As the years go by, we watch the coming and going of trends and how these materialise in our home. Like all things, they come around full circle – just like those flared jeans that were all the rage in the 70’s.
The design world has never been as rich in history as it is right now – with so many different trends making a big come back, albeit with a fresh, modern twist. So whether you’re partial to the eclectic nature of Mid-century Modern, the opulence of Art Deco or the modesty of Minimalism – you’ll find pieces you love that reflect your true design persona.
We all have a unique style, a style that speaks to our experiences in life. We don’t always notice the way our style is informed by world around us – and we don’t always know what our style is. But we know what we like, and what we don’t like.
To help you find your style, we’ve put together three different living room looks inspired by some of history’s biggest design movements, with stunning pieces we’ve sourced from our favourite Australian and New Zealand homeware stores.
Mid Century Modern Muse
Featuring the Ambe Linear72 Electric Fireplace
West Elm Austin Stationary Chair from Ballentynes
Paper Collective LOULOU AVENUE Print by Design Stuff
Ferm LIVING Pond Mirror by Design Stuff
Tasman Woven Cushion Cover by CITTA
Stich 3 Seater Leather Sofa Vintage Brown by Early Settler
Hotel Magique Black Apple Print by Father Rabbit
Pippa Orange and Blue Multi Coloured Tribal Rug by Miss Amara
Jiya Side Table by Early Settler
Ambe Linear72 Electric Fire by Ambehome
Kirra Buffet by Mocka
HAY W&S Chubby Vase by Design Stuff
Picasso’s Kitchen Book by Dandie Store
- West Elm Austin Stationary Chair by Ballentynes
- Paper Colelctive LOULOU AVENUE Print by Design Stuff
- Ferm LIVING Pond Mirror by Design Stuff
- Tasman Woven Cushion Cover by CITTA
- Stich 3 Seater Leather Sofa Vintage Brown by Early Settler
- Ambe Linear72 Electric Fire by Ambehome
- Pippa Orange and Blue Multi Coloured Tribal Rug by Miss Amara
- Hotel Magique Black Apple Print by Father Rabbit
- Jiya Side Table by Early Settler
- Picasso’s Kitchen Book by Dandie Store
- Kirra Buffet by Mocka
- HAY W&S Chubby Vase by Design Stuff
The Mid-century Modern design craze is one for the ages – characterised by the juxtaposition of different shapes, sizes, patterns in a way that remains functional, thought-out, and uncluttered. Back in the day, Mid-century Modern design embraced materials that were new and novel – like metal, glass, vinyl and plywood.
Rising in popularity post World War II, it remains a significant part of design history that has resurfaced in the wake of COVID-19 as it lends itself to a celebration of worldly influences – with few restrictions, it’s one of the most open to interpretation of all design trends.
There is an eclectic nature to Mid Century design that appeals to those of us who just can’t decide. A well-executed Mid-Century modern space can include a curation of beautiful design pieces that span different eras – just don’t get carried away, there’s a fine line between Mid Century and messy…
Art Deco Opulence
Featuring the Ambe Multi49 Corner Electric Fireplace
Melrose Chiltern Occasional Chair | Cranmore
Loft by Canvas MIRROR | Cranmore
Chelsea by Oriel Lighting | Cranmore
Paper Collective Mother Print | Design Stuff
Luxe Side Table | Matt Blatt
M&Co Ridge Glass Vase | Farmers
Ambe Electric Corner Fire | Ambe Home
Ferm LIVING Meridian Table Lamp | Design Stuff
Madison Sofa | Casterly
Harvest Rug | Au Rugs
Moonrise Plumb Desert Donkey Cushion | Cranmore
Chantel Scallop Velvet Accent Chair | Matt Blatt
1. Melrose Chiltern Occasional Chair | Cranmore
2. Loft by Canvas MIRROR | Cranmore
3. Chelsea by Oriel Lighting | Cranmore
4. Paper Collective Mother Print | Design Stuff
5. Luxe Side Table | Matt Blatt
6. M&Co Ridge Glass Vase | Farmers
7. Ambe Electric Corner Fire | Ambe Home
8. Ferm LIVING Meridian Table Lamp | Design Stuff
9. Madison Sofa | Casterly
10. Harvest Rug | Au Rugs
11. Moonrise Plumb Desert Donkey Cushion | Cranmore
12. Chantel Scallop Velvet Accent Chair | Matt Blatt
Art Deco design is one of the most enduring, and visually distinct design movements of all time. A well-executed art deco interior should transport you straight to the cigar rooms of The Great Gatsby – 100 years ago in the roaring twenties!
Formerly known as New Moderne, it was popularised at the French Industrial Exposition in the early 1920’s and soon took over the art, fashion and design world. Much like the sequined flapper dresses and head pieces – art deco makes a statement in opulence.
Characterized by abstract patterns and geometric shapes – think starbursts, zigzags and fans – and of course those famous art deco curves. Colours were deep, bold and moody while materials spanned from brass, mirror and coloured glass, to crushed velvet and genuine leather.
Just think luxury, old sport!
Modest Minimalism
Featuring the Ambe Multi49 Bay Electric Fireplace
Isaac Reversible Sectional Sofa | Casterly
Ava Cushion | Alex and Corban
Loom Hand-Woven Rug | Father Rabbit
Plaster Painting | Boheme Home
Pottery Barn Colossal Handknit Throw | Ballantynes
ICO Devonport Chair | Ballantynes
West Elm Austin Stationary Chair | Ballantynes
Ferryman by Indigo Love Collectors Table Lamp | Cranmore
Black Blaze Curl Curl Candle | Design Stuff
Ambe Electric Bay Fireplace | Ambehome
Peter Linbergh On Fashion Photography | Jardan
Hotel Magique When a Shell was a Flower Print | Father Rabbit
Boheme Home
- Isaac Reversible Sectional Sofa | Casterly
- Ava Cushion | Alex and Corban
- Loom Hand-Woven Rug | Father Rabbit
- Plaster Painting | Boheme Home
- Pottery Barn Colossal Handknit Throw | Ballantynes
- ICO Devonport Chair | Ballantynes
- West Elm Austin Stationary Chair | Ballantynes
- Ferryman by Indigo Love Collectors Table Lamp | Cranmore
- Black Blaze Curl Curl Candle | Design Stuff
- Ambe Electric Bay Fireplace | Ambehome
- Peter Linbergh On Fashion Photography | Jardan
- Hotel Magique When a Shell was a Flower Print | Father Rabbit
Widely regarded as one of the most significant design movements of the 20th century, minimalism takes inspiration from Japanese culture – everything must serve a purpose.
Much like the Marie Kondo craze of de-cluttering – Minimalism gets rid of distractions in the hope that a person or a space can find true peace in experiences rather than things and ultimately achieves a better design through simplicity.
So, what does characterise Minimalism? Quality curated and thought-out items that will stand the test of time and provide a function above all else; open and light filled spaces, stand-out feature pieces, and of course, a muted, monochromatic palette of whites, beiges and greys.
If in doubt, leave it out.
The design world is an exciting place, it’s fast paced and constantly evolving – sometimes it can be hard to keep up. The important thing is to stay true to your taste and create synergy between your home and your lifestyle. And if don’t think you’re keeping up with the trends, don’t worry – everything comes around full circle so hold onto those flares – and keep those floral curtains in storage, we heard that 70’s retro is making a big comeback.