Global Inspo For Your Home
by Hobart Magazine

Looking to refresh your home with new ideas? The rich cultural diversity of our planet offers an endless array of interior design styles. Join us as we take a journey around the world to discover which country will inspire your next project.
Scandinavian hygge The Danish concept of hygge is all about embracing cosiness, simplicity, and being present. If you’ve ever felt the comfort of curling up with a book and a cup of tea by a heater on a cold winter’s day, you’ve experienced hygge. It might be one of the reasons Denmark ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. When it comes to home decor, hygge emphasises warmth. Soft fabrics like throw blankets, cushions, and faux fur rugs help with this. Choose neutral tones for walls, and bring in natural elements like wood and plants. Hang up string lights and place scented candles. Finally, a reading nook is the ultimate encapsulation of hygge.

Japanese wabi-sabi Unlike modern principles that emphasise perfection, wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese aesthetic focused on embracing and finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. For instance, a vase gains character when it has a crack or chip, or a stone structure becomes more intriguing as it’s overtaken by moss. It’s about accepting change and appreciating the natural cycle of life. Natural materials (wood, stone, clay) and handcrafted items are key for a wabi-sabi- inspired interior. Minimalism is also important, so have sparse furniture and open floor plans. Opt for neutral, muted colors and furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.

French provincial What if a farmhouse, but French? That’s the essence of French provincial decor. It combines the rustic comfort of a country house with chic Parisian elegance, and it mixes simplicity with delicate detailing, making use of distressed woods and vintage French furniture. Parquet, the geometric wooden patterns used for decoration, is a hallmark. Another defining feature is wrought iron in furniture and stair railings. Furniture often features cabriole legs, curved outward at the top and inward at the foot. To complete the look, incorporate exposed beams and subtle pops of colour against warm tones.

Moroccan lavishness It’s easy to recognise a Moroccan-style home by its rich colors, natural textures, geometric-patterned tiles, plants, and mahogany accents. The design is all about indulging the senses with tactile beauty and luxurious details. A traditional Moroccan Berber rug is essential. Layer fabrics like cushions, rugs, throws, and poufs. The colours of Morocco are vibrant, so go with cobalt blues and saffron yellows. For metallic finishes, choose warm tones like brass, gold, and copper. Tiles are a staple in Moroccan design, with Zellige tiles being preferred for their brightness and details.

California cool California cool, or Cali cool if you’re like, so cool, is the relaxed and beach-oriented lifestyle or surfer culture. It blends coastal and bohemian vibes, with touches of Scandi and mid-century thrown in. Brightness is key, so opt for a bright white color palette with subtle accents of brown and orange. Declutter for spaciousness, ditch heavy curtains to let the sunshine in, and the more wood you can showcase, the better. Rattan-style furniture evokes that beachside atmosphere. When it comes to plants, go for cacti and succulents. A quick way to nail that Cali look is by displaying a surfboard, guitar, or sunhat – even if you don’t use them. Sometimes, it’s okay to be a poser.

