Australia’s unique light and extraordinary landscapes offer an unparalleled canvas for the built environment. For half a century, Melbourne-based multidisciplinary design studio, Nexus Designs, has been at the forefront of crafting colour palettes that celebrate these distinctive qualities. 

The Australian context: Light, landscape and legacy

Led by Sally Evans and Sonia Simpfendorfer, the studio works on projects spanning interior design, product development and colour analysis. From a creative design perspective, the studio’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the Australian context. “Every product, range or palette we advise on is destined to be used somewhere in the Australian landscape, whether that be in an urban, rural or interior setting,” Evans says. 

Giving consideration to context is paramount in their approach, as they strive to create designs that complement rather than mimic their environments. Reflecting on the role that the crystalline, uniquely Australian sunlight plays for designers, Simpfendorfer says  the unmistakable Australian light profoundly impacts colour perception in interiors. “We’re constantly seeking ways to optimise natural light, creating spaces that feel innately connected to their location,” she says.

The studio’s groundbreaking work on the Yulara tourist resort in the Northern Territory during the mid-1980s exemplifies their pioneering approach. “Our studio’s founders, Harley Anstee and Janne Faulkner immersed themselves in the location, collecting, photographing and referencing the distinct local flora, red earth and unique light of the immediate landscape,” Evans recounts. This project not only set a new standard for strengthening the connection between interiors and the surrounding environment, but it also catalysed the development of custom colours in the Australian building product manufacturing industry, according to Evans.

Innovation and multidisciplinary expertise 

While honouring its legacy, Evans and Simpfendorfer work closely with their team to continually evolve Nexus’s approach. “Design is about new, better, improved ways of creating things”, Evans says. “We must constantly challenge our practices to ensure we are evolving our approach to design, colour and material thinking.” 

The studio’s multifaceted expertise gives them a unique perspective on colour. “Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to view colour as part of a comprehensive design strategy. In product and graphic design, we consider how colour interacts with form, function, and perception,” Evans says. 

This comprehensive view extends to their colour forecasting process for the construction and architecture industries, which typically looks three to ten years ahead. In interior design, Simpfendorfer says colour choices are “never made in isolation”. “We consider their relationships to materials, overall palettes and spatial contexts. This holistic approach allows us to create interiors that feel both timeless and current.”

The evolution and future of Australian colour

The concept of “Australian colour” has matured significantly since Nexus Designs’ inception in 1967. “When the first edition of the studio’s seminal book, Using Australian Colour was published, the idea of uniquely Australian palettes, derived from landscape, was so fresh and exciting,” Simpfendorfer reflects. 

Today, the understanding of Australian colour has evolved beyond simplistic interpretations of bold sunburnt hues to embrace a more nuanced palette that works harmoniously with the intense Australian light.

Looking ahead, Evans anticipates “a growing appreciation for colours that reflect our diverse landscapes” and “a further shift towards truly Australian palettes that have context at their core and embrace the integration of Indigenous colour knowledge”.

Practical application

For those looking to infuse their designs with Australian colour, Evans offers the following advice: “Observe your immediate environment and context. Consider a colour’s proportion in the design and how it interacts with other materials and lighting conditions.” 

Expanding on this, Simpfendorfer encourages clients to test colours and not overlook neutrals.  “Test colours thoroughly using samples in the orientation they will be used,” Simpfendorfer says. “Don’t shy away from neutrals or whites — they count too — and there’s a wide range of shades, and understanding their undertones is key.”

Nexus Designs’ approach to colour goes beyond the selection of hues. It’s about crafting a holistic experience that celebrates Australia’s distinctive environment. By embracing the unique qualities of Australian light and landscape, and applying a nuanced understanding of colour, Evans, Simpfendorfer and their team continue to create spaces and products that are unmistakably Australian, setting a benchmark for contextual design in this country and beyond.

There is a definite feeling of spring in the air. The days are becoming longer, temperatures are lifting and blossoms are beginning to bloom on trees across the country. Inspired by the promise of summer, this month, Australian Design Review (ADR) highlights projects bursting with colour. We’ve also invited designers to share what colour means to them and give insights into how it can be used to great effect. 

For more inspiring projects infused with colour, check out the IDEA 2024 Colour category shortlist