How to Create an Island Style Interior at Home — Even in Melbourne’s Cooler Climate
Island Style Interiors in Melbourne: How to Bring Coastal Calm Into Your Home All Year Round
Living in Melbourne means embracing the beauty of all four seasons — from crisp winter mornings to sun-filled summer afternoons. But what if your home could feel like an escape to a coastal retreat all year round?
At Erica Fanning Interiors, we specialise in helping homeowners across Melbourne create serene, island-style interiors that balance effortless beauty with practical comfort.
What is Island Style Interior Design?
Island style design blends natural textures, layered neutrals, and a well-travelled aesthetic. It’s about creating light-filled spaces that feel relaxed yet curated — a look that’s increasingly popular in Melbourne interior design.
Top Tips for Island Style Interiors in Melbourne
1. Embrace Soft, Relaxed Furnishings
Choose slipcovered sofas, natural linens, and light-toned woods to create an inviting base. This look is perfect for relaxed living and suits both beachside and urban homes in Melbourne.
2. Add Natural Materials
Timber, rattan, and recycled elm bring warmth and earthiness. Use them in furniture, lighting, or accessories for that true coastal home styling Melbourne residents love.
3. Layer Texture and Character
Use timber paneling, exposed beams, and vintage pieces to add depth. These elements work beautifully in both period homes and modern builds throughout Melbourne.
4. Style With Travel Treasures
Decorate with woven baskets, artisanal pottery, and framed travel photography to give your space personality and a relaxed, well-travelled charm.
5. Incorporate Tropical Greenery
Indoor plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs and Birds of Paradise thrive in Melbourne homes and are perfect for softening the space and enhancing the island vibe.
Why This Style Works for Melbourne Homes
Island-style interiors are about more than just aesthetics — they offer a sense of calm that’s welcome in Melbourne’s busy lifestyle. Whether you live in a heritage townhouse in Armadale, a coastal retreat in Elwood, or a city apartment in Kew, this look adapts beautifully.
This mood board was created for a recently completed interior project in Brighton, where the brief was to evoke a relaxed, coastal aesthetic while still complementing Melbourne’s cooler climate. The design blends crisp white slip-covered sofas with layered textures — including a soft plaid rug over natural sisal — to create depth, warmth, and an effortless sense of calm. The overall feel is casual yet curated, capturing that breezy, beachside energy while remaining perfectly suited to year-round living in the southern suburbs.
Need Help With Your Home Styling in Melbourne?
As an experienced interior designer in Melbourne, I help clients transform their homes with timeless, tailored interiors. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or renovating your whole home, I bring an island-inspired touch that’s both relaxed and refined.
Ready to transform your home? Contact me today to book your free initial consultation and let’s bring your dream space to life.
