Soft furnishings and pops of blue and green feature throughout this white-washed weatherboard cottage in Bowral. “We defined the living and two dining areas within the open plan by anchoring them with joinery, rugs and light fittings and building a partial wall to the formal dining area,” says interior designer Anna of the cosy space.

Tucked away in a tiny town in Victoria, Dry Diggings, this heritage home was restored with the gentlest of hands. Sarah and Ben, who have since sold the property, discovered the original stone fireplace beneath a modern façade in the living room, and later installed a pot-belly wood heater for warmth in winter. A striking dual-tone paint treatment in Dulux Congo Brown and Hog Bristle draws from the colours of the bush.

One surefire way of dialling up the colour and cosiness of a space is by adding a statement rug. In this maximalist Southern Highlands home, a warm-toned rug from Cadrys ties in with the ochre-hued velvet cushions and the colourful Christian Thompson artwork hanging above the sofa.

The original pink and burgundy living room of Bimlow Cottage was revived with an ornate mirror, a coffee table found on Facebook Marketplace and a rug from The Rug Shop in Bangalow. Vintage artworks hang above built-in shelving, which houses the owner’s collection of books, adding more colour to the space.

In the stately living room of this country-style Gembrook home, a grand fireplace takes centre stage. “The home has a lot of American design influence,” says Bobby Gordon, director and general manager of Robert Gordon, who owns this property alongside his wife and children. “It was quite unique for the area.”

Built in 1857, this stately home in Teesdale comes complete with an incredibly rich family history, markers of which can be found around the property. To tie it all together – hodge podge additions and all – interior designer Belle Hemming Bright was brought on board. In the living room, a palette of warm neutrals lets the original features – the windows and door, the ceiling details – speak for themselves.

The living room of this converted bank in Hay is drenched in grandeur and class. Painted a custom shade, Porter’s Paints Duchess Satin, the space holds artwork by homeowner Sheila’s great-great-aunt, a custom sofa and a cosy rug. “The original details are so inspiring: high ceilings, large skirting boards, the craftsmanship of the handmade panelling and the cedar balustrade,” says Sheila.

This converted shearer’s shed in Jugiong, NSW, enjoys the best of both worlds – high ceilings and contemporary country furniture blend beautifully with historic features, such as the original brick fireplace to the left. “It was just about keeping it simple – not having too much stuff in there, which is easy on the eye, too,” explains Yvette.

A warming fireplace taking centre stage, the living room of Dunmore Farm farmstay in Victoria beckons, promising cosiness and creature comforts. Just out of frame sits an antique leather armchair, a piece brought back from London by the couple who own the property.

A raked ceiling and wrap-around windows make the most of natural light and picturesque views in the living room of The Barn at Rangeview, a modern barn-style accommodation. The Cheminee fireplace at the back of the space is, according to owner Wanita, the star of the space, inviting guests to gather with a glass of wine and a good book.

The wood-burning stove within the living room of the picturesque and utterly charming Sinclairs of Berry warms the whole living room. Though set up to sleep 14 with generously appointed bedrooms, this space was designed for gathering, and feels extra welcoming and cosy.

In the living room of this relocated and restored old house in Pomona, Queensland, sunlight dances on a vintage chandelier that homeowner Linda purchased at a market in northern Italy and brought home in her suitcase. “I was astounded that it actually made it!” she says.

Antique furniture and vintage artworks carry whispers of history in the lounge room of this 150-year-old dairy farmhouse in Milton, NSW. “The varied textures bring charm to spaces,” one of the owners says of the mixed materials in the room. “Showcasing the stone has added extra character to the building.”

The living room of this 1950s Narrawa farmhouse imbues happiness, with its powder pink walls, green fireplace, gorgeous art and colourful furniture. Owner Penny admits that the fireplace was originally going to be the same pink as the walls, but her sister, Emma, reached for the green instead. “I hate to say, but it was almost a mistake,” she says. “It looks so much better to have that contrast.”

Bold patterns and bright colours have revived this old farmhouse near Toowoomba, as seen in the joyfully orange snug. Above the orange wainscoting, Ottoline Sporty Stripes in Saffron wallpaper packs a punch, while a shapely Matisse lamp from Florabelle Living ties in with the navy sofa.

European vintage and antique pieces are dotted around this French provincial cottage in Daylesford, VIC. The owner describes her collection of objects and artworks as “a beautiful way of self-expression”.

Harry, a rescued Jack Russell/foxy cross keeps a lookout at the porthole window in the sitting room of this Mornington Peninsula farmhouse, where heavy curtains, worn leather sofas and timber furniture create a warm and inviting ambience.

Recycled timber floorboards laid in a chevron pattern draw the eye up towards a central fireplace. The Binalong property, known as Mylora homestead, once inspired the work of legendary Australian poet, Banjo Paterson.

A divine living room was created in this open-plan church-turned-home. A natural colour palette echoes the timber tones of the impressive cathedral ceiling. “I love things that are weathered and tell the story of where they came from,” says the homeowner.

High ceilings and skylights are a match made in heaven. Not only is this coastal Gerringong farmhouse bright and airy, it is toasty and warm once you get the fire roaring.

In photographer Marnie Hawson’s charming cottage in Central Victoria, heritage details remind you of the home’s past, while modern furniture makes it feel fresh and comfortable. Beneath an original clothes hanger is a MCM House sofa, coffee table and cushions from Trentham General, and an Armadillo & Co rug.

As the grandmillennial pink exterior of this weatherboard would suggest, the interiors of this Toowoomba home are filled with personality, collected items, art and colour. Full of antiques and fabulous finds, the gorgeous sofa pictured here was a serendipitous Gumtree pick up.

Personal pieces, such as family heirlooms and artworks, add instant character and emotional connection to a living space, as seen in the cosy lounge of this Federation-era Queenslander, where colourful family paintings adorn the walls.

Mixing, rather than matching, is the secret to the warm, welcoming feel of this sitting room in a restored manse in Berry, NSW. A chaise and ottoman upholstered in Schumacher Les Fougeres fabric from Grant Dorman Interior Products sets the colour scheme, with more vibrant greens introduced through artwork and indoor plants.

Captains Rest — a cosy, one-bedroom Airbnb cottage in Lettes Bay, is the ultimate relaxation haven. In the living room, the daybed under the window is a perfect spot to lie back and contemplate the peaceful scene outside.

While modest in size, this lakeside cottage near Noosa is big on charm. Antique furniture and artworks that the owner has collected on her travels fill the light-filled living space.

Large windows, white walls and high ceilings with exposed beams all create an expansive feel in the open-plan living room of this barn-style home in Daylesford, Victoria. Large woven pendants, a textured rug and indoor plants help to make the space feel warm and welcoming.

A fireplace constructed from stones collected from around this renovated Berrima property is undoubtedly the hero of the living room. The historic home, which dates back to the 19th Century, was destined for demolition before the current owners snapped it up and began a large-scale restoration.

Located in the Southern Highlands, this Georgian-style cottage embraces a more classic country aesthetic in the form of skirted armchairs, florals and antiques. In the living room, buttercup yellow uplifts and ties the space together.

