Natalie Walton is an Australian stylist, designer, creative director of the homewares shop Imprint House, and author of This is Home: The Art of Simple Living. I first discovered her on the Design Files and was immediately drawn to her understated but warm country cabin full of timber, black, and warm whites. I love her thoughtful and meaningful approach to decorating that goes beyond aesthetics and wanted to share some of her styling philosophy with you all today!

cheers, ezz.

How would you describe your style?

My story in visual form.

What are your biggest sources of inspiration?

Art and the way layers are built upon a canvas. Fringe-dwellers, and the homes that they create. Historic houses, and the lessons they teach. Travel, and the unexpected discoveries that only come from walking off the beaten track.

You had a lot of interesting thoughts about decorating in an overstimulated world in the Design Files article. What practical tips do you have for readers for decorating their own homes when we’re bombarded with “inspiration” and consumer choices from all corners?

The first step should always begin with considering how you use a space on a daily basis. Meet your practical needs first. If you have a large family and need to set out a lot of plates at dinner time then sufficient counter space in the kitchen is essential. Once you have a clear idea of how your home can help your life function better, then consider the materials. But instead of choosing them based on what you’ve seen online, consider how they make you feel. Do you like to touch stainless steel or concrete? What do you enjoy about timber? Consider how they function too, and how that makes you feel. Do you mind that marble or timber will show signs of wear? You should only use materials that you can embrace wholeheartedly, imperfections and all, otherwise, you will spend your whole time worrying about them, and that’s no way to live at home.

How you have changed after moving to the countryside? How has it affected your work and creativity? I know there are plenty of creatives out there who dream about moving to the country but might be afraid of limited opportunities, isolation, boredom, etc.

Moving to the country has been one of the best decisions, and has helped improve my life in many unexpected ways. Being away from the “noise” of the city has given me clarity of vision – personally and professionally. It has also deepened my relationship to my family and work. And it hasn’t been as isolating as what you might expect. I can still feel connected to the world at large through digital channels. And I can shop, too! Living in the countryside is not what it once was. It’s now the best of both worlds.

With trends and social media operating at neck-breaking speeds, do you have any ideas of how the future of interior design might evolve in these modern times?

While micro trends are still around, we are living in a time that is embracing more meaningful movements, such as the search for a simpler way of living as a response to how we live. I think it’s more important to tap into those and consider how they can help us live a better life. After all, a new cushion can only make us happy for such a relatively short period of time. But focusing on design with integrity can last a lifetime, and maybe even longer.

• photography by Chris Warnes for This is Home: The Art of Simple Living

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