How to add a touch of multicultural flair to your home design

How to add a touch of multicultural flair to your home design

Excited to chow down on eats and treats from all over the world at the Multicultural Festival? While it’s one of the biggest weekends of the year in Canberra, you can bring in a multicultural touch to your everyday by taking design cues from countries and regions all over the world. Here are some international influences you can incorporate into your home:

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Scandinavian

Love your space light, bright and minimalist? Take a leaf out of the book of the Scandinavian design philosophy. This part of the world is well-known internationally for its furniture, textiles, ceramics. To get the look, start with white walls and wooden floors, and go for modern furniture with clean lines. Decorations should be simple with white or light tones, and areas should be kept clutter-free. And functionality is key, so look for clever furniture that will serve multiple purposes or just make your day easier. For inspiration, you can always start at Sweden’s most famous export Ikea. For a particular touch of Finland, you could also add a sauna to your backyard. Or to add some hygge, the Danish word that describes the feeling of being cosy and extremely comfortable, incorporate candles or cosy textures like a chunky knitted throw on the couch - perfect for Canberra winters.

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Moroccan

Just like the country itself sitting between Africa and Europe, Moroccan design is a robust mix of cultures and influences. Think arches and domes, ornamental tiling and intricate design patterns in a rainbow of colours. To add your own Moroccan touch, add a sumptuous patterned rug, decorative throw pillows or woven baskets and wall hangings. The pouf has been a Moroccan mainstay for years and is an ideal seating option for your home. If you really want to make an impact, transform your bathroom with bold patterned tiles or invest in a statement piece such as a showstopping Moroccan lamp or carved piece of furniture.

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Mexican

Another country known for its bold and distinctive design is Mexico. If you have an outdoor area you can convert it into your own Mexican patio with terracotta tiles and wrought iron furniture. Indoors, try incorporating rich, vivid colours like blue, red, green or orange, and bold, intricate patterns, and rustic furnishings. For an easy Mexican touch, add a brightly painted skull or skeleton and a cactus.

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Indian

For instant bohemian appeal, take your inspirations from traditional Indian design. A hand carved wooden bedhead, chest or ornate mirror creates an exotic statement in your home. India is also known for its stunning silver ornaments and bone inlay furniture. But if that’s outside of your budget, try the country’s famous lush silk textiles throughout your home - from flowing drapes to dress the windows, to a throw on the bed, or a beautiful, brightly-coloured rug taking pride of place in the lounge room.

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Greek

Want to always feel like you’re on holiday on a Greek island? Start with whitewashed walls, and add shades of blue, paired with a tiled floor. Less is more, so keep furniture simple and decorations rustic but minimal. Fill terracotta pots with Mediterranean plants to complete the look. A water view also wouldn’t go astray, if you can manage it.

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Asian

For another calming interior space, take notes from Asian design. While the countries of Asia are usually a loud clash of food, noise, colour and culture, the foundations of Asian design are much more serene. Start with a neutral palette, with simple colours pulled from nature. To decorate, you can stick with neutral wood, bamboo and natural stone, or add pops of red and yellow. But don’t over-do it. Asian design is all about achieving balance and harmony. For an even more calming touch, try adding water, whether it’s a small water feature near the front door, or a pond or reflection pool in the backyard. And look around you. Does everything you see in your home spark joy? If not, as Japan’s world-famous organising experts Marie Kondo says, it’s time to get rid of it.

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