“I started by choosing neutral colours – I didn’t want to make it too tizzy,” the owner of Scottsburn Lodge says of her decorating approach. The formal dining room and lounge features pops of colour with a still-life piece by painter Henry Cockington and pretty purple hydrangeas.

In the living room of this Southern Highlands cottage, a woven artwork by local artist Brook Munro hangs beside an antique French floor lamp, while a felt piece by Harriet Goodall, also a local, neatly conceals the television.

Recycled bricks from Bowral Bricks form the rustic backdrop for the Cheminees Philippe fireplace in this modern Southern Highlands weekender. Contemporary pieces, including a curved beige sofa and paper lantern pendant light, complement the more country-style brick feature and rattan basket.

The home of a lifelong collector, this dining rooms features a farmhouse table with vintage Thonet bentwood chairs, and a cotton pendant shade from The Society Inc. “We love everything old,” explains homeowner Lisa. “We’ve both always loved old houses and we wanted one in the country, with a big garden that we could get stuck into.” Situated on a former apple orchard in Victoria’s central highlands, this renovated farmhouse is the perfect foil for Lisa’s collection of treasures and curios sourced in Australia and overseas, from Indian balloon moulds and Moroccan rugs to birdcages and mid-century swan planters. 

A painstaking renovation of this historic home on Bruny island in Tasmania revealed a glorious patchwork of heritage features and materials from the 1840s, including mortice and tenon joints, nogged brick walls, aged timber panels, original paintwork and even newspaper clippings. Instead of covering these, architect John Wardle chose to reveal them in sections, as seen in the gloriously simple kitchen/dining area.

Despite being located within a new build, this dining area feels equal parts warm and sleek. It’s one of the many spaces in the home that enjoys views out to the Launceston countryside. “When you’re at the dining table, you can look out through the front door, which is all glass, and see a boat moored in the river. It’s really lovely to be able to connect with that view,” says the homeowner, Pearl.

Small in size but big in soul, the dining nook of this beautifully restored cottage in Dry Diggings, VIC, is as cosy as they come – especially thanks to an Esse wood-fired stove. The blackwood table belonged to the great-grandmother of one of the homeowners, while the copper pots and pans were passed down from his mother.

A grisaille wallpaper mural paired with forest green wainscoting creates a feeling of whimsy and a sense of grand scale in the dining room of this converted bank in Hay, NSW. Fresh flowers and cabbageware adorn the table, which sits ready and waiting for guests.

“I fought hard for the curved-leg Danish table at the Raffan Kelaher & Thomas auctions,” says Kasturi, the owner of this cottage in Coolah, NSW, of their dining table. Red cattle dog-dingo cross Alf rests his head, hopeful for a snack.

The hero of this open-plan dining space at a farmhouse in Molyullah, VIC is the Jotul wood stove which keeps the space cosy even in the depths of winter. “Opening up the living and kitchen areas to create one room just made such a difference,” says homeowner Bec MacDougall.

Tomolly store owner, Belinda Satterthwaite, recently transformed a rundown cottage on her property into a welcoming guest house. Nowhere is the inviting atmosphere more apparent than in the dining room, where she often leaves a freshly-baked Moroccan spice cake for guests.

When restoring their weatherboard cottage in Toowoomba, QLD, couple Roger and Hayley were careful to decorate with as much antique and vintage furniture as possible. In the dining room, an early 1900s oak table with extendable eaves is the perfect setting for a family feast. The table is flanked by Bentwood chairs Hayley inherited from her great-grandparents.

An extensive collection of books are at home on custom shelves in the dining room of a renovated Daylesford miner’s cottage. “I am a book hoarder and would never leave any behind,” says homeowner Lucie Sayer. Bentwood dining chairs flank the pre-loved timber table.

When the Maroulis family moved into this 1915-era farmhouse, they knew it needed to be expanded, but took their time planning the ultimate renovation. Eventually they bumped out the kitchen and dining area to create an airy, open-plan space. Today, the dining room is decorated in a pared-back style with an antique table, an old butcher’s block and Bentwood dining chairs.

There is no shortage of seating in the dining room of Sinclairs of Berry, a beautifully renovated cottage on the NSW South Coast. Owner Caroline Sinclair calls the open-plan dining room the “happy hub of the home.” The space, which opens onto the kitchen and living room features a custom 3.5 metre-long table constructed from 100-year-old Oregon ceiling joists discovered at a timber yard in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Homewares store owner and freelance creative Hayley Priest’s modern farmhouse dining room is simply styled, allowing the stunning rural views beyond the windows take centre stage. The table is by Coco Republic, while the chairs were sourced at Barbara’s Storehouse in Bowral.

A large draftsman’s table bought at an auction has become the dining table in this Broken Hill homestead, after a stint as a workbench in the shed. “It’s old and worn and completely imperfect: just how I like it!” says homeowner Zanna. “The kitchen was actually planned around that 3.6 metre-long table.”

Located right next to the open-plan kitchen, the dining room in this multi-generational family farmhouse in the Macedon Ranges is designed for large gatherings and effortless entertaining.

The owners of this Southern Highlands home, Michael and Patsy, have blended rustic country and Hamptons style with tribal elements that draw on Michael’s heritage (he’s originally from Zimbabwe). In the dining room, a lampshade by Harriet Goodall and Natalie Wilson hangs above a bespoke table by Graham Zealey of Moss Vale’s Southern Trade Supplies.

Furnished with vintage and inherited furniture, this artist’s weatherboard farmhouse in the Macedon Ranges feels eclectic and personal; a place where every piece has a story.

At this farmhouse cottage at rose farm Bush Roses in Bookham, verdant views of the garden can be enjoyed from every room. The dining room is no exception, orientated toward a huge picture window and wood fireplace.

This compact dining room proves you don’t need a huge amount of space to create a cosy spot to enjoy a meal and even entertain. The farm table and chairs in the kitchen were left by the previous owners of this Tudor style home.

In this renovated cottage in the Byron Bay hinterland, a simple Scandinavian-style dining space with a soft oak table, black Wishbone dining chairs and a woven pendant, feels calm, inviting and cosy with the fire close by.

It’s easy to see why this is Louise Andreasen’s favourite spot in her home. “From my position there, I look directly out at the forest of beech trees behind the house. The changing seasons ensure it’s a new view every day. I like to watch for deer wandering through.” The Sika Design Rossini rattan chairs and Atmosphere wool rug, both from Domo, make the space feel warm and inviting.

Like many elements in this sustainable timber home, this colossal dining table was upcycled and refurbished, including the addition of a new parquet-style tabletop made from many timbers. Teamed with handmade bench seating, the table can accommodate up to 30 people!

Tucked in a corner, the dining room in this coastal farmhouse feels cosy and intimate despite its fresh white colour scheme. Cane chairs keep things casual, while a bench seat under the window provides the perfect place to stretch out and read the morning paper.

A modern monochrome extension lies at the rear of this Sydney heritage home by CDArchitects and MXM Design Studio. The homeowners, a couple with young children, were seeking a monochromatic palette with muted hard finishes. “They wanted a neutral scheme and colours that would work in both the old and new parts,” says the designer.

