemplifies this through its thoughtful transformation of period features, enhanced by contemporary updates. Chrome accents and abstract shapes highlight the home's original architectural elements while introducing modern touches.

Layered living

Contrary to common misconception, neutral interiors are far from boring. "That it is boring... but for me, it is the opposite," Nicola notes. "I often start with a soft and neutral base, then layer more colourful pieces that can be easily changed over time as your style and practical needs evolve." This perspective reveals how seemingly simple palettes require a sophisticated understanding of tone, texture, and composition – challenging the notion that spaces must be bold to be unique.

Nicola demonstrates how a neutral foundation creates opportunities for personal expression through carefully chosen pieces. This approach to design allows for evolution – as styles change and practical needs shift, the core aesthetic remains timeless. The key lies in selecting pieces that evoke feeling rather than following trends, creating spaces that feel both curated and deeply personal.

Material matters

The success of a neutral space lies in its often-overlooked tactile qualities. "Adding texture through rugs, curtains and soft layers adds depth and comfort to a space. From there, introducing materials like timbers, metals and glass can really elevate your home," Nicola explains. This interplay of materials adds dimension to neutral spaces, creating visual interest through contrast rather than color – where smooth metals complement natural linens, and polished timber harmonizes with plush textiles.

Her expertise reveals itself in this layered approach to texture, where each element serves both aesthetic and sensory purposes. In contemporary design, this attention to tactile detail transforms minimal spaces into rich, considered environments. The careful balance of materials – from the warmth of natural wood to the cool sophistication of metal and glass – helps distinguish thoughtfully curated interiors from purely minimalist ones. This encourages us to think beyond conventional design boundaries, considering not just how a space looks, but how it feels to inhabit.

Nicola Rogers' approach to modern interior design reveals how thoughtful restraint can create spaces of enduring beauty. Through her careful balance of architectural features, neutral foundations, and textural elements, she demonstrates that contemporary design is not about following trends, but about creating considered environments that can evolve.

Her Victorian terrace stands as testament to how modern design principles can create sophisticated, deeply personal spaces that respect architectural heritage while embracing contemporary living. It reminds us to embrace the journey of curation, rather than rushing to completion. When we thoughtfully consider each element – from textures and colors to contrasts – our spaces naturally evolve into harmonious sanctuaries that feel authentically our own.