In Conversation with Ewert Leaf

What does interesting Australian interior design look and feel like to you?

To me, interesting Australian interior design feels connected and relaxed, with spaces that flow effortlessly and detailing that is simple, crafted and honest. It reflects our environment and harsh climate through enduring, robust and practical choices, while being layered with eclecticism that speaks to Australia’s cultural diversity and international influences. I’m especially drawn to interiors that tell a story - whether through subtle references to design movements, the considered use of pattern, or objects that evoke memory and nostalgia.

Your approach to colour: restrained, saturated, or layered neutrals with moments of intensity?

My approach to colour is restrained and layered, grounded in a strong tonal base with a predominance of natural materials. I value natural tones for their timeless quality, creating interest through tactility, texture and natural patterning rather than overt colour. Within this restraint, I like to introduce micro moments of colour, often through complex tertiary shades that sit between primary and secondary hues and are softened with neutrals or complementary tones, adding depth, subtlety and a quietly sophisticated richness.

What features are currently defining apartment interiors in Australia?

Apartment interiors in Australia are increasingly defined by the inclusion of secondary living spaces that support lifestyle and wellbeing. These might take the form of a “good room” for entertaining, a studio for creative pursuits, or dedicated wellness spaces for activities such as yoga, Pilates or cycling, reflecting a broader shift toward enriching daily life by intentionally creating space within the home.

First-day questions you ask to unlock the brief’s DNA?

To unlock a brief’s DNA on day one, I start by defining the project’s core design principles: its fundamental goals, key functionalities, commercial objectives, and the requirements for flexibility and longevity. I also explore the desired sensory experience and relevant historical or contemporary precedents to anchor the design thinking. From there, I recognise that every project is an evolving journey, and my role as a designer is to remain open to shifts along the way while consistently upholding the guiding principles of the brief.

What is your material of the moment?

My material of the moment is ceramic, particularly pieces that are natural and tactile in quality. This reflects a broader shift toward sustainability and sensory richness, creating interiors that feel grounded and connected to nature. I’ve always been drawn to ceramics, both as a collector of sculptural works and through making my own in a local studio - and I’m especially interested in products that explore decorative techniques such as bas-relief and sgraffito, where subtle pattern and contrast enhance their handcrafted, organic character. There are some incredible commercial products available that lean into these traditional techniques.