HOW TO DEFINE YOUR HOME DESIGN STYLE WITH CONFIDENCE

Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating, locking in a cohesive design style can be one of the trickiest – and most rewarding – parts of the process. It’s not just about looks; it’s about making choices that suit your lifestyle, climate, and long-term comfort.

New resources from building experts, including a detailed style guide by CSR with inspiration from brands such as Bradford, Hebel, Monier, Cemintel, and PGH, are helping homeowners better understand the connection between materials, performance, and aesthetics.

Here are five key elements to consider when defining your home’s style and getting it right from the start.

1. Start with Style

Understanding your overall aesthetic—whether it’s Classic, Coastal, barnhouse, Industrial, or something in between—makes every other decision easier. It affects everything from the roofline to your cladding choice. For example, a Contemporary home often features clean lines and subtle contrasts, while an Industrial style leans toward bold materials and darker colours.

2. Make Colour Count

The right colour palette doesn’t just change how a home looks – it transforms how it feels. Neutral tones like soft greys and crisp whites work well in breezy, coastal designs, while dark charcoals and blacks add drama to modern or industrial exteriors. Rich browns and terracotta tones are gaining traction too, particularly for homes that aim to blend into natural surroundings.

3. Layer in Texture

Texture is one of the most underrated tools in exterior design. Think rough brick next to smooth cladding, or timber detailing beside rendered walls. Using materials with different surfaces can highlight key architectural features and add interest to otherwise flat façades. It’s also an easy way to bring character to newer builds.

4. Don’t Overlook the Invisible

Good design doesn’t stop at what you can see. The hidden layers – insulation, wall wraps, roof sarking – are critical in how liveable and energy-efficient your home is. These are choices that are often hard to change later, so it pays to get them right from the outset.

5. Think Beyond the Walls

Landscaping is more than just a finishing touch. The right mix of plants, materials and pathways can enhance your home’s style and create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Match fencing and garden materials to your architectural choices for a polished, intentional feel – and make sure your outdoor areas are as functional as they are beautiful.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

HOW TO DEFINE YOUR HOME DESIGN STYLE WITH CONFIDENCE

From colour to texture to what’s beneath the surface, here’s how to create a home that looks great and works for your lifestyle.

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.