With its generous proportions and panoramic views over the district to the city skyline this house on a corner block in Sydney’s Hunters Hill ticked all the boxes for the empty-nester purchasers. With the brief specifying a black-and-white palette, designer Greg Natale was in his element but the owners’ wish for “a clean, modern and sleek interior” meant a change of beat for him. Known for his lavish layers and decoration, Greg said he held back on the patterns in this project but introduced plenty of texture and materiality. 

Designer Dylan Farrell has performed a smart conjuring trick with this glamorous four-bedroom home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. In a magical transformation, he has deftly upped its formal, classical credentials, while, paradoxically perhaps, also making it fun and functional for family living. Bright white interiors “for lightness”, teamed with sophisticated black accents, drove the palette, expressed in white walls, timber flooring and lashings of marble. 

This newly-designed concrete home’s strength of character comes not just from its robust materials but also the confident embrace of its bayside position with gun-barrel views of Sydney Heads. The mood throughout is one of quiet luxury. The owners favoured a monochrome palette, so the materials were restricted to blackened steel and timber for the stairs and living room shelving, and stained oak for the joinery in the kitchen and other areas.

By mining tricks of light, pattern panache and colour wizardry, clever design can bring new life to even the most modest dwelling. And that is certainly the case in this striking Sydney apartment that’s crossed over to the dark side.

While this modern home is owned by landscape professionals, there’s nothing earthbound in the uplifting feeling it generates. Except, that is, for the abundant indoor greenery that is handsomely offset by a monochromatic palette.

In the communal spaces of this 19th-century mansion, monochromatic and minimalist furniture is juxtaposed with the highly ornate ceiling roses and intricate mouldings.

Even the stunning water views on the doorstep can’t upstage the polished interiors of this reborn home in Sydney’s Point Piper. A lighter touch was needed, so Dylan Farrell and Thomas Hamel of Thomas Hamel & Associates and Timothy Moon of Timothy Moon Architects were hired to re fashion the two-level home.

The owner of this Potts Point apartment has a love of soft greys, charcoals and muted colours, and the refresh of the interiors has a real sense of serenity. There are quite a few dark elements contrasted with large expanses of chalky greys, expressed through a very tight palette.

A harmonious fusion of Japanese, contemporary and Victorian influences instils a sense of effortless calm within this chic home conceived by Mim Design. A dialled down palette prevails in the sitting room.

This dream-like Vanuatu property became a much-loved second home for Elizabeth Jones and her family. Contrast defines the kitchen and living area. Hand-picked objects stand proud in dark cabinetry and bold prints lift the white sofas.

Fitt de Felice was asked to create a luxurious, stylish and comfortable family home that would also be a great place for entertaining. A Ligne Roset ‘Ploum’ sofa from Domo acts as a statement piece in the living room.

Design duo and mother and daughter Poppy and Charlotte O’Neil put their heads together to create a contemporary and fresh space in Charlotte’s inner-city terrace. A chic monochrome interior and layers of luxurious finishes gives the terrace a fresh new look.

Drawing on Californian inspirations, this house glows with a glamorous vibe that strikes a pose between ease and elegance courtesy of David Hicks.

If walls could talk, these sandstone marvels would have fascinating stories to tell. And, as this 1840s cottage in central Tasmania enters an exciting new era, it weaves a fresh narrative, with the signature sandstone and original fireplaces remaining a leading character.

This once petite 1930s cottage in Mittagong, NSW has been gifted with new-found spaciousness through a lovely renovation, including the addition of a minimalist black fireplace.

A bright modern country home, this new build in Bowral carries its defining theme of white, steel and glass, contrast into a stunning fireplace.

Lovingly restored, this quaint cottage in Witta, Queensland, incorporates a fireplace with a unique ironbark mantel.

Seymour House, a home with a bold, artistic past, displays a gorgeous fireplace, flanked in limited edition black paint by Sibella Court for Murobond.

Perched above Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, this seaside cottage boasts a warm, cosy fireplace whose mantle is adorned with antiques.

Bundara Farm, located in New South Wales’ South Coast, hosts a set of dedicated entertaining spaces, many of which are centred around large granite fireplaces, like the above.

A romantic converted shearer’s shed, ‘The Quarters’ in Jugiong, NSW, that features a restored fireplace, built with bricks made on the property.

In this renovated century-old farmhouse in Queensland’s high country, a stunning fireplace becomes a homely, inviting place to gather in winter.

A Cheminée fireplace sits in this barn-style home in the Southern Highlands, where a theme of “creature comforts” is brought to life with natural and textural elements.

The basalt stone fireplace is a stand-out feature of the Soul of Gerringong farmhouse, tying in with its relaxed palette and natural textures.

A cliff-top Mornington Peninsula home offers the best of beach and country for its owners. The Ergofocus suspended fireplace from Oblica warms the open-plan space in winter.

In Bonnie Hindmarsh’s modern coastal farmhouse, a ‘6015 HO GS2’ gas fireplace, from Lopi Fireplaces is seamlessly integrated into the VJ wall pannelling, making a striking modern statement in all-white living room.

The statement double-sided fireplace in the living room of this sun-filled terrace is the heart of the entire home. The statement marble plinth creates an easy sitting area for cold winter nights curled up by the fire.

This modern Art deco-inspired home places an emphasis on bold lines and subtle curves to create a sumptuous interior look. The living room features a hand-carved fireplace which perfectly situated between a pair of steel-framed doors.

This 1920s Mediterranean-style villa has been given a contemporary makeover designed for modern living. The living room features subtle curves throughout, and the focal point is undoubtedly the statement arched fireplace.

Drawing on Californian inspirations, this house glows with a glamorous vibe that strikes a pose between ease and elegance. Designer David Hicks opted for an over-scaled black marble fireplace in the living area which features a white Arabescato plinth to match the stairs.

The energy efficient fireplace by Morso in the living room warms up the entire living room of this Danish-inspired cabin in the Lithgow Region of the Blue Mountains.

This 1970s home with a Palm Springs vibe in Brisbane has kept the living room pared-back with a minimalistic approach to buying designer and vintage finds and a streamline fireplace to add warmth.

The transformation dreamy weatherboard cottage in Berry was designed to retain as much of its original country charm as possible. The brick-clad fireplace is paired with antique furniture to create a cosy, traditional look.

A playful use of colour and patterns reign supreme in this sophisticated yet youthful Art Deco style home. The marble fireplace pops against a pastel pink feature wall, while brass accents in the room lend a glamorous touch.

At this stylish weekender in the NSW Southern Highlands, an outdoor fireplace allows for alfresco entertaining all year round. The fireplace has been painted in Dulux Prestige Blue and the custom fire grate was made by Plank and Trestle.

In the living room of this Mediterranean-inspired apartment, a stark white palette is paired with rattan chairs for a coastal cool look. The marble-clad fireplace adds a luxurious touch to the space.

The original brick fireplace is what first attracted the owners of this historic home in the Kangaroo Valley and keeping it raw and rustic has created an idyllic country feel.

 Cathedral ceilings, along with a tonal mix of timber, black and white creates an open and inviting feel in this modern farmhouse and the statement stone fireplace adds the right amount of texture and warmth (literally).

This double-sided fireplace is as beautiful as it is functional, providing warmth to the kitchen and living areas, while housing a stack of chopped wood in the cement niche below. Linda, the owner of this country-style kitchen said she “wanted it to look like an old barn with a contemporary fit-out inside.”

