Interior design: What is Australian style, Cate Blanchett’s ‘exquisite taste’, design feature Neale Whitaker wants to go

Interior design star Neale Whitaker says there is one popular feature of Australian homes he would love to see the back of.

Interior design expert Neale Whitaker has a firm idea about what makes for good living in Australia and it is this – a connection to the great outdoors.

Neale, who moved to our sunny shores from the UK 22 years ago this month, delights in our beautiful countryside.

So much so that he is adamant it should be an integral part of the homes in which we live.

“A connection to the outdoors is number one on my list for Australian homes,” says Neale, who recently launched his own homewares range with MyHouse and is co-host of Foxtel’s renovation series Love It or List It.

Love It Or List It Australia hosts Neale Whittaker (l) and Andrew Winter.

“If you ask me, that is the one thing that’s absolutely vital in this country.”

Neale is not strict as to how you achieve the indoor/outdoor feel, just so long as you do.

“Any design that allows for plenty of natural light works,” he says.

“And that applies across the board, whether you’re living in an apartment or on a couple of acres.

“We need natural light and a connection to nature for our health and wellbeing.”

CHOOSING AN INTERIOR DESIGN THAT SUITS YOU

Aside from that overarching recommendation, the interiors design expert is surprisingly relaxed about styles in general, firmly believing that we should follow trends only if they truly set our hearts on fire and more importantly, work on a practical level.

“If you want an oversized luxury kitchen as is the fashion currently, then that’s fine,” he says. “But if your budget is limited and you’re scrimping and saving for a state-of the-art kitchen you will never use, then it’s time to have a rethink.”

The best way to choose a design that works for you is to first consider how you and your family live.

“It’s incredibly important that you think about how you really live,” says Neale. “You need to be sure about how you live in your home as this will direct what you need.”

Choose an interior design style that suits you. Photo: Knight Frank

Are you entertainers or sit by the fire and read quietly types?

Do you have small children or teens who need their own space?

Are you currently working from home?

The answers to these questions will help you decide what style of home you need to create and whether you need current on-trend features such as a butler’s pantry and second sink.

Once your layout is locked down you can look at decorating styles but even then, it’s best you cherry pick carefully, taking only the features you love and leaving the rest.

“You need to go with what you love, maybe pale pink, orange or blush is the colour of the moment, but you don’t like it … if so, don’t bring it into your home.

“Instead, choose a style you love and then make it your own. Add your own touch. There are no rules.”

THREE EASY HOME MAKEOVER TIPS

Your home is your castle – or, it should be. If yours isn’t feeling exactly palatial right now follow these top tips, says Neale

It’s a somewhat unsexy tip for which Neale apologises, but he’s providing it all the same – declutter, declutter, declutter.

“It’s a quick fix, but one I stand by,” he says.

“We all have so much stuff and we just hoard it. We have rooms and sheds and drawers and cupboards full of things we rarely, if ever, use. Keep sentimental items that mean a lot to you. Otherwise, get rid of it.”

The quintessential Aussie look is breezy and fresh with just a hint of Hamptons.

Tip number two – move your furniture into new positions. It’s incredibly easy to do and yet can have a huge impact, says Neale.

“Most of us place our furniture and our artwork and that’s it. We leave it there forever. But if you reposition it you can give your rooms a completely different feel.”

Neale recommends you try this before considering buying anything new.

Next tip – add some life with the addition of lush indoor plants.

“Never underestimate the power of some flowers, greenery and plant life. It provides an instant pick-me-up.”

CELEBRITY HOME STYLE TO COVET

It’s taken some time but Australia is gradually finding its feet when it comes to interior design and our very own style is beginning to emerge, says Neale.

The quintessential Aussie look is breezy and fresh with just a hint of Hamptons and we’ve taken a little inspiration from the United Kingdom and Europe too.

Neale says a handful of Australians are leading the world when it comes to design including actor Cate Blanchett.

The mansion owned by actress Cate Blanchett in Crowborough, East Sussex, U.K. Photo: Knight Frank

Inside Cate Blanchett’s East Sussex mansion. Photo: Knight Frank

Cate Blanchett broadcasts from home during the 27th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in April. Picture: Getty

“Cate has exquisite taste,” says Neale.

“Just exquisite.”

Neale is also a fan of model Cindy Crawford’s naturally chic style.

He loves her use of natural materials and sophisticated colour palette.

Neale Whitaker a fan of model Cindy Crawford’s naturally chic style. Picture: Instagram

Cindy Crawford’s incredible beachside home. Picture: Supplied

“She has an amazing home,” he says.

A look he’d happily see the back of however – faux Balinese.

While it works beautifully in Indonesia itself, Neale feels we can do better by way of celebrating our own look and feel here.

Love It Or List It Australia screens Wednesdays at 8.30pm or via streaming on Foxtel’s LifeStyle channel.

Originally published as Interior design: What is Australian style, Cate Blanchett’s ‘exquisite taste’, design feature Neale Whitaker wants to go