Design Digest

The Material Shift: 5 Innovative Materials Reshaping Interior Design and Architecture

Discover five groundbreaking materials transforming the future of interiors and architecture, from mycelium and seaweed biomaterials to recycled plastics, rice husks and coffee waste composites.

Kerena Berry

Jun 91 min read

Yellow Interior Design Trends 2026! Designing with Yellow: Joy, Energy and the Nervous System.

Yellow Interior Design Trends 2026 Designing with Yellow: Joy, Energy and the Nervous System

Kerena Berry

May 211 min read

A More Intentional Way to Furnish: The Value of Custom Design

There’s a quiet moment many clients arrive at. The sofa is almost right. The bed feels slightly off in scale. The room is coming together… but not quite landing. On the surface, everything is there — and yet, something feels unresolved. This is where custom design begins. "Not as a luxury – but as a response to a home ready to feel complete" A DIFFERENT WAY TO FURNISH In today’s world of endless choice, furnishing a home can feel overwhelming. Options are abundant — yet clar

Kerena Berry

Apr 92 min read

A new material language is emerging — one shaped by waste, regeneration and responsibility.

Now live on the Design Digest - link in bio.

DESIGN DIGEST 03

The future of design may not be extracted.

It may be grown.

From mushroom roots and rice husks to coffee waste, recycled plastics and seaweed, a new generation of materials is reshaping how we think about interiors, architecture and sustainability.

The most exciting innovations aren’t simply reducing impact — they’re redefining what beautiful materials can be.

Read our latest Design Digest:

The Material Shift: 5 Innovative Materials Reshaping Interior Design and Architecture

Link in bio.

#BerryTheory #DesignDigest #MaterialInnovation #InteriorArchitecture #InteriorDesignAustralia SustainableDesign CircularDesign FutureMaterials ArchitectureAndDesign MaterialPalette Biomaterials DesignThinking AustralianInteriors ConsciousDesign DesignInspiration

The Final Layer | Merlin House

We’re edging closer to the final finishing touches at Merlin House — a stage of every project I quietly treasure.

It’s the moment where months of conversations, decisions, revisions, discoveries, and trust begin to settle into place. Soon, the furniture is styled, the last details are refined, and the camera arrives to capture what has been created. But for me, the photographs are never just about the finished space.

They are a reflection of the journey.

A home is rarely created in a straight line. There are moments of excitement, uncertainty, unexpected pivots, and decisions that feel larger than they appear on paper. Behind every project sits a hundred moving parts that most clients never need to see — and that’s exactly as it should be.

Part of our role as designers is to carry that weight.

To navigate the complexities. To problem-solve quietly. To shield our clients from unnecessary stress. To hold the vision steady when challenges arise. And when a red light appears, to look beyond the obstacle and find the opportunity waiting behind it.

Even on Merlin House, a few unexpected hurdles became catalysts for better outcomes than we could have imagined at the beginning.

I’ve learnt time and again that the best projects are built on trust.

Trust in the process.
Trust in the journey.
Trust that there is often a solution waiting to reveal itself. #MerlinHouse #BerryTheoryJournal #InteriorDesignJourney #DesignWithIntention #BespokeInteriors

A Few Days of Creative Pause in Tasmania

Last week, I finally made my first trip to Tasmania — a destination that has been on my list for many years.

Safe to say, I’m completely hooked.

As designers, we’re often moving at pace; solving problems, making decisions, creating, coordinating and constantly thinking ahead. There’s something incredibly valuable about slowing down for a few days and creating space to simply observe.

More than anything, I appreciated the quality time with the person I love. Those uninterrupted moments together feel increasingly precious amidst the busyness of life and business.

A heartfelt thank you to Bree and Jason for the privilege of staying at their extraordinary property, @ironstone_tasmania . The views, the atmosphere, the landscape and the generosity shown to us made for an unforgettable experience. There is something truly special being created there, and I can’t wait to watch their next chapter unfold — especially what lies ahead for their future wines.

