Here in the Northern Territory, we love to keep our homes and interiors fresh and up-to-date with interior trends, but at the same time because we don’t have the huge fluctuation between hot and cold weather that the southern states of Australia know so well, we can find ourselves with same-same décor all year round.
We can bring interest and variety to our homes throughout the northern Australia tropical seasons by incorporating seasonal trends and elements into our décor. Even if we don’t get the winters that the southern states do, we can change up our soft furnishings to change the energy and mood of the space
When designing interiors for the northern regions of Australia, it is important to take into account the tropical climate and coastal surroundings. To embrace the tropical, coastal styles without losing our Northern Territory and Darwin identity, we love to incorporate elements that are native to our tropical region, such as using materials like timber, teak, or bamboo and of course who could pass up beautiful linen and cotton mixes (as pure linen and cotton rot in our humid weather) in our furniture and décor
Indigenous art is a significant part of the Northern Territory’s cultural identity and is often added to our home as a way of celebrating and honouring the rich traditional culture of the region. With its bold colours and intricate patterns, Indigenous art can add a vibrant and unique touch to any space.
When incorporating Indigenous art into your home decor, it’s important to consider the style and meaning behind the artwork. There are many different styles of Indigenous art, including dot painting, cross-hatching, and bark painting, each with their own history and cultural significance. By choosing artwork that resonates with you and reflects the unique cultural identity of the Northern Territory, you can create a meaningful and authentic space.
Another consideration when incorporating Indigenous art into your home is the colour palette. Many Indigenous artworks feature bold, vibrant colours that can add a bright and energetic feel to a room. By choosing decor and soft furnishings that complement the colours in the artwork, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Bringing Indigenous art into your home decor is a beautiful way to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the Northern Territory and add a touch of vibrancy to your space.
Colour palettes for tropical living interiors can be bright, deep moody and colourfully lush, with muted neutrals providing the perfect mix of sophistication and earthiness as a backdrop. I love to add pops of colour inspired by the local flora and fauna, like deep greens, blues, and earthy tones. We are so fortunate here that we can have greenery inside all year ‘round, especially greenery that thrive in the tropics.
To create a sense of balance between the tropical and coastal styles, you can experiment with layering textures and patterns. Using natural materials like rattan and jute rugs can give a coastal feel while also adding a natural, tropical touch. Soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and curtains can be swapped out for different fabrics and colours to change the energy and mood of the space.
In addition to the aesthetics, it is also important to consider the functionality of the space. As the northern regions of Australia experience high temperatures and humidity, it is essential to use adequate ventilation and natural light in our designs.
By incorporating elements that are native to our area, experimenting with textures and patterns, and considering the functionality of the space, you can design interiors for the northern regions of Australia that embrace the tropical, coastal styles while maintaining our area’s unique identity.
For example, during the wet season, you could bring in bright and bold colours to reflect the vibrant energy of the season. You could also incorporate tropical prints and patterns, such as palm leaves or floral motifs, to bring in a touch of the tropics. In contrast, during the dry season, you could opt for more muted tones and natural textures, such as woven rugs or wooden accents, to reflect the dry, arid landscape.
Another way to bring variety to your home is by swapping out soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and curtains. By changing up the fabrics, textures, and colours of these items, you can easily create a new look and feel for your space without having to make major changes to the decor. We love to use sheer curtains with a linen look but washable and synthetic in our designs – both practical and beautiful!
Don’t be afraid to incorporate your own personal style and interests into your home decor. Whether it’s adding artwork or a collection of favourite items, these touches can help make your space unique and reflective of your own individual personality!
Where are you going to start looking for AMAZING artworks and décor pieces from some of the Northern Territories most talented people, I can hear you asking?! Well, here are some of my favourites and I’m quite sure you will love what you discover:
Robyn is famously known in Darwin as ‘Boo’. This incredible textile and fabric designer has a gorgeous new showroom and shop where you’ll find her territory-inspired all her upholstery, fabric, and wallpaper. Find Bip Bop Boo on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/bippidiiboppidii
Karen from Enjoi Pottery creates the most beautiful ‘everyday use’ artisan pottery pieces that. You’ll find Karen on Instagram: www.instagram.com/enjoi.pottery
Annie Gastin’s pottery has a minimalist style with Scandi and Japanese influences, following clean, predominantly geometric lines. Annie recently won the Editor’s Choice Award at the Design Show Australia recently. Find Annie’s work on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anniegastinpots
Songlines in Stuart Park is unique. Under one roof you will find a huge range of stunning fabrics, homewares, artefacts and souvenirs and books including limited edition prints and fine art. You will find Songlines online here and of course you can visit in person too: www.songlinesaustralia.com.
I’m also so excited to be connecting with the Tactile Craft Association where you will find work by an inspiring collection of Top End artisans. Tactile Arts host wonderful art shows, exhibitions and workshops (if you’re wanting to get hands-on!). In May they are hosting an exciting ‘All the Mothers’ Craft Fair which is an annual exposé of Top End creatives presenting some of the finest locally produced art, craft, and design on the lawns of the Darwin Waterfront, I can’t wait for that one! Find out more about Tactile Arts (shop online too) here: www.tactilearts.org.au
I love to know what you do in your home to bring the Territory’s amazing uniqueness to your own interior style – or have you shopped with any of my favourite artisan or homewares store?
Maybe you’re like a lot of other people I meet each day and would LOVE me to weave my magic over your Territory interior, please reach out!
I’m looking forward to working with you on creating the home of your dreams. When you’re ready to get started simply book a discovery call with call with me and let’s get started!
