Tribal Rhythm - from the runway to the rumpus room

Tribal is the global phenomenon that’s sweeping the fashion world, seen in designer collections worldwide and chain stores throughout Australia. The trend is a blend of rich, Aztec colours, animal prints, earthy textures and symbolic motifs.

Now the world's hottest fashion trend has inspired the world of interior design and the exotic theme has gone from catwalk to the home creating bold interiors of primal character and spicy warmth.

Interior Designer Lindy Evans says runway themes often mirror interior design themes and tribal has been extremely popular in fashion and in the home. "The tribal theme has warmth and character and gives the home a comfortable and casual feel. It's easy to create and easy to update and maintain," she said.

To recreate this theme, Lindy suggests drawing inspiration from the visual and aromatic feast of an African food market. “Think rustic red hues and earthy tones of the Savannah landscape to create a calming canvas, then add splashes of vibrant colour to delight the senses. Dark, solid aged timber furniture is balanced with warm lighting create a serene ambience,” she said.

Tribal Inspiration Gallery

Bedhead Beauty

Bedheads are the decorating piece of a bedroom that make the bed appear styled and complete.

Kirstin Fowle from Windemere Interiors says bedheads are an incredibly versatile decorating option for bedrooms and can be the feature pieces of the space or work in subtly with the rest of the room's theme. "There are some amazing bedheads that stand alone like pieces of art or they can be custom made to work in with the rest of the room."

When designing a room, it's important to first decide whether the bedhead will be the statement piece of the bedroom. If so, then choose the bedhead first and decorate the rest of the space with subtle attributes to the bedhead, such as colour of fabric.

Fabric bedheads are the most common, but there are many out of the box ideas. Try using different materials.

Some suggestions:

• Recycled timber bedhead for an industrial look
• Wicker bedhead for a tropical resort theme
• A chalkboard bedhead is a fun and personal touch in a children's bedroom
• Leather bedhead for a super contemporary look
• Recycled timber doors for a vintage theme
• Gilded bedhead for an antique theme
• Bedheads with shelving and drawers for extra storage

Kirsten suggests another unique option is to hang artwork low above the bed to create an gallery style bedhead. "A gorgeous piece of artwork works fantastically was a bedhead. Place it low over the bed for fabulously artistic impact to a bedroom space," she said.

If the bedhead is not the statement piece of the space then choose or create a bedhead that fits the theme of the space without standing out or competing with the statement piece.

Inspiration Gallery

Interiors Theme - Resort Living

An upmarket resort is the inspiration for this relaxed and casual interior by Windemere Interiors. A calm, subdued palette of cream, chocolate and taupe are highlighted with tropical hues of olive and mustard. Furnishings of warm timber, and natural fabrics of linen and cotton add texture for an interesting, but relaxing interior.

Designed by Lindy Evans, the interior is highlighted by a number of unique feature walls. "We've created interest and texture on the walls and kept with the neutral colour palette and natural materials as inspired by resort style living. The entrance features a timber wall and the hallway a unique check tiled wall. The fabulous sunken outdoor lounge has a feature wall of coconut shells creating a tropical resort style feel."

To recreate this look at home, start with a canvas of neutral colours and layer with natural textures and fibres such as timber, raw cotton and canvas. Use subtle, but natural colours such as khaki and brick to add  highlights.

The Orient Express

The mystique of the oriental far East pared down with the simplicity of the West creates a contemporary and practical approach to Asian inspired interiors. 

The East Meets West theme blends the rich, saturated colours of Asia, highlights of gilded coppers and opulent textured fabrics with the minimalist style of the West, with plain but striking colours and clean lines.

Windemere Interiors designer Lindy Evans, says the East Meets West theme is a popular and practical style for today, achieving a striking and dramatic look with less fuss than the traditional Asian interior. "Traditional Asian style is dramatic with intricate designs and patterns on an ornate scale. Gold, jade and other rich highlights create palatial and opulent splendour. East Meets West is a fusion of those elements pared down with simplicity representing the West. It's an easy theme to recreate in your home," she said.

Lindy has a few hints and tips for recreating the theme in your home:

• Start with a palette of strong Asian colours such deep reds, muddy greys and black on plain surfaces and textures.
• Create warm mood lighting using lamps, downlights and lanterns
• Consider living decoration such as lucky bamboo, orchids, jade plant or a goldfish for good fortune.
• Cluster a few decorator pieces such as an ornamental carving, ceramic statue or gilded jewellery box.
• Highlight with opulent, rich fabrics such as heavy satin or gold embroidered raw silk on cushions and bed throws.
• Light some incense to delight the senses and create a warm spicy ambience.

Inspiration Gallery