I returned home inspired by a flurry of architecture, innovative building materials, rural design thinking, and the pure beauty of Tasmania’s natural landscape. It is a place that quietly reminds you that great design often begins by paying attention.

My creative cup is full, and the inspiration gathered over those few days has already fuelled a big week of project developments back in the studio.

#Tasmania
#DiscoverTasmania
#TasmanianArchitecture
#TasmanianDesign
#ArchitecturalInspiration
DesignTravel

An entry by arrival, a guest retreat by necessity.
Thoughtfully designed storage conceals a flexible space that effortlessly transforms when the home fills with family and friends.

#berrytheorydesignstudio #entryinteriordesign

The Best Ideas Rarely Arrive at a Desk

Reflecting on a beautiful weekend in Tasmania. There is something about walking through nature that creates space for ideas to settle, connect and grow. Client solutions, future projects and new possibilities often arrive when the mind is free to wander. Although judging by these photos, it appears creativity may also be directly linked to an accidental recreation of Gangnam Style through the Tasmanian bush. The ideas were flowing. The dignity was not!

#CreativeProcess #WalkingForIdeas #Tasmania #DesignInspiration #InteriorDesign CreativeDirector NatureAndDesign StudioLife BerryTheory CreativeFlow

Designing the space between wild and refined.
Where weathered steel, tactile timber, and soft natural light find balance.

Currently on the conceptual drawing board. A studio exploring the intersection of coastal ease and rich materiality — where warm timber, aged steel, sculptural forms and natural light come together to create a space that feels both restorative and deeply creative. ✨

#StudioDesign #DesignConcept #Materiality #InteriorArchitecture #CoastalDesign AustralianDesign DesignInspiration CreativeStudio BerryTheory InteriorDesignAustralia

Huxley House begins to take shape.

This stage of the journey is where vision starts finding its language — translating the client brief into a layered Concept & Vision Folio that explores mood, materiality, colour, flow and the emotional tone of the home before detailed documentation begins.

Through these early concepts, we refine the feeling of the space as much as the function — testing depth, warmth, light and architectural rhythm to uncover the strongest design direction before moving into the intricate documentation and specification phase.

A small glimpse into the unfolding story of Huxley House.

#HuxleyHouse #BerryTheory #InteriorDesignAustralia #DesignConcept #ConceptFolio

Yellow is no longer just a colour trend — it’s becoming a language for warmth, optimism and emotional wellbeing within the home.

From butter tones to ochre and amber, we explore how yellow is shaping interiors for 2026 through the lens of the nervous system, sensory design and human-centred living.

Read the full Journal entry via the link in our BIO.

#DesigningWithYellow #ColourTherapy #InteriorDesignTrends2026 #WellbeingDesign #BerryTheory

Behind the scenes at Rhana House — where detail, beauty and function are being layered through custom joinery to bring a deeply personal rhythm to this home.

From quiet storage moments to statement architectural features, each element has been thoughtfully designed to reshape the existing bones into something warm, elevated and entirely reflective of our client’s way of living.

A reminder that with considered design, any home can evolve into something heartfelt, functional and beautifully aligned to the people within it.

Book a Discovery Call via the link in our bio to uncover your home’s potential.

#CustomJoinery #JoineryDesign #InteriorDesignAustralia #BerryTheory #DesignerDiscoveryCall

We’re officially opening our books for June / July 2026 projects.

Whether you’re building, renovating, refreshing or simply sitting on ideas — never assume it’s too early or too late to begin the conversation. Some of the most successful projects start with a simple chat.

At Berry Theory, we guide clients through the timing, workflow and moving pieces behind creating a home with clarity and confidence — helping you understand where to start, what to prioritise and how to move forward in a way that feels aligned and considered.

Unsure how we can help?
Request a Discovery Call via the link in our bio. A conversation can offer comforting insight into your next steps — even if you’re only at the dreaming stage.