This fireplace is the focal point of the kitchen in this suburban home in Melbourne’s St Kilda thanks to the architectural off-form concrete finish on the mantle and chimney.

A grand marble fireplace in a renovated Victorian terrace has become a sculptural element in this bedroom, adorned by a painting by Antonia Sellbach and other abstract pieces.

Kathryn Robson and Chris Rak refurbished the mirror and designed the marble fireplace in recurring geometric lines that create a visual dialogue reminiscent of this Spanish-mission style home’s 1920s architecture.

This luxurious living room in a home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has been decorated in Hollywood Regency style, with brass and marble accents. We love the ‘Golden Branch ‘fireplace screen from Horchow.

On tree-lined acreage in the NSW Central West, a family of four has built their dream retreat: a light-filled homestead where each corner conceals a delight.

Melbourne designer Emily Gillis converted her compact 1970s apartment into an elegant and minimal living space, including this custom banquette seating built by Stevens Waters. Positioned beneath the window, this light-soaked banquette doubles as a cosy reading nook with hidden storage.

This corner of the kitchen in Kip & Co co-founder Hayley Pannekoecke’s colourful home is a cosy spot for family mealtimes. The tan leather benches are custom-made and the light is from Jardan, as are the pink velvet and brass armchairs.

Characterised by luxe finishes and a monochromatic palette, this grand Mosman home infuses a hint of glamour into every detail, including its sleek black banquette seating area and accompanying marble table.

Interior architect Sophie Bower has incorporated some genius space-saving ideas into her small Sydney apartment, like this stylish eating nook off the kitchen. The custom banquette seating paired with slimline furniture provides enough seating for four — and there’s storage underneath.

The owners of this modern Scandi home use this casual banquette area to do homework, socialise and enjoy meals together. The built-in banquette was custom-made in easy-to-wipe-clean leather by Tuckbox Design.

One of the main architectural gestures to the restoration of one of Melbourne’s most significant homes was to open up the northern wing with a series of arches. Along the way is built-in pink and brown banquette-style seating, framed by steel-finished enclaves that allow the garden to be fully embraced.

A custom-designed bench upholstered in Ralph Lauren Home­ fabric anchors a pair of Bill Henson artworks in this cafe-style setting. A perfect pop of colour inside this mid-century home revamped by interior designer Tasmin Johnson.

A bespoke curved banquette finished in ‘Verona’ leather in Nutmeg from Instyle adds to the modern-industrial aesthetic of this heritage home in Darlinghurst.

The owner of this iconic Sydney sandstone home wanted a low-maintenance dining zone that could accommodate drop-in guests and family. The banquette and vintage Paul Kafka chairs are upholstered in family-friendly vinyl and “fits a pile of children,” says designer Brett Mickan.

The owner of this Art Deco Sydney home enlisted furniture maker Tim Noone to create her Curatorial dining table, with the custom banquette and Thonet ‘Hoffmann’ chairs providing seating for 10. A limited-edition Peggy chandelier by Hangar Design Group hangs above.

In this modernist home in Melbourne, a mix of leather, navy blue and timber make for a modern yet distinctly mid-century-style breakfast nook.

A perfect example of the unexpected red theory is this red velvet banquette seat by Simone Haag. Thanks to this Brighton penthouse apartment‘s light and bright interiors, the decadent, red seating nook makes a bold statement.

This dining nook looks out to the grassy slope at the back of this modernist-inspired home in Byron Bay. The diner-style seating was designed by the owner who loves “the old-school look and feel of a banquette.”

Featuring herringbone parquetry, high ceilings and plenty of natural light, this revitalised 1930s apartment in Bondi seamlessly blends heritage details with contemporary flair for a modern, Parisienne look. In the kitchen, an in-built banquette-style seat makes the most of the small open-plan kitchen and dining space while creating a chic cafe feel.

Hannah Cecil Gurney, daughter of de Gournay founder Claud Cecil Gurney and now director of the handpainted wallpaper company, has lived in a wonderland of wall coverings since childhood. So, it’s little surprise that her London home is a fabulous fairytale of colour and pattern.

This formerly masculine apartment was given a timeless and refreshing modernisation courtesy of Thibaut ‘Shang’ grass-cloth wallpaper throughout. It made the perfect backdrop to the owners’ cabbageware collection.

Drawing inspiration from the gilded and glamorous palaces of Italy, this maximalist dining space from Brisbane’s ‘Gucci Mansion’ centres around equally maximalist gold crane-printed wallpaper.

Adding both texture and colour, grass-cloth continues to be a classic choice when it comes to wallpapering as seen in this eclectic, colourful Byron Bay home.

Pale sage and floral patterns deliver a freshness and sense of romance to this ensuite bathroom designed by Thomas Hamel & Associates.

In this former bakery in Newtown, bold, botanical wallpaper from Cole & Son complements an emerald-painted original fireplace, creating a small jungle in the heart of the city.

Reminiscent of a Nancy Meyers film, this cosy guest bedroom from an Adelaide Bragg-designed apartment proves that mixing and layering patterns can really work. In this instance, we have blue and green-toned florals and gingham set against Colefax and Fowler Tealby Stripe wallpaper.

Another example of where bolder can be better is this anything-but-dull guest bedroom from Anna Spiro’s Melbourne home. A palette of warm-toned prints set against Brunschwig & Fils ‘On Point’ wallpaper provides plenty of visual intrigue and character.

Beyond the oversized, heavyset timber door of this house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a tranquil compound that could be mistaken for a resort but is, in fact, a serene family home.

The home on this magical property only accessible by boat is lined with original timber from 1897. In the 1980s thoughtful renovations were done, and rare and unusual timbers were sourced to give a contemporary edge to the property, fusing together the two periods.

Terra firma hues and a muted palette bring this house, a generational family home inherited by the current owners, back down to earth. An 1870s timber-clad terrace in Paddington, it required an approach that was both sensitive and sensible.

The richly-stained spotted-gum floorboards pick up the stonework’s mottled shades in this home among the gum trees, while a golden plywood ceiling, skilfully installed by local builders Blackwattle Constructions, reminds you to look up.

A custom ‘Rachis’ table by Dylan Farrell Design for Jean de Merry sits under the sweeping curve of the staircase which is clad in ebonised oak. Interior design by Dylan Farrell Design.

This grand three-storey home in Sydney’s Mosman uses clever design to create a series of intimate spaces throughout. In striking contrast to the surrounding interiors, this sitting room features a light timber-clad ceiling that gives the space an intimate and rustic warmth.

This Mornington Peninsula holiday home is filled with robust and rugged raw finishes, including concrete, brick and timber, designed to deliver a low-maintenance interior with a carefree edge that is tailor-made for a family’s escape from the big smoke.

Timber was used cleverly by interior designer Jase Sullivan when designing Shelley Craft’s home in Byron Bay. Not only grounding the property in the surrounding nature, but clever concealed slatted timber doors lead to the walk-in robe, and a stacked timber wall system completely opens up the living space to the kitchen.

