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Refined yet playful; minimalist but not stark—these are the hallmarks of our favorite Australian homes. The key is taking simple details and tweaking them ever so slightly. Think: zellige tile over subway or a mix of natural materials that makes even the most pared-back room look multidimensional. We’re definitely taking notes from these calming, breezy spaces, and you might want to, as well. 

If You Want to Get Better Sleep… 

Photography by Mindi Cooke

Pepper in some relaxing blues, be it through linens or a framed art piece of the ocean, as seen in the Durham House. To keep stress-inducing visual clutter to a minimum, eschew a headboard—shiplap walls add enough interest as is. 

If You Need to Give Your Kitchen a Facelift…

Swap dark and dingy for light and bright. Architecture firm Robson Rak has a winning formula: sleek white cabinetry, warm wood furniture, and an angular black pendant lamp for some contrast. 

If You Want to Read More…

You need a reading nook with a view, and artist Elizabeth Barnett has the right idea. A piece of leafy art takes the place of a window (who needs ’em?), and plants add a true natural touch. 

If You’re Thinking of Getting Into Color…

Studio CD’s maximal minimalism is the way to go. Aside from the tonal pink hues, the rest of this bedroom is relatively streamlined: Clean furniture silhouettes and plenty of empty floor space strike a balance against the bold. 

If You’re Ready to Invest…

Courtesy of Tamsin Johnson

Make that statement piece a funky coffee table, like the shapely one in this Tamsin Johnson–designed living room. The Aussie creative made it the focal point of the more traditional-style living room (along with the sunny yellow sofa, which is pretty hard to overlook).  

If You Aren’t Able to Renovate… 

In a rental, you can’t always disguise unsightly built-in features like wall-to-wall carpeting, but as Robson Rak proves, that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your minimalist ways. Just go contemporary in the rest of the room. Here, a no-fuss wood bed and abstract print more than make up for the eyesore floors. 

See more design styles we’re loving: Your Grandma’s Favorite Look Is the Next Big Decor Trend Is This Design Style the New Boho? London It-Girl Matilda Goad Reveals How to Decorate Like a Brit