5 Australian Interior Trends & How to Bring Them Home with Art and Design
Australian interiors are undergoing an exciting evolution. Gone are the days of playing it safe with neutrals and predictable styling—today, we’re embracing color, texture, surrealism, and character-rich storytelling. From surreal minimalism to vintage revival, these five trends celebrate individuality and creativity.
Here’s how to bring each trend home with standout pieces from Studio Merdè and local Australian brands that set the tone for bold, inspired living spaces.
1. Surreal Minimalism & Cinematic Calm
Featured Series: Before Breakfast, After the Storm
Minimalism gets a cinematic edge with this trend. Clean spaces are infused with subtle tension, muted palettes, and art that feels like a still frame from an unwritten story. Studio Merdè’s “Before Breakfast, After the Storm” series, with pieces like “Leaky Faucet” and “Smoke Alarmed”, captures these quiet, suspended moments that invite you to pause and reflect.
How to Style It:
Furniture: Choose sculptural, curved pieces like the Zephyr Sofa by Sarah Ellison—a perfect balance of form and function.
Soft Textures: Introduce natural linen throws from Oon Home to layer softness without overwhelming the calm aesthetic.
Accessories: Add ceramics in muted tones from Marmoset Found and Maison Balzac candles for a soft, atmospheric glow.
Art Placement: Let “Leaky Faucet” take center stage above a sleek sideboard or in a hallway to anchor the space with its quiet intrigue.
2. Bold Colour & Playful Layers
Featured Series: Eat the Rainbow
Australian interiors are embracing color like never before, moving away from restraint to celebrate bold hues, patterns, and layering. Studio Merdè’s “Eat the Rainbow” series, including “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish”, thrives in this joyful, maximalist setting—where art doesn’t just complement the space but elevates it.
How to Style It:
Soft Furnishings: Explore Kip & Co for playful, vibrant cushions and throws that match the energy of the artwork.
Furniture: Ground the look with the versatile Float Sofa by Sarah Ellison, whose horizontal channelling and soft form balance bold patterns.
Accessories: Add colorful vases or quirky rugs from Fenton & Fenton to layer visual interest.
Art Placement: Pair “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” with a painted accent wall—deep teal, mustard, or terracotta—for an unapologetically confident look.
3. Vintage Nostalgia Meets Hollywood Glam
Featured Series: Hollywood is Burning
This trend reimagines golden-age glamour with a modern twist. Mid-century influences, velvet textures, and bold lighting bring vintage charm into the now. Studio Merdè’s “Hollywood is Burning” series—featuring prints like “Parking Fine” and “Holly Would If She Could”—captures that rebellious elegance through cinematic composition and striking color palettes.
How to Style It:
Furniture: Opt for a plush, handcrafted sofa from Maker&Son—their timeless, luxurious pieces perfectly complement the artwork’s drama.
Accessories: Add sculptural glassware or lighting from Maison Balzac to enhance that old-world meets contemporary feel.
Statement Accents: Introduce a bold mid-century inspired chair or brass-accented table from Jardan.
Art Placement: Hang “Parking Fine” as a focal point above a bar cart or alongside an oversized mirror for an upscale, curated vibe.
4. Whimsical Surrealism & Retro Quirk
Featured Series: Cars and Cotton Candy
This trend blends playfulness with unexpected surrealism—dreamy compositions that bring joy and intrigue to everyday spaces. Studio Merdè’s “Cars and Cotton Candy” series delivers this spirit beautifully, with prints like “Car with Big Pink Balls” offering a mix of humor and retro nostalgia.
How to Style It:
Furniture: Balance whimsical art with a neutral, contemporary sofa from McMullin & Co. or a simple curved chair from Sarah Ellison.
Accessories: Add personality with patterned cushions or soft textiles from Hommey.
Quirky Accents: Incorporate playful lighting from Dowel Jones or vintage-inspired side tables that complement the artwork’s light-hearted vibe.
Art Placement: Let “Car with Big Pink Balls” anchor a living room wall or entryway, setting a fun and quirky tone for the space.
5. Characterful Portraiture & Eclectic Storytelling
Featured Series: Neighbourhood Watch
Homes are becoming more personal, with curated collections of art, furniture, and accessories that tell a story. Studio Merdè’s “Neighbourhood Watch” series—featuring surreal, oversized portraits like “Pretty Eyes” and “Get Off My Lawn”—adds character and charm to eclectic spaces.
How to Style It:
Furniture: Start with a timeless, comfortable sofa from Maker&Son as a neutral foundation.
Layered Textures: Introduce a tactile rug or woven elements from Nodi Rugs for warmth and depth.
Accessories: Add cushions from Fenton & Fenton or Hommey to blend patterns and textures effortlessly.
Art Placement: Place “Pretty Eyes” above a reading nook or gallery wall alongside sculptural décor for an eclectic, lived-in look.
Final Thoughts
These five Australian interior trends reflect the growing appetite for spaces that tell stories, celebrate bold design choices, and exude personality. By thoughtfully incorporating distinctive art—like Studio Merdè’s striking collections—alongside carefully chosen pieces, you can create a home that’s as stylish as it is uniquely yours.
Your home is your canvas—let bold design and meaningful art transform it into a space that feels both current and timeless.