#DesignerDiscoveryCall #AustralianInteriors #BerryTheory #InteriorDesignAustralia #DesignConsultation

How many parents hide in the toilet for five minutes of peace and quiet… aka why powder rooms deserve personality too. 😏

Honestly, the amount of calls I have with girlfriends hiding in powder rooms is endless — it’s the unofficial sanctuary of the family home. A moment to breathe. Scroll. Gossip. Regroup.

So why shouldn’t it feel fabulous?

We say go bold. Layer the stone. Add the moody lighting. Drench the walls. Play with texture. Let the powder room become the playful little boardroom of the throne. ✨

Here are a few that tickle my fancy…

#PowderRoom #PowderRoomDesign #MoodyInteriors #BoldInteriors #SmallSpaceDesign InteriorDetails

Entrances should feel like a warm hug with a little drama. ✨

For Rhana House, we’re layering rich textures, mood lighting and welcoming moments that instantly soften the nervous system and invite you in. The first impression of a home should never just be seen — it should be felt.

#RhanaHouse #EntryDesign #InteriorMood #WarmInteriors #berrytheorydesignstudio

My Muse…

The inspiration has been flowing in the most beautiful ways lately — across such a diverse range of projects, people and conversations. One thing we keep returning to is the power of custom design. Especially within lighting and joinery.

There’s something incredibly special about creating a piece that exists purely for one space, one family, one rhythm of living. Beyond function, custom pieces carry a personal fingerprint — a sense of individuality that can’t quite be replicated. Those are the moments we love most… when a design feels deeply connected to the people it was created for.

At the same time, we continue to feel inspired by the extraordinary creativity and collaborative spirit of our suppliers and makers. Design feels like it’s entering a brave and exciting chapter — one where materiality, form and construction are being challenged in the best possible ways. Creativity is no longer reserved for galleries or rare moments; it’s becoming part of everyday living. And with that comes a deeper understanding of how our environments shape emotion, wellbeing, energy and calm.

I’m also never shy to say that I thrive on learning. On staying curious. On exploring new ways of thinking, creating and evolving within my business and the design space. I truly believe part of our role as designers is to feel the world around us — listening carefully to how people want to live, what they need more of, what feels overwhelming, and ultimately… what may bring a little more joy to their everyday life through design.

Personally, I’ve also started reading Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by David Sinclair — an incredibly eye-opening read — alongside daily practices and teachings through @mindvalley and @gabbybernstein . Creating space for meditation, openness and self-nurturing has become such an important part of how I move through both life and work. Caring for myself allows me to show up more creatively, more calmly and more intentionally for my family and treasured clients — truly a win for everyone.

Kerena x
#WellbeingDesign #SensoryDesign #DesignProcess #AustralianInteriors #CreativeDirection

Designing Luma House’s guest bedroom as a boutique hotel meets Airbnb retreat — layered joinery bringing storage, mood, and dimension into a beautifully compact footprint. Thoughtful spaces can still feel expansive when every detail is considered.

#LumaHouse #JoineryDesign #CustomJoinery #AirbnbRenovation #GuestBedroomDesign

InteriorDetails ManlyInteriors BoutiqueInteriors StorageDesign AustralianInteriors BerryTheory SmallSpaceDesign HotelInspiredInteriors InteriorStyling CoastalInteriors

A study in contrast, restraint and material rhythm.
Dark timber volumes curve softly above textured masonry, while filtered light, natural stone and quiet landscaping create a home that feels both grounded and contemporary. A modern studio vision shaped through shadow, tactility and calm proportion — where architecture becomes atmosphere.

#BerryTheoryDesignStudio
#CreateToBePlay
#ModernArchitecture
#ArchitecturalInspiration
#MaterialityInDesign

THE NEW MOOD OF BLUE INTERIORS

Bold, Calm & Contrasting

Azure blue has emerged as one of the defining tones shaping interiors in 2026 — not as a cold coastal cliché, but as a layered, mineral-rich colour bringing depth, clarity and emotional calm into the home. Designers are moving away from stark whites and flat greys, leaning instead toward expressive blues that feel atmospheric, grounding and quietly confident.

