Guest Post from Sydney

When Lise asked if I would like to guest post on her fabulous blog with an angle on design with an Australian perspective, I wasn't sure where to start. There are so many great designers, interior designers, stylists, furniture makers etc doing such wonderful things in this country that you could blog for years about them and their work.

So then I thought I could try and provide a snapshot of quintessential Australian design. But is there such a thing? How do you define your country's design style? Or should you not try? I don't even know what myown design style is! (Although I'm hoping this will become clear once my house is built which is due to start soon and which I am blogging about here)

Then I remembered the recent 2010 Australian Interior Design Awards, which showcase and award the best in interior design around the country,k and thought they might be able to provide a glimpse at Australian design style.

Firstly, an overriding element would have to be light. We have an abundance of sun and love to bring it inside.

Winner of the Residential Award: Coastal Retreat by Hare + Klein Interior Design

We love natural materials and earthy tones and referencing the beach

Winner of the Residential Award: Coastal Retreat by Hare + Klein Interior Design

You can see why this house was a winner! It looks so effortlessly designed and a place in which you could easily move in and put your feet up.

Where can I put mine ...?

Oh yes, here ...

In bringing the outside in, we love to make outdoor rooms as functional and beautiful as those inside. Doesn't this place pop?!

Shortlist for Colour in Residential Design: Hawthorn house by Richard & Roger Design

Here, the indoors blends seamlessly with the outdoors and light fills the room; it has an industrial feel with the concrete floors and grey walls and features a fun mix of furniture. Plus, it boasts being eco-friendly!

Shortlist for Environmentally Sustainable Design: Anthony/Danta residence by mac-interactive architects

This one's got the earthy vibe going on ... and there's the good old outdoors again.

Shortlist for Colour in Residential Design: Mary Residence by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

While we love white and neutral tones, some of us can't do without colour.

Commendation for Colour in Residential Design: Prahran House by SJB Interiors

Or a bit of glamour ...

Shortlist for Colour in Residential Design: Mary Residence by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

nor some quirkiness and eclectism ...

Shortlist for Residential Decoration: Philadelphia Penthouse by David Hicks

mixed with cultural references ...

Shortlist Residential Decoration: Stuart St by Robert Mills Architecture

Here, there's lots of light, neutral tones, natural materials, eclectism and colour all in one.

Shortlist for Residential Decoration: Stuart St by Robert Mills Architecture

I guess the thing is, we Aussies love to mix things up a bit and blend a bit of everything whether it's coastal sophistication, laid-back industrial, or just plain eclectic shabby chic (I think I made that up but I bet it does exist!).

Here, I detect a hint of Scandinavian ... what do you think?

Winner of the Residential Award: Coastal Retreat by Hare + Klein Interior Design

Q. What do you love and what do you think best sums up your country's design style?

Thanks for popping by!

Jane (aka the girl in the brick house)