Designing and building your dream home is an exciting journey that combines personal style with practical choices. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or purchasing a new property, balancing interior design trends with location considerations is key to creating a comfortable, attractive, and functional living environment. For Australians, understanding the latest styling ideas alongside smart decisions about where to settle can make all the difference in enjoying your home to the fullest.
From the timeless charm of the Cool Country palette to nostalgic 70s-inspired interiors, and a snapshot of regional living near Melbourne, there’s plenty to inspire your next move or makeover.
Embracing the Cool Country Interior Trend
One interior design scheme gaining popularity, especially in kitchens, is the Cool Country trend. This style combines classic country elements with a modern twist, using a palette of soft, cool tones such as white, grey, dusty blue, navy, and charcoal. These colours create a calming, understated atmosphere that’s both fresh and inviting.
Cool Country draws inspiration from traditional country homes but updates the look with sleek finishes and minimalist touches, making it perfect for contemporary Australian homes. Incorporating this trend can be as simple as painting cabinetry in dusty blue or adding charcoal-coloured tiles for contrast. The muted colour scheme allows homeowners to play with textures and natural materials, such as timber and stone, adding depth and warmth to the space.
The appeal of the Cool Country trend lies in its versatility. It pairs beautifully with open-plan layouts and plenty of natural light, common features in modern homes, while maintaining a cosy, welcoming feel. For those who want a kitchen that feels both stylish and practical, this trend offers a timeless solution.
Adding Nostalgia with the 70s Look
If you’re after something with a little more character and warmth, bringing a touch of nostalgia into your home with a 1970s-inspired look is a great option. This design scheme celebrates rich, earthy colours, plush textures, and natural materials that create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Think of warm browns, burnt oranges, olive greens, and mustard yellows paired with velvet cushions, wooden furniture, and woven textiles. The 70s look is perfect for those who appreciate retro charm and want to create a space that feels lived-in and personal.
Adding elements from this era can be as simple as choosing a statement armchair in a plush fabric or incorporating wooden décor pieces that evoke a vintage feel. The natural materials often used in this style, like rattan and leather, help bring a touch of nature inside, complementing Australia’s love of the outdoors.
Considering Location: Living Near Melbourne in Drouin
While style and décor are essential, where you choose to live plays a significant role in your overall satisfaction and lifestyle. For many Australians, living close enough to major cities to access amenities and work opportunities but far enough to enjoy a quieter lifestyle is ideal.
Take the town of Drouin in Victoria, for example. Located just an hour and a half from Melbourne Airport, Drouin offers a regional lifestyle with easy access to city conveniences. This proximity makes it a great option for families, retirees, or professionals who want the best of both worlds — peaceful country living with the option to connect quickly to Melbourne’s vibrant city life.
Living in a place like Drouin means you can enjoy spacious properties, natural surroundings, and a tight-knit community while still being within reasonable travel distance for business or leisure. It’s an example of how Australians are increasingly valuing lifestyle balance when choosing where to buy or build their homes.
Equally important is selecting a location that complements your lifestyle, such as regional towns like Drouin, which offer the convenience of nearby city access with the benefits of country living. Whether renovating, building, or buying, balancing style and location choices will help you create a home that’s perfect for you — a place where comfort, beauty, and practicality come together to support your life’s journey.
With these insights in mind, you’re well-equipped to embark on your home creation adventure, making informed decisions that bring your vision to life while embracing the unique Australian way of living.


