7 hot interior design styles turning heads in new homes

Your new home is your chance to bring your personality to life with a style that is so ‘you’. So where do you start? What’s on trend? And how do you achieve a polished and cohesive look from the front door to the family room?

National builder Pindan’s interior design team has done the legwork for you, putting together some tips on how to achieve Australia’s seven most popular interior design styles, in and out of the home.

1. Coastal

Sailing far away from the nautical seashells, anchors and blue and white stripes, modern coastal style is breezy and effortless, evoking a year-round summer feel by taking its cues from the natural environment. 

Style In
Coastal is a clean aesthetic. Go for a crisp, gentle colour palette with soft, breezy tones balanced by natural materials like jute, driftwood and linen. You’ll want to take advantage of natural light wherever possible, so go for blinds and shutters that can easily open out to that soul-warming morning sun. 

Style Out
Coastal interiors start on the outside. Use the coastline as your inspiration - weatherboard mimics the ocean horizon and adds textural lines, while generous glazing and skylights invite an abundance of natural light in. Blur the lines between inside and out with an inviting outdoor living space styled with statement pot plants (think fiddleleaf fig), lazy wicker lounges and moody festoon lighting.

2. Contemporary

Are you the sort of person that likes to live in the moment? Contemporary interior style exists in the here and now, a modern yet timeless look that’s constantly evolving.

Style In
While contemporary styles are influenced by everything from modern to traditional, art deco and futuristic, all iterations share a love for minimalism, neutral colour palettes and curved lines. Think sleek leather sofas, restrained decor and carefully selected artwork that ‘pops’ against a muted backdrop.

Style Out
Contemporary style sets a bold first impression with distinctive street appeal, characterised by clean lines, angular form and blended materials.

3. Industrial

Inspired by New York’s classic warehouse apartments, industrial style is an edgy urban look defined by raw textures and exposed elements.

Style In
Interiors take their cues from old factories and warehouses. Go for different shades of grey as a neutral base, then add warmth through worn-in leather furniture, bold art canvases with pops of red and reclaimed timber cabinetry filled with colourful books and trinkets.

Style Out
Industrial façade design is all about minimalist form that evokes an ‘unfinished’ feel. Think flat roofs, steel beams, geometric shapes, prominent lines, polished surfaces and industrial materials. 

4. Scandi

Where would we be without the Scandinavians? They taught us that not only is good design linked to wellness, but that it deserves to be enjoyed by everyone. 

Style In
Scandi interiors are built on the concept of ‘hygge’, a Danish term for cosiness. When styling your home, think about all the simple, affordable ways you can create warm and inviting spaces. Go for a bright white colour palette matched with timber flooring and natural materials, brought to life by functional furniture (hello Ikea), uncluttered surfaces and feature designer touches. Pay special attention to the dining setting – sharing meals together is oh so Scandi.

Style Out
Scandi exteriors ‘talk’ to their interiors. Functionality is key, with simple cladding for weather protection and large windows to invite in natural light. Soft natural materials are common, with clean lines and neutral creams contrasted against charcoals and bold blacks.

5. Hamptons

Hamptons interior design is very popular in Australia – and with its timeless style reminiscent of the summer retreats frequented by affluent New Yorkers, it’s easy to see why. 

Style In
To get the Hamptons look, you’ll want to start with a fresh, airy palette of whites and blues, teamed with natural textures and tasteful nautical décor. Timber shutters that can be opened up for cross-ventilation create a cruisy coastal ambience, inviting you to kick back with a glass of wine as a gentle breeze blows through your hair.

Style Out
Hamptons homes are where elegance and sophistication collide with calming boatshed charm. The architecture is very traditional, with large open spaces designed for entertaining guests, vertical weatherboard finishes, French doors and gabled roofs that give rise to soaring interior ceilings.

6. Japandi

Japandi is the interior style crossover you never knew you needed. A hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, its warm yet minimalist look is perfect for expressing bold personalities.

Style In
Japandi style prioritises functionality over decoration, leaning on the natural warmth of timber furniture and pockets of rich natural tones like blue, bronze, green and plum to create its inviting ambiance. Go for minimal surface treatments, contrasting cushions and throw rugs, statement indoor plants, unglazed vases and carefully curated books. 

Style Out
Unsurprisingly, Japandi architecture style reflects an appreciation for the finer things like asymmetry, simplicity, tone, texture and contrast. Facades often feature striking design, with natural oaks and bold white contrasted by black-framed windows and doors.

7. Bohemian

Want to wing it? Throw out everything you know about design and go for Bohemian interior style, the messy, youthful look that channels a daring nomadic spirit.

Style In
There’s no rulebook here – it’s all about being purposefully carefree. That said, ethnic touches borrowed from Moroccan and Southwestern cultures are on trend. Layer textiles like cushions, throw rugs and tapestry with colourful patterns, and don’t be afraid to experiment with animal hide. While matching is not the priority, good bohemian style achieves continuity through reoccurring colours like reds and purples. 

Style Out
Bohemian is eclectic, intentionally bypassing structure and order. That’s what makes it so charming – the random design can inspire bright, colourful patterns that surprise and uplift.