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Far Away Design Inspiration – Australian Outback

A recent adventure in the Australian outback has spurred you on to bring some change in your home décor. Maybe you have a fascination with Aboriginal culture, arts and crafts. We have a few ideas on how you can change your living space to bring in elements of both the Australian outback and aboriginal design.

Before you begin, it might be an idea to work with a mood board – documenting what it is that makes you fond of this design. Build up a colour scheme, look at patterns, fabrics and try to get an overall picture of how you would like your home to look.

The Australian outback conjures up images of the magnificent Uluru (Ayer’s Rock), dark green foliage and fauna, a dry and burnt orange landscape, kangaroos jumping around with their joey in their pouch, stunning blue skies in contrast to the orange earth, the unique compilations of aboriginal art, didgeridoos and a sense of spirituality.

Be Bold With Earth Colours:

Warm, earth colours represent the Australian outback – yellows, oranges, orange/red tones and browns. Choose bold colours over pastels – otherwise the theme will be completely lost. If you are afraid of using bold colour on the walls, then try a pale yellow. ochre or neutral and then add the colours in smaller doses.

Flooring and Furniture Design:

Wooden flooring would set the Australian outback theme – darker woods would be the best option. You could give existing floorboards a new stain or varnish. Alternatively, for a more natural look you could sand down the floorboards which might reveal more of its natural grain. Your furnitures don’t have to be all of one colour wood – better when you can mix darker woods with light, almost white wood.

Unique Aboriginal Fabric Designs:

One of the most interesting aspects to designing an Australian outback theme is the use of Aboriginal patterns. The indigenous tribes of Australia were not shy with decorating and their distinct art and patterns can be found on anything from fabrics, wood carving, rock carving and they even used paint their own bodies.

They often use cross-hatching in designs and dots which were formed to create lines and intricate patterns. Animals such as kangaroos, lizards and snakes are often used in their designs. You could buy a range of curtains and redress existing pillows or cushions. So much as you use pattern, you should tone it down and create balance by bringing some neutrals in such as use of beige curtains or a beige sofa or cream curtains to contrast earthy tones.

Finishing Touches:

If you have young children, why not consider letting them create some artwork for you – hand prints are another common element to this far away design. If you are brave enough – you could let them print the shape of their hands directly on one wall or a part of it. Alternatively, take some canvas and later use it as a focal point in a room. Have an area with a grouping of tribal instruments such as drums and of course – a didgeridoo! Tribal painted wooden masks would also work well when placed on walls or shelving units.