Abbie Mellé
Australia has created its own original, instantly recognisable style. Our love of summer and the natural world means we take a more relaxed, casual approach to design with houses that are easy to live in, and that reflect our beautiful climate and an unshakable belief that our lives be connected to the landscape.
We have such an incredible outdoor lifestyle so it makes sense that our culture likes to design houses and gardens in ways that are chic and effortless. It’s all about spaces that can be dressed up or down in which to relax, cook, eat, swim and entertain.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
More than recycling and zero waste – water conservation and homemade energy are incorporated into the best Australian designs.
OUTDOOR ROOMS
Blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces so that home and garden are connected seamlessly. The heady full-on experience of a home is to be had only when you maximise interaction with its setting. Connecting to the natural world is fundamental to wellbeing.
French-style steel and glass doors swing open to allow the breeze into this Mediterranean-style home in Castlecrag, while creating a seamless indoor outdoor flow.
(Photography: Anson Smart / Styling: Kate Nixon) (Credit: Photography: Anson Smart / Styling: Kate Nixon)
PARE DOWN THE PALETTE
A simple scheme with limited tones will make maintenance easier. Start with a strong backdrop design, and you can always go back later and add more items if you want.
COOL DOWN WITH WATER
Many Australian gardens are not complete without a pond, fountain or pool to make the most of the outdoor experience.
ADD AN AWNING
A shaded terrace, covered in ivy or jasmine, helps protect from the sun. Awnings, canopies and pergolas in natural materials such as wood or bamboo are popular weather-resistant choices to support the weight of vines. Sails in suitably earthy or white tones are also a common sight on the roof terraces, where they both protect from harsh light and create a beautiful ambience, especially above low day beds scattered with cushions.
The vernacular of this charming home in Berry is quintessential Australian weatherboard cottage, complete with pergola and pebbled courtyard.
(Photography: Kristina Soljo / Styling: Steve Cordony) (Credit: Photography: Kristina Soljo / Styling: Steve Cordony)SOFT EDGES
Comfortable seating areas encouraging long, relaxing days and evenings outdoors are almost an art form and speak to the cultural importance of atmospheric entertaining and relaxed hosting.
LIGHT UP
At night, a fire pit will make your guests gather and linger. For larger spaces, a few fires can create maximum impact when combined with strategically placed lanterns to light a path and define areas or illuminate cosy nooks.
An outdoor fireplaces gives guests a reason to linger longer outside at this mid-century home with a sensitive renovation.
(Photography: Prue Ruscoe) (Credit: Photography: Prue Ruscoe)PERFUME THE AIR
Native flowers are an important component of many gardens too, where they can fill the air with their intoxicating scent at night.
PILE ON TEXTURE
Natural surfaces such as wood, stone and metal are key in a hot climate to create tactile backdrops for floors, walls and other surfaces.
BE REALISTIC
When it comes to easy living, focus on simple pleasures that bring joy to daily life and know that the chicest thing of all is to be true to yourself.
SHOP THE LOOK
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