Beyond Hampton-style interiors: our favourite interior styles

We all know that home is where the heart is. And although our homes thrive on comfort, it never hurts to be a little stylish too.

As Hampton-style interiors and mid-century modern living rooms solidify their places as timeless classics, other fresh design trends are on the up. We’re talking about the colour pop of Palm Springs, the textured earthiness of the Mediterranean and the swing and sass of the ’70s. These are just some of the interiors that are *so hot right now*.

To better understand these trends and how you can work them into your home, we put on our fabulous beret and sat down with Bella Vie Interiors principal interior designer Lisa Alward. She took us through the details of each signature look and what we can do to achieve them.

Our love for interior design

A friendly PSA for all our fellow koalas out there: interior design is no longer just for professionals. Yay! Thanks to inspiration from places like Pinterest and Instagram, we’re now exposed to a never-ending stream of home styling options, meaning average Joes like us can play a pivotal role in decorating our homes.

According to Lisa, one thing that’s changed as a result of this is that trends now have a shorter lifespan.

“We’re flowing through styles, and they’re coming and going quicker,” she says. “There’s also a lot of overlap. For example, curves and arches are common with Mediterranean, Palm Springs and ’70s interiors.”

So, while the Hampton-style interior design might have stolen the show for a few years, other contenders are now emerging. And if you’re looking to revamp your home, you might be interested to know what’s trending here on home soil as well as beyond our backyard.

What’s hot right now

Looking for design inspo that’s not Hampton-style interiors? We’ve got good news. Bolder and louder styles are making their marks this year, and these freshly baked looks are no shrinking violets.

Mediterranean magic

Get a slice of Mediterranean paradise right here in your Aussie backyard. The Mediterranean trend focuses on arched architecture, natural and earthy tones, textured walls, terracotta and mosaics.

“Rustic tones and earthy colours can be introduced with your bedding,” says Lisa. And we agree: this tip allows you to stay on trend on a budget. There really is nothing more Koala than that.

Check, please!

Say goodbye to the beige in your Hamptons living room because checks are back. And embracing this trend will mean adding a little more vibrancy to your decor.

“We’re starting to see not just checkered throws and cushions but a return of checkered tiles in bathrooms, laundries, pantries and entry foyers,” says Lisa. A colourful chessboard never hurt anyone.

Say hello to the ’70s

Flare and fondue lovers of the world, rejoice. The ’70s, as well as the boho style in all its glory, is returning to the world of interior design.

“The ’70s style is bringing the colour and texture back into our homes,” says Lisa. “Smoky glassware, dark timbers, bold block colours, funky furniture and maximalist accessories are all part of this look.”

Palm Springs on point

The California desert resort city has inspired a whole new trend in interior design. Palm Springs decor incorporates sleek lines, curves and natural materials, and it doesn’t leave out the whites, pastels and jewel tones in the mix. Still got some breeze blocks stacked up somewhere in the garage? Good news — they’re back in fashion.

Enjoy the trends without the regrets

It’s easy to get carried away when a new trend arrives (blow-up furniture has entered the chat), but Lisa offers advice to ensure you never regret your furniture choices.

“It’s got to be comfortable and work with your lifestyle,” she says of any new piece you buy. “Choose something with the right sort of style that you’ll appreciate for years to come.”

And building a solid base is key to keeping things from dating too fast.

“It’s important to pick good foundation pieces in your home. If you’ve got a good foundation, it’s easier and more affordable to update things like cushions to the current seasons and styles.”

Thankfully, Koala makes a line-up of timeless but ever-so-stylish pieces that fit the bill. So whether you’ve got Hamptons home decor or a few terracotta pots scattered about, our range suits it all. Here are just some of our faves to help you get versatile.

🐨 Balmain Bed Base Be stylish and an environmental legend. The Balmain is made with FSC® certified warm ash wood, which we source from responsibly managed forests. It’s understated but beautiful, compact but comfortable and looks damn good while being so functional. This bed base would work in almost every space, from a mid-century modern bedroom to a Palm Springs paradise.

🐨 Kirribilli Bed Base Super sturdy, sustainable and offering just the right amount of curve appeal, the Kirribilli is an instant classic. Plus, with every Kirribilli Bed Base purchased, we make a donation to the WWF’s Regenerate Australia program. It doesn’t get better than that.

🐨 Serenity Dining Table This ash wood timber dining table is beautifully neutral and a chameleon, working with all interior landscapes. The table is easy to clean and move and comes in a four- or six-seater option to fit the whole fam. Serenity now.

🐨 Kirribilli Bookshelf We’re chuffed about our Kirribilli range, especially this cool bookshelf. With open shelves and loads of space, your books and knick-knacks will be right at home. This beauty is made with natural ash timber veneer, a raised curved lip on the edges and accentuated curves.

🐨 Quiet Time Armchair Shh, hear that? It’s the effortlessly cool Quiet Time Armchair. Coming in a selection of statement colours inspired by the Australian landscape, it’s the perfect way to incorporate a splash of colour into your interior design. This armchair has ample curves and a wooden frame and is made with a soft, luxurious fabric that’s sure to blend in to any living space.

Keeping a few foundation pieces is key if you wanna stay on trend without breaking the bank. The Koala homewares range includes throws, cushions and rugs, with all the pieces having been designed with versatility in mind.

So whether you’re going from Hamptons-style interior design to a sea-sprayed beach theme or even all the way back to the ’70s, we can help you get the look that you’re after.

Updating your interior online 

Buying furniture online can be a little daunting. But with Koala, there’s no need to worry. We’ve earned a stack of accolades plus environmental certifications that prove we’re big on the planet and making comfy furniture that people love.

Plus, buying from Koala is a breeze. We ship with fast and flexible delivery around Australia so that you don’t have to break your back. No longer love it? Then leave it. Koala’s 120-night trial means you can get a product refund if you aren’t thrilled with your purchase. It’s just too easy.

And if your building skills aren’t worthy of earning you a place on The Block, no dramas. Our furniture pieces require tool-free assembly, so you can get them rigged up in a jiffy before getting back to watching Scott Cam in throwback episodes of Backyard Blitz.

From the Pinterest board to your home

Koala knows interior design. Our range is beautiful, simple and sustainable, which will always be on trend. Check out the Koala line-up to see which bits and bobs take your fancy before taking home a winner.