A Scandinavian aesthetic, by way of blonde timbers, white walls and pitch-perfect furniture, has infused this original 1900s cottage with a sense of youthful joie de vivre. While the impression is of a cool and contemporary abode, there is certainly no lack of warmth, which is generated by the tactile quality of the timber and travertine surfaces.

The repetition of ribbed timberwork is seen throughout this house designed by Neil Cownie Architect, including on the staircase.

This beachy holiday home, conceived by Greg Natale Design, ended up being a 1970s-inspired study in rosewood and walnut. The minimalist kitchen features timber slatted cupboards, and a mixture of beautiful tones.

A shaft of sunlight from the skylight pierces the stairwell of this luxe barn-style home on the Mornington Peninsula, crafted from Tasmanian oak from Abelwood and a steel balustrade. “Lavishly endowed with glowing Australian timber and limestone, this home has a robust but luxe materials palette “from the earth”, says Abe McCarthy of Abe McCarthy Architects.

Floor-to-ceiling timber bookshelves crafted from 150-year-old red oak line the walls of this grand sitting room in the historic Foxlox House in rural New South Wales.

The ‘unexpected red theory’ has been brilliantly applied in the home library of this contemporary waterfront home in Bondi. Seagrass wallpaper pairs well with the bright red metallic shelving and matching step ladder.

Located in Melbourne’s inner north, this multi-generational home (and Inside Out’s Home of the Year for 2021) features a shared pavilion that houses a laundry, guest room and this light and airy library. Concrete flooring, white shelving and a solid timber desk add to the minimalist, inner-city feel of the space.

The vibrant library in this relaxed harbourside home is lined with Vitsœ bookshelves by Dieter Rams and the client’s collection of framed 1930s French wine posters. The iconic Up Series armchair by Gaetano Pesce serves as the focal point of the space.

The much-prized reading spot in this Hamptons-inspired holiday home in Perth is built into the library wall, encompassing the reader in a cosy nook.

Rustic charm meets urban style in this barn-style home in Malibu where timber flooring and vaulted ceilings add plenty of warmth to the home’s loft library.

In the home of Dirty Janes Bowral founder, Jane Crowley, a quaint library bookcase with wire windows is paired with comfortable sofas and armchairs, and an heirloom side table that belonged to Jane’s grandmother.

The white shelving in the library of this minimalist Sydney apartment provides a blank canvas for the numerous colourful books and selection of ceramics to really pop.

Bespoke cabinetry has created this cosy, marigold-hued reading nook in an artist’s colourful family home. A pendant light from Hay above the pink cushions provides soft light for evening reading.

“I’ve come to embrace red for a pop of colour,” says homeowner and designer Collette Dinnigan of her chic, colour-coded home library in Bowral.

“These bookshelves are made from Gyprock rather than joinery so they look like they are part of the wall,” says interior designer Lisa Burdus of this colourfully renovated home.

Floor-to-ceiling shelving made from recycled hardwood emphasises the soaring ceilings in this Scandi-inspired cabin in Victoria.

In this heritage home’s marvellously modern extension, a traditionally formal room, the home library, is refreshed with stylish Italian-designed furniture and many decorative pieces that enhance the room’s gorgeous allure.

The library-style shelves contain all manner of books and antiques the family of this renovated Queenslander has collected over the years. The vintage table and Bentwood chairs are all eBay finds and the painting is by Greg Dwyer.

Filled with natural light, this cosy reading room features white shelving which has been used to display the front covers of the owner’s collection of books.

Architect Luigi Rosselli calls this the ‘Anne Frank’ bookcase as the pivoting door conceals the owner’s study, providing a quiet, tranquil space in this epic stacked house he designed on Sydney’s coastline.

“My lifelong ambition was having floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a sliding ladder, so it’s nice to have achieved this!” says author Alice Nelson, the owner of this renovated home in Perth.

Homeowner, designer and textile consultant Marta Ferr stands in front of her contemporary library stacked with design tomes in her enchanting Milan apartment.

The dividing wall between the study and sitting area of this renovated Victorian terrace was removed to create one large, light and very peaceful room. Built-in cabinetry modernises the space and creates a library wall.

An elegant archway frames the ultra-luxe home library in this Mediterranean-inspired Sydney home. Seagrass wallpaper contrasts against the library’s white shelving while a Tulip-style dining table and curved dining chairs mirror the curves throughout the home.

The library walls of this Art Deco-style home renovation in Newcastle have been coated in the shade ‘Petite Pink’ by Dulux, which ties into the Morrocan-style rug.

Making the most of the near-perfect Queensland climate, the owners revel in the indoor-outdoor lifestyle their holiday home offers. “The owners were looking for a cohesive design where the house felt unified internally and externally and there was a visual language connecting it all,” explains the interior designer.

A connection to the outdoors was a strong consideration for the owners of this low-tox home in Byron’s hinterland region. In the kitchen and dining area, it’s achieved through a continuation of the ceiling and the inclusion of large doors, louvered windows and a window seat.

A monochrome palette with splashes of grey, brown and green creates a strong link between the indoor and outdoor spaces of this sundrenched home on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Billowing full-height sheer curtains create a direct sight line through the large glass doors and into the petite but lush courtyard of this renovated home in Sydney. A series of three highly placed window add extra light and openness.

A stacked stone fireplace is flanked by two full-height glass windows in this tropical Byron Bay barn-style home. Elsewhere, a bright and airy glass walkway connects two zones of the home.

The kitchen island is well and truly the heart of the home in this dreamy Bondi Beach house where sliding doors help to expand the kitchen area into the great outdoors.

This coastal holiday home inspired by the Bahamas features sliding glass doors that transform the outdoor deck into an extended entertaining zone for the whole family.

Nestled in the Adelaide hills, this mid-century modern inspired stone cottage sought to maximise the connection between the indoors and the outdoors with generous black-framed sliding doors.

In this French-Caribbean inspired Balinese home, the length of the living and dining room features bi-fold doors that open onto a generous verandah.

A clever use of potted plants helps to tie the living room of this Scandi-noir home with the lush outdoor garden space.

The outdoor dining setting right outside the open-plan dining and living space of this modernist home is the perfect place to relax after a long day.

In Rachel Castle’s colourful and quirky home the open-plan living and dining space features ceiling to floor steel-framed windows that allow ample natural light in, while allowing the interior to take advantage of its stunning natural surrounds.

White-framed bi-fold doors create a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors in this Brisbane pool house.

This luxury coastal apartment takes advantage of its stunning natural surrounds with ample windows and glass bi-fold doors that help to enhance a sense of space.

A sliding door in the bedroom of this fibro cottage in Avalon was included to allow perfect accessibility to and throughout the rest of the house.

The dramatic box extension of this revamped Federation home opens along the length of the open-plan kitchen living and dining space to the lawn.

Ceiling to floor steel-framed windows connect the living room with the courtyard in this revamped Edwardian home.

The kitchen in this Palm Springs-style home opens up seamlessly to the verandah which boasts a relaxing outdoor dining setting with the use of sliding glass doors.

Beneath a contemporised weatherboard cottage in Brisbane lies this stylish, earthy-toned subterranean den where Dulux Lush Hosta panelled walls are complemented by a green and cream Asti Terrazzo benchtop from Anterior XL.

