To dive deeper into this Season’s design style, we sat down for a behind-the-scenes interview with Redecor’s leading artist, Ekaterina Afanasyeva! She curated the Season Pass rewards and guided the team in creating pieces that stay true to the Season’s vision. Let’s hear what she has to share about this exciting new style!
In your words, what defines Modern Australiana design?
I see Modern Australiana design as a way of capturing Australia’s natural beauty in a relaxed, contemporary style. It blends earthy tones, native materials like timber and stone, and open spaces that connect indoor and outdoor living. The look is clean and casual, often inspired by the landscape, native flora, and Indigenous art. It’s a modern expression of what feels uniquely Australian—laid-back, warm, and connected to nature.
How do you see this style evolving from Australia’s design history?
Modern Australiana design has moved from more formal, European-inspired styles to something that’s relaxed, earthy, and deeply connected to the local environment. I really admire how it now embraces Indigenous influences, native materials, and a sense of openness that suits the lifestyle and climate. As a designer, I find this shift exciting—it opens up creative possibilities to work with textures, tones, and forms that feel grounded and authentic. It’s a style that tells a story, and I love how it continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability and individuality.
What role does the Australian landscape play in shaping the aesthetic?
The Australian landscape plays a huge role in shaping the aesthetic of Modern Australiana design. Its wide-open spaces, unique light, and rich natural textures inspire everything from color palettes to materials. I see this influence in the use of earthy tones, native timbers, and organic shapes that reflect the bush, coast, and desert. I love how the landscape encourages a sense of calm and openness in design. It’s not just about visuals—it’s about creating spaces that feel connected to nature and grounded in place.
Which materials do you find most essential for creating a Modern Australiana space?
For me, the most essential materials in creating a Modern Australiana space are those that feel natural, tactile, and connected to the landscape. I love working with Australian hardwood like Tasmanian oak—it brings warmth and character. Stone, clay, and linen also play a big role, adding texture and grounding the space in earthy tones. I also find inspiration in native elements like banksia and eucalyptus. These not only influence the color palette and textures but also add a sense of place and storytelling. As a designer, I find these materials and references help create spaces that feel honest, inviting, and deeply rooted in the Australian environment.
Are there particular color palettes that capture the essence of this style?
Absolutely—color plays a huge role in Modern Australiana design. I’m especially drawn to palettes inspired by the land: soft eucalyptus greens, warm ochres, muted terracotta, and sandy neutrals. These tones feel calming, grounded, and deeply connected to the Australian environment. I love how these colors help create spaces that feel relaxed and authentic. They’re subtle but expressive, and they bring a natural warmth that’s central to the style.
How do natural textures (like timber, stone, linen, or rattan) influence the mood of a space?
Natural textures play a huge role in shaping the mood of a space. Materials like timber, stone, linen, and rattan bring warmth, softness, and a sense of calm that’s hard to achieve with synthetic finishes. I find they make a space feel more grounded and connected to nature. As a designer, I love working with these textures because they add depth and character. Timber brings warmth, stone adds strength and permanence, linen softens the atmosphere, and rattan introduces a relaxed, coastal feel. Together, they create a tactile experience that feels honest and inviting—exactly what Modern Australiana is all about.
How do you strike the balance between honoring heritage elements (like Federation homes or rural cottages) and keeping the look fresh and contemporary?
Striking that balance is one of the most rewarding parts of design. I really enjoy honoring heritage elements—like the charm of Federation homes or the simplicity of rural cottages—while giving them a fresh, contemporary feel. It’s about respecting the character and history of a space, but not being afraid to simplify, open it up, and introduce modern materials and finishes. As a designer, I often look for ways to highlight original features like ornate ceilings or timber detailing, and then pair them with clean lines, natural textures, and a lighter palette. That contrast creates a space that feels both timeless and current—rooted in tradition but ready for today’s lifestyle.
Australians are known for indoor-outdoor living. How does that philosophy show up in Modern Australiana interiors?
Indoor-outdoor living is at the heart of Modern Australiana interiors. It’s all about creating a seamless flow between the inside and outside—large windows, sliding doors, and open-plan layouts help bring in natural light and fresh air. I love how this approach makes spaces feel more relaxed and connected to nature. As a designer, I often think about how to visually extend interiors into outdoor areas using consistent materials, textures, and color palettes. Timber decking, linen curtains, and earthy tones can tie everything together, making the whole space feel like one calm, cohesive environment.
What role do sustainability and local craftsmanship play in your design choices?
Sustainability and local craftsmanship are really important to me when making design choices. I believe that using locally sourced, natural materials not only supports Australian makers but also helps create spaces that feel more authentic and connected to the environment. As a designer, I’m drawn to handcrafted details and materials that age beautifully—like timber, clay, and linen. Choosing sustainable options isn’t just about reducing impact; it’s about designing with intention and care. It adds meaning to the work and helps tell a story that respects both the land and the people who shape it.
What’s your personal favorite aspect of the style?
What I love most about Modern Australiana design is its deep connection to nature. There’s something incredibly grounding about working with materials and colors that reflect the Australian landscape—like warm timbers, soft greens, and earthy textures. It creates spaces that feel calm, honest, and full of character.
I’m especially drawn to how the style balances simplicity with storytelling. I also love incorporating native elements like banksia, eucalyptus, and even references to iconic Australian animals like the koala and the kookaburra bird—they add warmth, charm, and a sense of place. As a designer, it’s this blend of natural beauty and cultural identity that makes the style feel so personal and timeless.
Where do you see Modern Australiana design heading in the next decade?
I think Modern Australiana design will continue to evolve in exciting ways over the next decade. It’s already moving toward more sustainable choices, deeper integration of Indigenous design principles, and a stronger focus on local craftsmanship. I see it becoming even more refined—less about trends and more about timeless, meaningful design. And I’m excited by the idea of blending traditional textures and materials with new technologies and storytelling. I think we’ll see more experimentation with form and layout, while still keeping that strong connection to nature and the Australian lifestyle.
If someone wanted to bring a touch of Modern Australiana into their home, what’s the simplest change they could start with?
The easiest way to bring a touch of Modern Australiana into your home is through natural materials and earthy tones. Swapping out synthetic decor for something like a timber accent, a linen throw, or a ceramic piece made by a local artist can instantly shift the mood. Even something as small as adding eucalyptus branches in a vase can create that relaxed, grounded feeling. I think it’s all about small, intentional choices that reflect the landscape and lifestyle—warm, welcoming, and connected to nature.
With Ekaterina’s guidance, this Season’s style comes alive through each detail and design choice. We can’t wait to see how you interpret it and share your own creativity with the Redecor community! Create your Modern Australiana designs and share them!