What makes azure blue so compelling is its duality. It can feel tranquil and airy when paired with warm neutrals, stone and oak, yet bold and architectural beside oxbloods, corals, chocolate browns or deep wine tones. Across 2026, we’re seeing azure used not only as an accent, but colour-drenched across cabinetry, upholstery, bathrooms, statement joinery and tonal layered spaces.

“The future of interiors is less about perfection and more about emotional resonance.” @em_henderson

The future of blue interiors feels less themed and more emotional. Softer sky blues, transformative teals and mineral azure tones are being embraced as colours that restore, slow the nervous system and reconnect interiors back to nature and feeling.

Looking ahead, blue will continue evolving beyond trend status into a modern neutral — one that brings calm without losing personality, and contrast without overwhelming a space. The new mood of blue is thoughtful, layered and deeply human.

Referenced from: Vogue Living, Bontempi Casa & Emily Henderson trend forecasting reports, 2026.

Welcome Huxley House

Where work meets unwind… and neither misses a beat.

This one is layered, clever, and just a little bit indulgent — a creative studio by day, a private members’ retreat by night. Think bespoke joinery that works hard without ever feeling corporate, a meeting table that leans into long lunches and late conversations, and a bar that knows exactly when the day is done.

And then… the shift.
A concealed guest space that appears only when needed — seamless, resolved, and entirely part of the architecture. No compromise, no clutter.

All anchored by a poolside pavilion moment — stone, brass, water, and light — designed to move effortlessly between function and atmosphere.

Huxley House is about duality done well.
Focused and social. Refined and relaxed. Structured… but never rigid.

We’re in.

#BerryTheoryHomes
#NewProjectLaunch
#DesignWithIntent
#InteriorArchitecture
#DesignerSpaces

The curve is back — and it’s taking over.

Born from the free-flowing interiors of the 1970s — where conversation pits, modular living, and relaxed gathering reshaped the way we used our homes — the curved sofa was never just about form. It was about connection.

Fast forward, and it’s leading the room once again.

This iconic piece from de Sede captures it perfectly — sculptural, generous, and unapologetically social. It pulls people in, softens the space, and shifts the energy from structured to lived-in.

Curvy, calming, creative, conversational — officially hot again… and yes, we’re still talking about sofas.

#CurvedSofa
#InteriorTrend
#DesignerLiving
#ModularDesign
#StatementFurniture

Some spaces whisper… others arrive with a cocktail in hand and absolutely no intention of behaving.

This one stopped us mid-scroll.

Rich colour. Pattern layered upon pattern. Sculptural forms. Gloss, texture, warmth and just the right amount of tension. It shouldn’t work on paper — and yet somehow every piece sings louder because of it.

A reminder that great interiors aren’t always about restraint. Sometimes they’re about courage. Personality. Play. Creating spaces that make people feel something the moment they walk through the door.

The world doesn’t need more beige copies of the same room.
It needs homes and spaces with pulse.

Design by @mayeruz of Maye Estudio
Photography @leandrobulzzano

#BerryTheory #InteriorInspiration #DesignWithSoul #LayeredInteriors #ColourInDesign

A master bedroom concept for our Bowral project — composed through warm tones and layered materiality. Soft textiles, timber notes, and tonal variation work together to create depth, while maintaining a calm, resolved palette.

#HearthridgeHouse
#BedroomDesign
#MaterialPalette
#LayeredLiving
#BowralHomes

I’ve long been drawn to the reinvention of portable homes — from van fit-outs to tiny houses — spaces that invite a different way of living. Stripped back, intentional, and quietly adventurous.

This Airstream revamp captures that spirit so well… a refined balance of function and design, where every detail works harder, and nothing feels excessive. Compact, but considered — a reminder that meaningful living doesn’t ask for more, just better.

Imagery via @archdigest + photographer : @apielage
#AirstreamLiving
#TinyHomeDesign
#DesignOnWheels
#IntentionalLiving
#BerryTheory

Rhana House begins as a quiet canvas — soon to be layered with depth, detail, and a sense of quiet richness.

