STYLING GUIDE
Modern Australian
Scroll down for our thoughtfully gathered tips and inspiration that will help you nail that distinctly Australian approach to modern living.
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Modern Australian Styling Guide
Here’s everything you need to know about the modern Australian style – from breezy open layouts to those clever design touches that make a space feel naturally sophisticated and perfectly undone.
Layer Different Natural Textures
Start with a base of raw materials like timber flooring or concrete, then add depth through woven jute rugs, linen curtains, and wool throws. The key is mixing 3-4 different natural textures in a single space without overwhelming it. Think smooth against rough, soft against hard. For your foundation, start with raw and honest materials as your base: timber flooring provides warmth and natural grain patterns while polished concrete offers industrial sophistication and cooling properties.
Choose Materials That Age Gracefully
Opt for natural materials that develop character over time. Leather that softens and patinas, timber that deepens in tone, and stone that shows subtle wear all contribute to that lived-in Australian aesthetic. These materials tell a story and require minimal maintenance. Rather than viewing these changes as wear and tear, modern Australian design celebrates them as evidence of a well-loved home. These natural variations create an organic, evolving aesthetic that's impossible to replicate artificially.
Bring The Outside In
Place potted native plants or dried arrangements in natural fiber baskets. Position them near windows or in corners where they can cast interesting shadows. The contrast between structured architecture and organic shapes creates that signature Australian balance.
One Bold Piece Per Space
Choose a single striking element as your room's hero - like a deep crimson rug or burgundy accent chair. This follows the Modern Australian principle of considered restraint. Let this piece do the talking while keeping surrounding elements quiet and neutral. Consider how natural light interacts with your bold element throughout the day. A statement piece should evolve with changing light, creating different moods from morning to evening. This dynamic quality adds depth to your space and embodies careful curation.
Consider Scale and Proportion
Size matters with statement pieces. In open-plan spaces, go bigger - like a large-format artwork or substantial rug. In smaller areas, a bold armchair or collection of ceramic vessels can create impact without dominating. The piece should command attention without shouting. Modern Australian design excels at this balanced approach. It's about creating presence without pressure, impact without intrusion. Whether working with a grand space or a cozy corner, the key lies in selecting pieces that feel proportionate to their surroundings while maintaining their ability to draw the eye.
Create Conversation Points
Place statement pieces where they'll naturally draw people together. A striking rug under a dining table or a bold artwork above a seating area creates natural gathering spots. This follows the Australian approach to relaxed entertaining and social spaces. The key is to create these conversation points in ways that feel natural and unforced. They should emerge organically from the room's layout and flow, supporting rather than dictating how people use the space.
Layer Patterns Through Scale
Mix patterns of different sizes but keep them in the same tonal family. Place a bold geometric like the Motif Olive Chenille Rug as your anchor piece, then add smaller patterned elements through cushions or artwork. The key is to vary the scale while keeping the overall effect cohesive. Let each pattern have its moment while ensuring none compete too aggressively for attention. When patterns are varied in scale but united in tone, they create a space that feels both considered and effortlessly put together.
Create Rhythm Through Repetition
Echo geometric patterns in subtle ways throughout the space. If you've chosen the Diamond Pale Blue Chenille Rug as your base, reflect its pattern in smaller decor elements like vases or artwork. This technique works particularly well in open-plan spaces, where pattern repetition can help create visual connections between different areas. It's about finding that sweet spot between randomness and rigid coordination, where patterns flow naturally from one space to another, creating a sense of movement and continuity.
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Modern Australian FAQs
What exactly is Modern Australian interior style?
Modern Australian style is all about natural materials inspired by the textures and tones of our landscape, European modernism, and our distinctive coastal lifestyle. It's characterized by its unpretentious approach to luxury and emphasis on livable spaces.
The style emerged in the 1950s-60s when architects like Glenn Murcutt and Harry Seidler began challenging European modernism with distinctly Australian interpretations. Their work responded to our unique climate and lifestyle, emphasizing connection to landscape, natural ventilation, sun protection, and use of local materials.
Modern Australian style was further developed by influential figures like:
- Meryl Hare: Known for combining sophisticated minimalism with coastal comfort
- Collette Dinnigan: Bringing fashion sensibilities to interior spaces
- Greg Natale: Introducing bold geometric patterns while maintaining Australian casualness
Key characteristics of the Modern Australian style are:
- Natural Materials: Raw timber, stone, and natural textiles
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Seamless transitions between living spaces
- Light Palette: Sandy neutrals, oceanic blues, and eucalyptus greens
- Functional Minimalism: Purposeful simplicity without sacrificing comfort
- Indigenous Elements: Thoughtful incorporation of Aboriginal art and patterns
The style has been shaped by various cultural influences such as:
- Indigenous Australian art and connection to land
- Mediterranean outdoor living culture
- Asian minimalism and spatial concepts
- California's mid-century modern movement
Today's Modern Australian style embraces:
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design
- Versatility: Adaptable spaces that serve multiple purposes
- Technology: Smart home features integrated seamlessly
- Local Identity: Celebration of Australian art and craftsmanship
This style resonates with design elements such as:
- Open-plan layouts
- High ceilings with natural light
- Native landscaping
- Textural contrasts
- Indoor plants and natural elements
- Minimal window treatments
- Statement lighting fixtures
The style continues to evolve, maintaining its core principles of functionality, connection to nature, and understated sophistication while adapting to contemporary needs and technologies.
Which Double rugs best suit Modern Australian interiors?
For warm earth tones:
- Soothe Toffee Vegan Wool Rug as the perfect neutral base
- Soothe Chocolate Vegan Wool Rug to add rich depth to your space
- Diamond Mustard Chenille Rug to bring warmth in any space
- Source Natural New Jute Rug as the ideal piece for organic texture
Coastal-inspired options:
- Awa Almond New Zealand Washable Wool Rug for its light, airy feel
- Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug for its subtle texture
- Diamond Pale Blue Chenille Rug as the best option for soft coastal tones
- Soothe Bone Vegan Wool Rug as the perfect neutral base
For main living spaces:
- Soothe Light Gray Vegan Wool Rug as the versatile neutral
- Beauty Green Chenille Rug for a nature-inspired accent
- Motif Olive Chenille Rug for contemporary pattern
- Poncho Steel Blue Shag Rug adds texture and depth
What rug sizes work best for different spaces?
Size recommendations:
- Living Room:
- Open plan: 300x400cm
- Standard: 250x300cm
- Apartment: 200x300cm
- Dining Room: Add 60cm to each side of table
Which rugs work best with timber furniture?
Complementary choices:
- Source Natural New Jute Rug to enhance natural wood
- Soothe Sage Vegan Wool Rug to balance warm timber
- Poncho Steel Blue Shag Rug to add contemporary contrast
- Awa Taupe New Zealand Washable Wool Rug for a subtle complement with the other pieces in your space
How can I create seamless indoor-outdoor flow?
Creating a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is essential in Modern Australian living. Here's how to achieve this with Double rugs:
- The Vegan Wool Collection serves as your perfect transition piece, designed specifically for Australian indoor-outdoor living. These rugs feature advanced UV-resistant materials that prevent fading, even in harsh sunlight. The collection's durability means it can withstand both interior foot traffic and outdoor elements while maintaining its appearance.
- When seeking a more organic transition, the Awa series offers designs inspired by natural Australian landscapes. These rugs feature earth-toned patterns that mirror the outdoor environment, creating visual continuity from your interior spaces to your alfresco areas.
- All Double outdoor rugs are engineered with specialized materials that resist mold, mildew, and water damage. For maximum longevity, position these rugs under covered outdoor areas and ensure proper drainage beneath. Their quick-drying properties mean unexpected rain won't cause lasting damage.
- Maintain a cohesive look by selecting rugs in complementary tones. Consider your surrounding landscape when selecting colors - coastal homes might lean toward sandy beiges and blues, while bush settings work well with rich earthy tones.
- Allow at least 5cm clearance around door frames to prevent catching and wear. For sliding doors, ensure the rug sits flat to prevent interference with door operation. Position rugs at least 30cm from the threshold to create a natural transition zone between spaces.
How do I maintain my Double rugs?
Care instructions:
- All rugs are machine-washable
- Vacuum weekly
- Rotate every 3-6 months
- Clean spills immediately
- Use recommended wash settings for each material
How do I prevent sun fading in bright Australian homes?
Here are some sun-smart solutions you can consider:
- Rotate rugs quarterly
- Choose fade-resistant options like:
- Soothe Vegan Wool Collection
- Source Natural New Jute Rug
- Awa New Zealand Wool Series
How do I blend Modern Australian with other styles?
Style fusion tips:
- With Scandinavian: Soothe Light Gray or Bone Vegan Wool Rug
- With Industrial: Source Natural New Jute Rug
- With Coastal: Diamond Pale Blue Chenille Rug
- With Contemporary: Parts Crimson or Brooch Burgundy Chenille Rug
The Journal
Where style meets story, and spaces become personal narratives. Through intimate conversations with creatives, designers, and style enthusiasts, we explore how our environments shape our daily lives and reflect our journeys.
Join us as we discover the many ways people create meaning through their spaces, one story at a time.
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