In a renovated period home, a dark and moody palette allows these showstopping green, glossy tiles (Moroccan zellige tiles in Spearmint from Byzantine Design) to shine.

While designer Anna Spiro’s whimsically eclectic English country-style home is filled with colours, it’s the green patterned wallpaper in the bathroom that makes a true statement. Contrasted against a pink door, patterned Roman blinds and plenty of natural textures, theis space pops with personality.

This original 1907 Queen Anne-style house has been dramatically colour-drenched to create moody spaces while celebrating its heritage features. The forest-like sitting room features a wall painted in Haymes ‘Black Olive’ which acts as a backdrop for the furnishings and lighting choices by interior decorator Simone Haag.

Contemporary style meets country charm in this modern family farmhouse by Three Birds Renovations. In the serene sage study, walls painted in Dulux Still echo the leafy views captured through the black-framed box window.

Following a colourful renovation, this Sydney bungalow now enjoys an uplifting palette of pink, blue, red, and of course, green. In the kitchen, cabinets painted in Porter’s Paints Olive Grove make a stylish statement.

Painted in a rich and calming sage green, this colour-drenched main bedroom in a renovated Melbourne townhouse provides a serene escape from the city.

In the same colourful Sydney bungalow, a minty green ensuite envelopes you in a sea of green, from the speckled tiles to the custom shaker cabinetry finished in Dulux Salt Wattle.

In this joyfully elegant weatherboard, sage green cabinetry complements an olive-coloured leather lounge and circular rug while touches of timber add to the warmth of the space.

Inspired by Japanese bathhouses, the bathroom of this renovated bungalow has been painted in Dulux Lush Hosta and finished in green tiles imported from Japan. A brushed brass basin provides a metallic pop.

Layers of green, including walls painted in Dulux Remote Control and mint green bedding from Bed Threads, create a warm and comforting ambience in this colour-drenched bedroom.

The kitchen is the undisputed heart of the home for food writer Elizabeth Hewson. Green cabinetry painted in Porter’s Paints Timberline and Half Rubble, complements rattan pendant lights, marble benchtops and brassy tapware.

The owners of this Federation home in Hunters Hill were firm that they wanted green interiors throughout. In the case of the bathroom, Porter’s Paints ‘Villa’ introduces some soft, textured green which is complemented by a marble and brass vanity.

Architect David Luck and designer Hamish Guthrie of Hecker Guthrie Design were engaged to work on the refurbishment of this glamorous Victorian terrace. Shades of green create a calming mood in the upstairs areas.

The palette in this tropical modernist-style home is “what can be seen from the panoramic terrace at sunset – pink clouds, a green tree-lined backdrop and the blue sea in the distance,” says interior designer Jase Sullivan. The kitchen joinery has been stained with a green tint, and the marbles used throughout have been selected to complement.

This is what happens when you take the story of Rapunzel as design inspiration. We’re not sure what’s worse: that a company manufactured this atrocity, or that someone actually installed it in their house!

Fancy falling down the stairs every morning? This doorway has got your back. Seriously though, between the door juuuuust grazing the handrail and the complete lack of landing, there’s design crimes everywhere you look in this scary photo.

They might have solved the slip hazard in this bathroom, but can you imagine the smell? At least they’re saving a bit of money on a bath mat.

Look, we know sometimes done is better than perfect, but if you ever find yourself in a home with a sink like this, back away slowly and then run for your life. This is criminal behaviour.

What came first, the house or the bath? We know it’s sad when you can’t fit a tub in your tiny bathroom, but sometimes, a bath is just not worth it.

Building code? Never heard of it. At least the owners will have a better excuse for getting out of work than ‘the dog ate my homework’.

No. Nooooooo. This is way too close for comfort (sorry). We’re not sure if this is designed for couples, families or (god forbid) guests, but nobody needs a partner in crime while they do their business.

We’re not sure how this cosy fireplace with ‘character’ fits into this living room’s whole coastal-meets-Hamptons vibe, but be careful not to knock a tooth out when you go to put another log on.

We can’t help but feel that this crowded kitchen would be a hazard to cook in, with its low ceiling, terribly planned layout, varied bench heights, and overly decorative glossy cabinetry fronts. As for the black hole ceiling mural? No comment.

This bathroom goes to show why it’s important to seek expert advice when remodeling a small bathroom. A shower over a bath is one thing, but a shower over a toilet? That takes guts.

Going with the classic ‘cupboard under the stairs’ obviously wasn’t good enough for this house, but each to their own. We’re just wondering whether there’s an exhaust fan installed above the shower?

This padded kitchen cabinetry sure must come in handy when you’ve got your hands full and go to shut the drawer with your hip. Rhinestones are just an added bonus, really.

We know that some luxury fashion houses have dropped homewares, like when Dolce and Gabbana collaborated with Smeg, but somehow this feature wall just have the same effect. If you’re going to knock off the iconic LV, at least spell it right.

We’re all for recycling, but we can think of better things to do with your old dolls…for example, give them to a kid in your life. If you want to be creative with displaying your collection of succulents, then make these far less creepy DIY dinosaur succulent planters instead!

Hey there barn doors! How’s it hanging? While they’re not quite full length, at least the doors will never scratch the hardwood floors. But the pure genius of these barn doors lies in the cabin hook keeping the doors closed. That’ll definitely stop intruders from entering.

This god-knows-what-themed bedroom is what nightmares are made of. Roll over in the middle of the night to be greeted by a bizarre doll’s bust? No thank you. A toy-box-looking trunk at the end of an adult’s bed? Just why. We’re not even sure how to begin dissecting this one, all we’ll say is; whoever is responsible should have stopped a long, long time ago.

With sunlight splicing through the street-level garage and tantalising glimpses of Sydney Harbour and the Heads creating an impressive sense of arrival this concrete home is a house that promises – and delivers – much.

A savvy mix of beach cool and urban chic elevates this Sydney penthouse apartment and enhances the appeal of its sparkling water view.

With a ceiling that traces the peaks of nearby surf and mountains, this luxury coastal home slots right in to its laidback surrounds. The owners had a simple wish: a pared-back home with generous and dynamic spaces that made the most of the spectacular views. 

Surrounded by water, with a river on one side and a swimming pool at its heart, this monumental concrete home draped in vines on the Noosa River creates continuous and fluid spaces with a zen-like serenity. At the rear, where the views take hold, there’s a wall of glass sliding doors that completely blurs the division between inside and out.

Designer Chelsea Hing corralled artisans to craft this home tucked into an idyllic spot in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. It’s the quintessential country escape as the principal family home, right in the heart of the Yarra Valley with privacy and views around. 

Greg Natale works his magic on a basic 70s apartment overlooking Bondi Beach, transforming it into this breathtaking glamour pad with holiday vibes.  An iconic location and spectacular views were the drawcard, and the apartment offered the new owners the scope to make it their own.

With uninterrupted panoramic views over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Quay West Towers are perfectly positioned in one of the most idyllic enclaves of the city. Add 36 storeys and the views from this apartment’s pared-back dining area are multiplied tenfold. 

Anchored on a terrace under an escarpment at an elevation of 300 metres, this newly built home on a soaring escarpment is a series of four glassed pods that delivers far-reaching views over vast stretches of national park, the NSW south coast and Jervis Bay.

Enhancing and maintaining the existing design features of this Mediterranean-inspired house was key to this Sydney home’s metamorphosis, boasting an enviable view of the harbour.

Vast Pittwater views are enjoyed from this Palm Beach villa’s conservatory.

Whispers of Palm Springs, a marine palette and an oceanic outlook make this sunny home – positioned across from the rolling surf of Sunshine Beach – a breezy beach retreat.

Linking the vast spaces of this waterfront house on Sydney’s Middle Harbour in a more coherent way and opening up doorways and corridors was the first step in its reinvention by interior designers Dylan and Nicolette Farrell. The magic followed soon after.

This stylish abode perched at the water’s edge in Killcare on the NSW Central Coast offers an enviable lifestyle.

With a pastel palette, natural materials, million dollar views and an easy connection with its beachfront locale, this home is a sanctuary for its owners.

This stunning house in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was on a grand scale with traditional features such as arches and decorative ceilings that were to be maintained through the sensitive redesign by Luigi Rosselli Architects. “Texture and tone were really important but we also wanted to strike a balance between minimal interior forms and richly decorated architectural elements,” says interior designer Romy Alwill.

A white on white renovation refreshed this heritage home in Sydney, a delicate balancing act of marrying the old with the new. Phoebe Nicol of Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture skilfully updated, refreshed and rationalised the Woollahra, NSW, property, bringing it into a new century all ready to face a beautiful future.

A sensitive update to this handsome heritage house has made it fresh and relevant for a family of six. “It was important to respect the history and character of the house but not to make it stuffy,” says designer Suzanne Gorman.

The brief for the revamp of this heritage terrace was to insert modern conveniences while being true to the building’s original spirit and to provide adequate space and accommodation for a growing family.  “It was an ornate, handsome building. I had always loved it and could not believe I’d been asked to do the design,” said the designer. 

With a keen interest in architecture and interior design, owner and health professional Peter Stewart tackled the renovation of this Victorian terrace, with the help of a heritage architect. While respecting its heritage and period features the home was injected with a subtly modern aesthetic.“It’s a restful, neutral palette. There’s a lot going on with all the paintings,” said the owner/interior designer.

This period Melbourne heritage home was transformed with sophisticated style and a wondrous collection of artwork, heirlooms and vintage pieces. The result is a celebratory clash where pieces like a traditional French bench seat and Spanish table from Holly Hunt in New York live together. “I was cautious about cluttering the space and how to temper myself … by not putting too much in,” says owner Katie

A stately Melbourne home receives a makeover that honours its heritage while forging a brighter future. The gorgeous original features were to be honoured and revitalised, while the new elements were to be unashamedly modern, with a nod to the owner’s Swedish roots. Said the owner, “We adore coming home and opening that blue door.”

The stately French-inspired home on Wollumbi Estate dates back to the 1900s. Its current owner was careful to exercise restraint when renovating to ensure it maintained its authenticity with its vaulted wooden ceilings, French doors, stone fireplaces and original architraves. “The aim was to use the bones of the house and renovate with restraint to maintain the authenticity of the early 1900s structure,” the owner said.

Interior designer Siobhan Rothwell and her architect husband, William, purchased this 160-year-old sandstone heritage home and sensitively restored it’s Victorian Georgian style. A restrained palette was used throughout, inspired by the original sandstone walls, while contemporary touches create a striking contrast between old and new. “I love the tension created by playing with contrasting elements; a tension of aesthetic contradiction.” says interior designer Siobhan Rothwell.

Bold colour and contemporary features up the ante in this Victorian terrace and anchor it firmly in a new era courtesy of architect David Luck and Hecker Guthrie. “We wanted to remain sensitive to the period features of the house and preserve the idea of ‘the formal room’ but make it feel contemporary and connected through quality and material,” says Hamish Guthrie.

A clever combination of old and new gives this heritage home a fresh personality that befits its youthful owners. The result is layered vintage that nods to the past, complemented by furnishings, carpets, art and fabrics very much of the present.

Design practice Studio 103 took on a time-sensitive project with just three months to complete the renovation and refurbishment of this heritage home, a Victorian terrace in central Melbourne. “The new open quality of the space brings fluidity and natural light to the narrow floor plan,” said interior designer Sonia Attard.

In the communal spaces of this historic 19th-century mansion, monochromatic and minimalist furniture is juxtaposed with the highly ornate ceiling roses and intricate mouldings. “There were some incredibly magnificent details and we knew what we had to keep. Any alteration we made was done with a sense of timelessness in mind,” the owner said.

Behind its prim and pristine classic façade, this grand Victorian heritage home in Sydney’s inner west relaxes as a versatile and practical home for an extended family. “We wanted somewhere we could live without it being too precious, that also married the old and new,” say the owners.

A colourful reimagining of this heritage home transforms it into a feast for the eyes for a blended family of five to hang out and spread out as needed. “Colour was important in every room,” explains designer, Brooke. “Bethany and Tim are incredibly colour-confident and urged us to ensure that every room had a separate colour associated with it.”

Barely touched since the 1800s, this handsome Victorian house in a leafy Melbourne suburb has a newfound sense of lightness thanks to a robust renovation by Adelaide Bragg. Architect John Watkins was brought in to assist with the structural changes, including a new rear and upstairs addition. “This house isn’t centred around a television, it’s centred around food and family,” said Adelaide.

Designer Mardi Doherty’s approach to this Melbourne heritage home was to strike a balance between a new, pared-back aesthetic and allowing the existing features to shine.

Tanya Hancock Architects was tasked with transforming this Gothic Revival house into a light-filled family home. “We were focused on restoring the incredible heritage elements but we also wanted sleek design,” says the owner.

D’Estaville was originally built in 1859 in the Classical Revival style, and while the current owners admit it was at first imposing, they saw the potential for a softer, more contemporary family heritage home. Working with architect Brett Nixon, director of NTF Architecture, the practice’s project architect Ben Ellul, interior designer Tess McKinlay and heritage consultant Miles Lewis, the heritage property is now a place their children and pets roam free.

The original section of this Sydney home revamped by architect Telly Theodore features a muted and timeless colour palette, while heritage details including the ceiling roses and wainscoting have been preserved. “Of the client couple, he favoured a gutsy industrial-style interior whereas she was keen to draw on more heritage references. I set out to find ways to bring these two aesthetics together” said the designer.

Despite its mostly neutral palette, the lounge room of this Florence apartment is fun and playful, with nods to 1970s design throughout. Owner (and shoe designer) Barbara Borghini says she fell in love with the home’s sense of harmony from the get go; “I loved this house because it already had the shades that I adore, all the colours of the earth and wood.”

This quaint and comfy lounge room belongs to Airbnb Captain’s Rest in Lettes Bay, Tasmania. “When it’s cold or wet outside, I sit in front of the large windows watching the water and hills with a fire lit in the wood burner,” says owner and sailor Sarah Andrews, who restored the home whilst simultaneously falling in love with the region.

There’s elegance and beauty in the minimalism of this monochrone living room. Located within a historic 19th century mansion, the owner has carefully restored many of the original features, including some incredibly ornate ceilings.

