Before It Was a Trend: The Art Movements That Still Inspire Our Interiors

Why Real Style Never Dates

Trends come and go — terracotta one year, sage green the next — but true style has roots.
When you understand where your favourite interior looks began, decorating becomes more than just a seasonal update. It becomes a quiet nod to history, to creativity, to the way art has always reflected who we are.

These are the art movements that continue to shape our homes today — long after their moment on the gallery wall.

“Trends fade. Art endures.”

Abstract Expressionism — Emotion in Motion

Era: 1940s–50s
Mood: Raw. Expressive. Unrestrained.

After the chaos of war, artists around the world abandoned realism for emotion. In Australia, Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series captured raw narrative energy, while John Olsen’s swirling landscapes brought movement and life to the canvas. Their work reminds us that art is about feeling as much as form.

In interiors, abstract pieces bring movement and mood. A large-scale work above a neutral sofa instantly transforms a room into something alive and deeply personal.

Style note: Choose a piece that moves you, not one that matches your cushions. Emotion never goes out of style.

“Abstract art gives energy to still spaces — it’s feeling on canvas.”

Mid-Century Modern — The Art of Optimism

Era: 1950s–60s
Mood: Hopeful. Effortlessly cool.

Mid-century design was a love letter to progress — clean lines, organic shapes, and a belief that design could improve everyday life.

Australian modernist painters like Grace Crowley and Margaret Preston created bold geometric prints that perfectly complement mid-century furniture from designers such as Grant Featherston or Fred Ward. Together, they balance simplicity with optimism.

In your space: Mix warm woods and graphic art prints for a look that feels timeless, not retro.

“Mid-century design is the little black dress of interiors — simple, flattering, and forever in style.”

Minimalism — The Beauty of Less

Era: 1960s–70s
Mood: Calm. Intentional. Balanced.

Minimalism stripped art down to its essentials. No story, no clutter — just form, line, and space. In Australia, artists like Diana Gibbs and some works by Ben Quilty embrace pared-back abstraction and quiet intensity, creating art that calms a space rather than demands attention.

Stylist’s tip: A restrained palette and clean framing let you appreciate the art itself, not the styling around it.

“Minimalism isn’t cold — it’s clarity disguised as calm.”

Scandinavian Simplicity — Function Meets Warmth

Era: Mid-20th century
Mood: Light. Natural. Grounded.

Inspired by long winters and the beauty of nature, Scandinavian design prioritised light, softness, and functionality. In Australia, Rosalie Gascoigne brought similar principles to her sculptures and installations, using natural and found materials to create warmth and texture.

How to bring it home: Pair soft neutrals, natural textures, and art inspired by the outdoors. It’s a look that will never feel dated, because it’s built on calm and authenticity.

“Scandi interiors don’t age — they evolve quietly, like nature itself.”

Bohemian & Eclectic — The Storyteller’s Style

Era: Timeless
Mood: Wanderlust. Soulful. Collected.

Boho style is the opposite of trend-driven — it’s about collecting, not consuming. Aboriginal artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Rover Thomas create works full of story, culture, and colour. Paired with handmade ceramics and textiles, these pieces make spaces feel layered and deeply personal.

Design mantra: Don’t curate perfection. Collect meaning.

“The most timeless rooms are the ones that look lived in, not styled.”

Pop Art — From Street to Chic

Era: 1950s–60s
Mood: Bold. Playful. Fearless.

Australian Pop Art is alive in the works of Ken Done and Howard Arkley. Bright colours, graphic forms, and cheeky commentary make these pieces perfect for interiors that need a punch of fun without overwhelming the room.

Style it modern: A single bright print can transform a room — keep the rest of the palette clean so it can shine.

“Pop Art is proof that not taking design too seriously can still make a statement.”

Decorating Beyond the Trend Cycle

A timeless home doesn’t chase hashtags or colour forecasts. It tells a story — of art, of history, of you.

When you choose art because it moves you, not because it’s in, your interiors start to feel richer, more intentional. Art-led spaces don’t date because emotion and meaning don’t go out of style.

So next time you’re styling a wall, think less about what’s trending — and more about what endures.

Because great design, like great art, only gets better with time.

“Style fades fast. Substance lasts forever.”

Next Step

• Take inspiration from these Australian artists and art movements when styling your walls.

• Mix eras and styles to create depth, texture, and personality.

• Focus on pieces that move you emotionally — that’s the key to interiors that stand the test of time.