By the beginning of the 21st century, the Australian designer Greg Natale had grown tired of quiet, minimalist interiors.
“At that time in Sydney, we were very inspired by John Pawson and David Chipperfield,” said Mr. Natale, 51, referring to British architects famous for their sober, purist designs. “I love their work too, but I’m definitely a modernist who prefers maximalism.”
Rather than trying to strip away yet more ornamentation and pattern, as many designers were doing at the time, Mr. Natale decided to dive into design styles from the past to see what shapes and patterns he could find and reinterpret.
“I’m inspired by looking back because I think you need to know design and art history to be able to move forward,” he said. After starting his own design firm in 2001, he found a niche in designing interiors rich in colorful elements and sculptural forms, which reimagined historical touches through a contemporary lens.
“The first project I ever did was a little one-bedroom apartment for my sister,” Mr. Natale said. “It was all pattern on pattern on pattern. I did that on purpose, so I looked different than everyone else.”