This mid-century style home on the NSW South Coast boasts eco-friendly design that hits both sustainability and coastal cool aesthetic. The single-level home reads as a glass-walled pavilion, the pivoting timber-battened external screens providing privacy where needed.

Matte black paint and elegant decor make this room feel extra cosy despite the towering cathedral ceilings, serving European vibes in this Mornington Peninsula weekender. Owner Chyka Keebaugh says she and her husband, Bruce, designed the home around the concept of hosting; “We have a lot of friends in the area and are constantly catching up here.”

The light-filled and cosy sitting room at Forest Hall, a colonial manse in Tasmania, is a masterclass in how to decorate a historic home. Here, owner Emma has layered vintage and modern furniture to create a space that respects its roots without feeling dated. “There are pockets of heritage everywhere in the home and garden,” Emma said.

Spacious, lofty, light and bright, this Queenslander meets Mediterranean-style home has everything you’d expect from a north coast property. The lounge room is grounding – despite its double height ceilings – thanks to the selection of comforting and plush furnishings.

This grand family home in Canberra is full of cosmopolitan character. The generously-sized living room plays host to pieces from the family’s extensive private art collection, while the deeply peaked ceiling in this room makes for an incredibly dramatic statement.

An industrial palette of concrete floors, white brick and steel beams is offset with warming timber tones and soft greys and whites in the living room of this renovated 1930s Scandi home. Just to the left out of frame sits a Cheminee Phillipe fireplace, where the family gathers during winter.

The lounge area of this revived Edwardian home in Melbourne designed by Larritt-Evans and BayleyWard Architects is polished yet relaxed, featuring a range of curved furniture items, which stand in contrast to the hard lines of the steel doors and pergola beyond. “The rear space is polished, yet relaxed and unfussy,” says the owner.

Commanding and luxurious with a vintage vibe, the centrepiece of this living room has to be the original arched fireplace, which announces its Spanish heritage. The rest of the home, a restored 1920s villa, runs along the same vein, with curves in all the right places.

The Block’s Alisa and Lysandra worked their magic with a modern revamp of a heritage home in Melbourne’s Albert Park. The living room is minimal yet ultra-stylish, taking in lovely views of the lush courtyard.

Old Hollywood glamour meets Mediterranean flair in the living room of this sprawling mansion in Sydney. In the stunning lounge designed by owner Stephanie Conley Buhre, textural elements in shades of brown, green and blue pop off the white background, creating an elegant and curated effect.

Enamoured with its history and charm, owners Amanda and Simon Britt purchased this charming river cottage, making minimal changes to the interior. The lounge room is a cosy space with grey Domayne sofas and a fireplace from Coastline Barbeques & Heating.

This inviting home on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula takes country style to new heights. The lounge room boasts an impressive 5.5-metre cathedral ceilings and wide engineered-oak floorboards.

Striking floor-to-ceiling curtains add scale and softness to this blue lounge room within a contemporary three-level family home. An L-shaped sofa designed by interior designer Malvina Stone and made by Casa Villa in Perth is paired with an Empire Homewares cushion, ‘Blava’ easy chairs from Stylecraft and ‘Bandy’ tables from Jardan.

The living room of this renovated Victorian worker’s cottage in Fitzroy enjoys a light-filled outlook and easy functionality provided by floating shelves and built-in joinery.

Not many homes boast a living room as impressive as the one in this renovated 1860s terrace. A built-in sofa gives the illusion of a sunken lounge, playing into the home’s slight mid-century lean and providing the functionality necessary for its narrow footprint.

Mid-century rules in the living area of this retro-cool home in northern Illawarra. A pitched ceiling with exposed timber-toned beams makes the perfect pairing for the velvet lime-hued sofa, which has been covered with cushions in bright tones and playful patterns.

Sophisticated and sleek, the living room of this renewed 1930s Scandi style home is full of clean lines, architectural elements and luxurious finishes. The cedar cladding is offset by the white-face linear bricks, and the entire space is lit by generous almost floor-to-ceiling windows.

The living room of this Queenslander workers’ cottage acts as an extension of the outdoor zone – and vice versa. An off-the-floor coffee table and cut outs in the King Living sofa allow for uninterrupted sightlines to the garden, while the custom console provides plenty of storage.

Adorned with owner Annika’s artefacts and objects from a career in fashion, the living room of this revitalised Federation bungalow in Sydney is brimming with personality. Beyond this standpoint, the lush back garden and outdoor entertaining area opens up via bi-fold doors.

Indoor/outdoor flow, clever use of materiality, relaxed plush furniture and a timeless palette are the elements at play in this contemporary family house in Torquay. The Tasmanian oak timber-batten ceilings, a striking design feature, indulge owner Jane’s love of 1960s architecture and are an element that tie this room to other zones in the home.

Interior designer Melissa Bonney of The Designory sought to create the ultimate holiday home in Byron Bay and the end result is stunning. Subtle green hues are layered in this living room space to reference the Barefoot Bay Villa’s stunning natural surrounds.

This mid-century modern stone cottage in the Adelaide hills was lovingly revamped, with the exposed stone feature wall in the living room becoming a central highlight. Drawing colour cues from the stone wall, a tan leather sofa is paired with soft blue cushions for contrast.

Interior designer Kristy McGregor injected her own version of coastal cool in her renovated Bondi abode and the end result is stunning. Seeking to maximise the natural light that enters from the kitchen, a circular mirror acts as both a visual feature and light amplifier.

Tasked with transforming this Sydney home into an entertainer’s dream with a modern rustic aesthetic, interior designer Jillian Dinkel added her signature style to the abode. In the living room exposed brick walls and the vaulted ceiling were painted white, with the trusses painted pitch black for a dramatic touch.

In the renovation of her Federation-style home, interior designer Jillian Dinkel painted the window trims throughout the home in Dulux Blue Metal. In the living room, the Samsung The Frame television takes pride of place over the original fireplace mantle.

This modern home in Booker Bay makes the most of its stunning natural views, and who can blame it? In the living room generous windows make sure you can see the water from almost every angle.

While her Sydney apartment maybe have been on the smaller side, interior designer Sophie Bowers of Strutt Studios pulled no punches when it came to transforming her abode. In the living room a statement rug clearly zones the living zone where a plush grey sofa is paired with a black leather armchair.

In the renovation of this Daylesford cottage, interior designer Suzanne Cunningham sought to retain its relaxed country feel in order to create the perfect weekender. In the living room a rich mix of textures from the brown leather sofa to the billowing curtains add a soft touch.

Seeking to create a dramatic feature in the living room of this fibro cottage, the fireplace is painted in a dark charcoal that pops against the stark white interiors that run throughout the home. A dark rug centers the living space and adds a warm contrast to the concrete flooring.

In the second living room of this nature-inspired home in Riverview a more relaxed approach to design and furnishing was taken. A built-in leather couch is the perfect place to lounge, and a built-in sideboard provides ample storage space.

In Alisa and Lysandra’s renovated heritage home in Melbourne the dynamic duo opted for ceiling to floor steel-framed glass doors for dramatic effect and to create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

It may be small, but this Queensland pool house has been transformed into the ultimate holiday stay. The compact living room is subtly zoned with a tactile rug and a vivid green velvet sofa is the centre of attention.

See more living room inspiration

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