A once neutral shell, thoughtfully transformed into a family home that feels expansive, warm, and deeply considered — a place to gather, retreat, and grow.

Welcome to Rhana House.

#RhanaHouse #BerryTheoryHomes #LayeredLiving #QuietLuxury #FamilySanctuary

One design direction we’ve landed on for the Hearthridge House laundry and mudroom — a space shaped around function, clarity, and a sense of quiet ease.

The brief called for something fresh and resolved, where soft neutrals meet gentle timber moments to bring warmth without weight. Clean lines carry the space, allowing it to feel calm, practical, and considered in its daily rhythm.

A full-height aged mirror sits to the side, reflecting the surrounding bushland and drawing light deeper into the room — subtly expanding the galley layout and softening the overall feel.

#HearthridgeHouse
#LaundryDesign
#ModernCountry
#JoineryDetail
#BerryTheoryHomes

A thought I often hear — the fear of being placed into a “style.”

The truth is, no two days feel the same. Each project arrives with its own rhythm, its own questions, its own way of asking to be understood. And that’s where the work begins — responding, shifting, refining. Not repeating.

This week, travelling and spending time with family, I’ve been reminded how much inspiration lives in the in-between. I’m constantly gathering… through research, unexpected places, slow observations. A detail, a material, a moment of light — something always sparks. It’s this quiet layering of curiosity that continues to shape how I design.

A small glimpse of what caught my eye this week — drawn from wandering, studying, and the in-between moments.
Inspiration via Pinterest + personal captures.

Kerena x

While in Cairns this week, we’re reminded of the quiet brilliance of FNQ living.

Known as Cliff House, this long-admired home — finally claimed — speaks to a slower, more considered kind of luxury. Open, grounded, and deeply connected to landscape… a reminder that in its relaxed beauty, Far North Queensland designs with the very best.

#FNQHomes
#CairnsLiving
#TropicalArchitecture
#DesignInAustralia
#BerryTheory

Exploring a series of joinery moments for our industrial apartment — shaping a once minimal shell into something layered, functional, and quietly warm. Each element is considered not just for storage, but for how it holds the space… introducing depth, materiality, and a sense of lived-in ease.
A balance between utility and expression — where clean lines meet texture, and every detail works a little harder to soften, ground, and elevate the whole.

#BerryTheory
#JoineryDesign
#IndustrialInteriors
#ApartmentLiving
#DesignInProgress

We’re delighted to welcome Luma House into the studio — a gentle reimagining of coastal living, designed for ease, clarity, and a beautifully considered new chapter.

Set within the heart of Manly, this home embraces a quieter rhythm. Light moves softly through each space, textures feel grounded and familiar, and every detail is shaped with intention.

A new chapter for our downsizers — and one we’re honoured to bring fresh life into, with care, warmth, and quiet intention.

Welcome to Luma.

#LumaHouse
#ManlyDesign
#CoastalLiving
#BerryTheoryHomes
#DownsizedLiving

Our Merlin House journey has been one of quiet exploration — a layering of custom moments shaped around a vibrant, family-centred home.

Each piece considered, each detail refined — creating a space that feels deeply personal, and entirely its own.

As we move into the final stages in the coming weeks, we’re excited to begin sharing what’s to come — the Berry Collection. A release grounded in heart, spirit, and the beauty of bespoke design.

Discover how custom pieces can shape your own design journey — link in bio.

#berrytheoryjournal #custominteriors #bespokedesign #interiorstory #designwithintention

We’re on the road this month —
moving across projects and places,
and opening space for a handful of face-to-face meetings along the way.

Northern + Eastern Suburbs, Sydney — week of April 13th
Southern Highlands — week of April 20th
Cairns — week of April 27th

If you’ve been thinking about your space,
this is a beautiful moment to connect in person.

Kerena x

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DESIGN DIGEST

The Material Shift: 5 Innovative Materials Reshaping Interior Design and Architecture

Yellow Interior Design Trends 2026! Designing with Yellow: Joy, Energy and the Nervous System.

A More Intentional Way to Furnish: The Value of Custom Design

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FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM