Australian Living: A Laid-Back, Modern Look You’ll Love

by Carlisle Homes

Australian Living is all about open and inviting spaces that suit our laid-back lifestyle. Here are our top tips on how to celebrate this style in your home.

Natural materials, free-flowing indoor-outdoor spaces and a relaxed vibe – these are all characteristics of modern Australian style. With a focus on simple styling and quality craftsmanship, the look is open and inviting – perfect for welcoming guests into your home, whether it’s for a morning cuppa or a weekend backyard barbeque.

Australian Living is just one of the beautiful interior styles you’ll see at our Carlisle display homes in Melbourne. Here, our expert interior designers share their top tips for introducing the aesthetic into your home.

Indoor-outdoor flow in the living area

Given our love of nature, it’s no surprise that indoor-outdoor connection sits at the heart of the Australian Living look. Opt for generous openings in your living areas with sliding or bi-fold doors that encourage garden views and flow from inside to out, and a neutral palette that echoes the rustic tones you’ll find outdoors – think stone, warm white, soft eucalypt green and pops of charcoal. An assortment like this is the perfect ode to our natural landscape and pairs beautifully with various shades of timber, a key component of the Australian Living look.

Keep the look breezy and relaxed with low-slung sofas and light-enhancing sheers at the windows. Add warmth with a coffee and side tables in mid-tone timber, all with curvy, organic shapes that emphasise the room’s laid-back vibe. Or step it up a notch by lining the ceiling with J-joint timber boards and a built-in joinery unit under the television (great for keeping clutter at bay).

Dial up the comfort factor with a textured rug underfoot in jute or pale grey, and a cosy woollen throw or two on the sofa. Add a contemporary edge by introducing graphic patterns in your cushions and decor items – charcoal and white looks crisp and modern. Complete the look with a medley of lush, indoor plants.

A kitchen where the family gathers

The kitchen is the beating heart of Australian homes; it’s where the family gathers, connects, entertains and so much more. As such, you’ll want a layout that is spacious and inviting, with finishes that balance style and durability.

Evoke the Australian Living look with lashings of warm white on your walls, benchtops and cabinetry, grounded with easy-care, light grey floor tiles. Add a dash of luxury with a waterfall-edge island crafted from a stone such as Caesarstone – you’ll find it creates the ideal spot for mid-week meals or for guests to gather and chat over a glass of wine.

Timber is an essential ingredient in this look; introduce warm oak touches through furniture and overhead cabinetry (such as Laminex Classic Oak). Keep the look fuss-free with handleless cabinetry doors and simple, linear pendant lighting.

Adding touches of personality makes the space uniquely your own; hang one or two black and white artworks depicting Australian flora and wildlife, and specify open shelving where you can showcase your favourite collectibles.

A nifty study nook

We’re a practical, no-nonsense nation, and our homes reflect that. A well-functioning layout includes spaces for everyday tasks, such as a study nook for catching up on emails or doing homework, that don’t infringe on main living spaces.

If your study nook can be viewed from other parts of your home, keep the look cohesive by specifying harmonising colours and finishes. For your built-in desk, opt for a timber finish, such as Laminex Classic Oak. Rather than office chairs, which can look quite corporate, bring in a couple of dining chairs with woven, natural-fibre backs instead.

Add softness by lining the wall behind the desk in textured, fabric wallpaper, hanging black and white prints on the wall, and laying plush carpet underfoot.

Laid-back luxury in the bedroom

Create a laid-back and restful bedroom with beautiful natural linens, layers of soft neutrals and timber touches. Start with a palette of calming tones – think warm whites, pebble grey, tan and accents of charcoal – and layer them throughout the space, from walls and flooring to bedlinen.

Draw filtered light into the space by keeping window furnishings to a minimum; soft sheers are ideal. For a luxe look, run them right to the floor.

Natural textures are key to this aesthetic; add loop-pile carpet or a textured rug underfoot, and consider creating a feature wall behind the bed with grasscloth wallpaper in a tonal shade. Keep the look casual with a pair of chunky timber stools either side of the bed.

Punches of black in artwork, furniture detailing and mirror frames add a fresh, contemporary edge.

And remember – the look is layered, not cluttered; be mindful not to overfill the space and leave plenty of breathing space around furniture so you can move through comfortably.

Natural touches in the ensuite

Create a sense of unity between your bedroom and ensuite by specifying harmonising colours and finishes. Running large-format tiles from floors to walls is an easy and affordable way to create an opulent look. Up the casual, luxe factor with a thick Caesarstone benchtop, paired with curvy above-counter basins and a sculptural, freestanding bathtub. Finally, inject warmth into the space with rustic timber vanity fronts and a thick, timber-framed mirror.

Coming home never felt so appealing!