australian interior designers
From those who work with a classic modernist approach to something more abstract and vintage, there’s a designer out there for every style to inspire you.
When you’re gearing up for a renovation or restyle of your home, there’s a number of pressing questions you have to ask yourself before you get started — from colour palettes to materials, furniture to overall room themes, there are many decisions to be made. But one of the best ways to organise your thoughts and gather curated inspiration in order to make those important choices lies in viewing the work of the industry’s experts — interior designers.
Whether you’re looking to work with a designer for your remodel or you’re simply wanting to look at their portfolio for some ideas, Australia’s interior design industry is full of different, multi award-winning and favourited experts who channel different aesthetics in their work who you should know. From those who work with a classic modernist approach to something more abstract and vintage, there’s a designer out there for every style.
Here, we list 20 top Australian interior designers you should know for the best home design inspiration.
1. Flack Studio
If you’re looking for guidance on mastering the art of refined contemporary maximalist design, you’d be remiss not to look to Melbourne’s Flack Studio. Known for championing textural complexity and a unique personalisation of spaces to each client, some notable feathers in the studio’s cap include Troye Sivan’s Architectural Digest-approved Melbourne home and Sydney’s Ace Hotel.
2. Arent&Pyke
Comfort meets sophistication is Arent&Pyke’s ethos, with a unique focus on decorative arts. The studio’s designers, Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke, believe in a highly considered combination of every element of a space, to harness the true psychology of a room. Colliding the old with the new, and never hesitating to be bold with colour and texture, Arent&Pyke are well known for their pared-back and cohesive interior eclecticism.
3. YSG
YSG studio, led by Yasmine Ghoniem, is the go-studio for inspiration on colour-fuelled rooms and experimental aesthetics. With a number of multinational designers at the helm, YSG uses their combined multicultural backgrounds in design and art to produce truly unique spaces. Known for bold textural pairings and unconventional design choices that come together in a cohesive blend of competing styles, YSG spaces are the definition of artisanal.
4. Tamsin Johnson
Sydney’s Tamsin Johnson champions a refined yet relaxed aesthetic, built from rare and eye-catching vintage pieces from a range of different eras and places of origin, combined to make something truly unique. Luxury meets liveability in Johnson’s work, with comfort never being compromised for style, and vice versa. Tamsin Johnson is an ideal studio to look to if you’re wanting to harness a particular, eclectic period of time in a contemporary way.
5. Handelsmann + Khaw
For something minimalist yet romantic and timeless, Handelsmann+Khaw have you covered. Known for carefully crafted each of their spaces to blend the modern with the traditional, this studio can easily harness a variety of aesthetics marked by certain countries and time periods, without feeling contrived or confined to one look.
6. Don Cameron
Don Cameron is a Sydney based interior designer and visual artist, renowned in the interior design industry for his revivalist and curative approach to modern interiors. Largely minimalist, though equally informed by warm natural colours, vintage furniture and unique, sculptural pieces, Don Cameron is one of Sydney’s best.
7. Acme
Renowned for their ability to seamlessly blend cutting-edge contemporary styles with timeless opulence and chic minimalism, Acme consistently crafts bespoke designs that redefine the very essence of luxury living. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to creating spaces that exude sophistication have earned them a devoted following particularly with Sydney’s hospitality scene.
8. Akin Atelier
With a number of impeccably elevated retail and residential design projects under their belt, Akin Atelier is the ideal design studio for spaces that feel sophisticated yet youthful, luxurious yet accessible. Masters at artful simplicity and tactile designs, Sydney’s Akin Atelier are your guide to calming, artistic spaces that exude a deep commitment to craftsmanship.
9. Studio Doherty
Previously known as Doherty Design Studio, Studio Doherty, along with its founder Mardi Doherty, has established a longstanding reputation for their innate and comprehensive method. Known for creating modern residences infused with playfulness and a striking fusion of materials, the studio believes in connecting spaces to their era and location.
10. Decus
Alexandra Donohoe Church and the Decus team are renowned for their ability to achieve a sophisticated and harmonious contemporary style that is exceptionally conducive to comfortable living. Adeptly combining worldwide inspirations with finesse, sophistication, and a discernible essence of enduring appeal, Decus is loved for their skillful fusion of architectural intricacies and spatial acumen.
11. Fiona Lynch
Designer Fiona Lynch's distinctive, spirited minimalism is marked for its harmonious and craft-driven approach. Her unmistakable style is characterised by rich textures, intricate detailing, and profound depth, showcased in projects such as the inaugural capsule collection at Villa Alba Museum during Melbourne Design Week and the rooftop restaurant Kiln at the Ace Hotel.
12. Thomas Hamel & Associates
If you’re looking for design inspiration with a modern classic signature within Australia, you can find it with Thomas Hamel & Associates. Sophistication and relaxed elegance are built into every one of the studio’s projects, committed to pared-back luxury and contemporary lifestyle.
13. Alexander & Co
Architect Jeremy Bull and his skilled team at Alexander & Co consistently bring to life a confident vision of design that harmoniously blends a profound grasp of materials and spatial perception with elegant subtleties and artistic aesthetics. Tangible comfort blended with traditional design formulas and new, on-trend angles mark the studio’s notable work.
14. AP Design House
Casual elegance and modern sophistication, with plenty of vintage touches, the work of Alexandra Ponting and her team at AP Design House is ideal inspiration for those looking for a romantic sensibility, softness and craftsmanship in their spaces. Warmth and character are pillars of Ponting’s work, with comfort and beauty holding equal footing in her design ethos.
15. Dylan Farrell Design
Dylan Farrell and partner Nicolette bring years of experience and passion in art to their interior design studio, Dylan Farrell Design, where the vision is “contemporary-minded, but classically bound.” With an eclectic yet timeless approach that ensures elegant spaces that also feel comfortable, look to this studio for cosy yet cosmopolitan, polished designs.
16. Hecker Guthrie
Spaces that are “endearing and beautiful” and where “charm and comfort outweigh the instant gratification…of new” is Hecker Guthrie’s promise. Founded by designers Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie, this is the perfect studio to look to for contemporary minimalism that feels fresh and authentic.
17. Phoebe Nicol
For designer Phoebe Nicol, distinct sophistication and pared-back, relaxed luxury that is effortlessly liveable are the pillars of a good space. In a nice blend of the old and new, all refined and highly curated, look to Phoebe Nicol’s work for fresh, bright spaces that feel elevated to a whole new level.
18. Kennedy Nolan
Impeccably crafted with an understated boldness is how you would describe the founding directors of Kennedy Nolan, Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy’s vision. With a strong focus on modernity and architectural integrity, the studio leads with innovation married with a groundedness that makes all their spaces feel warm and liveable.
19. Blainey North
Designer Blainey North’s signature style can be summed up as sophisticated decadence, well known for using a great attention to detail and the context of a location to design a truly luxurious space that fits right into its surroundings. Using a range of aesthetics and time periods to inform her work, Blainey North is a source of inspiration for any modern-minded renovator.
20. Greg Natale
Bolstered by a long, lucrative career, Greg Natale holds a firm place as one of Australia’s most successful interior designers. The fusion of statement materials, hues, and components consistently resonates with Greg Natale's clientele. Known best for a consistently skilful and bold integration of statement materials and hues in his spaces that stand the test of time, Greg Natale is for those wanting vibrantly curated inspiration.