Designing for the Australian Market and Sun-Drenched Spaces.
Kate shares what makes Australian design so unique and the key influences designers need to consider. Read on…
EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN
AUSTRALIAN DESIGN | HANDWRITING | DESIGN DIRECTION
LET’S DIVE IN …
Welcome to Australia, theres nowhere quite like it in the world!
As designers, we know that creating spaces and products that resonate with the customer requires a deep understanding of their unique context. In Australia, this means delving into the very foundations of what makes this country so distinct.
One of the most significant factors influencing Australian design is, without a doubt, the weather.
The intense heat, compared to our friends in the Northern Hemisphere, necessitates open-plan living and our need for aircon cannot be denied.
This translates to fewer enclosed space, less fireplaces and window-sills for small pieces to fill and a reduced need for decorative details typically found in colder climates.
As a result, we can spread our metaphorical wings and create larger pieces, simpler and honest to celebrate the materials and larger scale pattern and prints, bold, fresh colours across indoor and outdoor living.
While design movements in Europe and the UK boast a long history due to their earlier industrial developments, Australia’s design narrative is more recent.
However, it's rapidly evolving with a unique voice, celebrating creativity, a strong connection to the land, and a rich blend of modernity and cultural diversity. This identity also champions sustainability, with Australian designers prioritising local materials, climate-conscious solutions, and a deep respect for the environment, drawing from both Indigenous knowledge and contemporary eco-conscious values.
Designs here favour honest shapes, authentic materials, and scales that are larger than life and have a friendliness to them I just love designing for.
The laid-back Australian lifestyle, fuelled by warm weather, stunning beaches, and a “fair go” attitude, undeniably shapes our design choices. While generalisations always exist - not everyone is chill - the relaxed aesthetic is a core influence.
Growing up in the UK, as a 6 year old I dreamed of living in Australia. Watching “Dot and the Kangaroo” (80’s movie), learning from the most amazing school exchange teacher from Sydney, plus the close study of “Neighbours” and “Home and Away!” I fell in love with the people, the attitudes, the lifestyles from 17,240k away.
Arriving here in 2009, I was not disappointed. This country in my opinion, is the best country in the world. I love designing for its people and surrounding them with the beautiful things they deserve.
Key Design Considerations in Australia:
The Impact of Light:
Australian Light: Harsh, bright, high UV intensity, making colours vivid and warm, sometimes with red or violet undertones.
UK Light: Soft, cool, often overcast, emphasising blue and grey undertones.
The direct, intense Australian sun saturates colours, while the UK's oblique angle creates a more muted effect.
The Australian landscape (red earth, blue sky, green bush) interacts with light differently than the UK's softer, cooler-toned environments (stone buildings, cloudy skies, green pastures).
Open-Plan Living:
With everything visible, colour palettes, materials, and textures must harmonise.
Bold contrasts can work, but cohesion is key—think of the room as one connected story rather than separate chapters.
87% of Australians live within 50km’s of the coastline. This equates to more than 22 million Australians calling the coastal regions home. This deep connection to the coast naturally flows into our interiors, where beach-inspired tones, textures, and a relaxed lifestyle aesthetic are seamlessly woven into our design choices. (Stats from 2021 State of the Environment Report)
Open-plan layouts often lead to outdoor living areas, so interiors are designed with indoor-outdoor flow in mind—sliding doors, shared flooring materials, and natural textures enhance that connection.
Durability, Functionality, and Sustainability:
Durability needs to come first when designing for outdoor - and indoor too. Products should be designed to withstand sun, salt, wind, and weather—especially UV resistance, rust-proofing, and fade-proof fabrics.
Natural materials and textures work well, often reflecting the natural Australian landscape—using stone, timber, linen, rattan, and earthy tones.
Do it well and make it last - With a deep respect for nature and protecting the planet, eco-conscious design: recyclable materials, low-waste manufacturing, and long-lasting quality.
The Laid-Back Personality:
The laid-back nature of Australian culture is often seen as a defining national trait—and while it's a broad generalisation, it undeniably influences design
As a result, the visual language embraced by the wider population tends to favour relaxed, effortless luxury over formal or overly polished aesthetics.
Designing for Australia is a unique and dynamic experience, shaped by its distinct climate, breathtaking landscapes, and the relaxed, yet vibrant, spirit of its people. From the way light interacts with colour to the seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living, the Australian aesthetic is a compelling blend of practicality, sustainability, and a deep connection to the natural world.
As design is constantly evolving, even more so in this beautiful country, watch this space as I’ll keep sharing what insights and tips I can to help you design better for the unique Australian market.
