32 cosy and character-filled country-style living rooms

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.