Home & Hosting with Loui Burke
Home & Hosting with Loui Burke is an interior design, home styling and modern homemaking podcast for renters, first-home owners and anyone who wants their space to feel more considered. Melbourne-based creator and design educator Loui Burke shares practical advice on decorating, furniture, lighting, bed styling, entertaining and creating atmosphere at home—without assuming you need to renovate or constantly buy more. Expect approachable design education, honest opinions on home trends and thoughtful conversations about how our homes shape the way we live and host.
What’s In, What’s Out: 5 Things to Buy to Transform Your Home
What’s replacing bouclé, brass, curved furniture and asymmetrical styling? In this episode of Home & Hosting with Loui Burke, Loui breaks down the interior design trends moving in, what’s beginning to move out and five considered updates that can transform your space without a complete makeover.
We’re talking tailored lumbar and bolster cushions, contrast piping, fringe and bordered rugs; the return of symmetry, Art Deco influences, sharper edges and stainless-steel furniture; chocolate brown, powder blue, yellow-green, magenta, animal print and botanical wallpaper; mixing velvet, stone, oak and walnut; and the move from brass towards polished nickel...
How to Have a Chic Home with Children, Dogs & Daily Mess
A beautiful home still has to support a full life.
In episode two of my listener Q&A series, I’m answering your questions about designing around children without surrendering your own taste, whether kitchen appliances need to match, making a tiny bedroom feel intentional, living with daily mess, owning a white sofa, where the dog bed should go and, finally, what to do with the permanently wet towel.
Because if your home only looks good when nobody is eating, charging a phone, making coffee or owning a towel, it isn’t well designed. It’s simp...
Develop Chic Taste Without Buying More Stuff
Buying more things will not automatically give you personal style. Sometimes the chicest thing you can do is stop shopping, properly understand your taste and edit what you already own.
In this episode of Home & Hosting, Loui answers your questions about developing a personal interior style, working with the architecture of your home, making colourful and eclectic interiors feel considered, creating the Nancy Meyers aesthetic without becoming themed, and keeping country style from looking dated.
Plus, a quick-fire round of Chic or Cheap covering bifold wardrobe doors, feature walls, chopping boards behind the stove, overfilled...
SAVE OR SPLURGE? Where to Spend Your Money at Home
Before you spend another dollar on your home, look at the home you actually have.
This week on Home & Hosting with Loui Burke, we’re talking save or splurge, but not just what’s worth the money. We’re looking at how the age, architecture and existing character of your home should influence where you spend it in the first place.
From ’70s walk-ups and traditional cottages to contemporary new builds, I’m breaking down why fighting your home’s architecture can become an expensive mistake, which original features are worth preserving, and where spending more will ac...
Instant Fixes! How to Make Your Home Look Better on a Budget (Without Renovating)
How can you make your home look better on a budget—without renovating or buying more décor?
Loui answers your home styling questions, including how to enjoy a rental or first home before you can renovate, how to mix affordable and high-end furniture, and how to reset a living room or bedroom using what you already own. From lighting and curtains to furniture placement, decluttering and creating atmosphere, these practical interior styling tips will help your home feel more considered, functional and put together.
The Chic Host Checklist: Beyond the Table. Let's talk Atmosphere and Flow
Alright, we know how to set a beautiful table by now. And if not, honestly, video is probably the better educational source, so go and find me on Instagram.
This episode is about everything beyond the table. The music you put on before you do anything else, the bathroom guests absolutely notice, the porch light, the drinks station, the lighting, the food flow, the water jug, and the little old hospitality habits that keep a night moving.
Because flowers and candles are lovely, obviously. But a gorgeous table doesn’t host the evening. You do.
...All There is to Know About Beds! How to Style a Bed Like a Designer: Linens, Layers, and Bedhead Secrets
Want to achieve that fluffy, cloud-like boutique hotel bed at home? It takes a lot more than just throwing on a duvet set. This week, professional bed stylist Loui Burke shares the ultimate guide to bedroom styling and luxury bedding. Discover how to upscale your duvet for a plush look, the exact way to layer a flat sheet so it actually stays in place, and the truth about long-staple fibres like Egyptian cotton. Whether you're trying to figure out the right pillow formula or wondering how to care for linen wrinkles, this episode is your blueprint for a beautiful...
The Internet Got Mad at a Made Bed: Shamed or Just Shown?
A few bed-making videos went viral, my Instagram following doubled in a week, and suddenly the internet had a lot to say about pillows, quilts, beige interiors and whether showing people how to make a bed properly counts as “shaming”.
In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, I’m unpacking the reaction to my fed-up bed-making videos, why the word “shame” gets used so quickly online, and why I think making your bed is about more than aesthetics. It is about routine, self-respect, domestic confidence and creating small moments of order in a world that often...
10 Autumn & Winter Home Trends That Actually Make Your Home Feel Chic
In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, we’re talking through the 10 autumn and winter homeware trends worth paying attention to this season.
From rich, spiced colour and darker timber to proper curtains, heritage patterns, collected metals, artisanal details and texture beyond bouclé, this episode is all about making your home feel warmer, more layered and more inviting as the weather cools down.
Loui shares what he’s backing from the 2026 interiors conversation, what he’d avoid, and how to bring seasonal styling into your home without making it feel obvious, overly themed...
Is Your Home Empty, Cluttered or Considered? Let’s Fix That
Is your home empty, cluttered or considered? In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, I’m unpacking why a home can be clean and still feel cold, or styled and still feel busy, and how to find the balance between the two.
From lighting, texture and warmth to editing, function and restraint, this episode is a practical guide to identifying what might be holding your space back and making your home feel more put together, without making it feel sterile or overdone.
You Need Help: How to Do a Chic Easter (Not Kitsch)
Easter is one of the easiest holidays to get wrong… and most people do.
Between pastel overload, bunny heads, and the excuse of “it’s for the kids,” it can all start to feel a bit chaotic, and not in a good way.
So if your Easter setup has ever felt a little… off, this episode is for you.
I’m breaking down how to approach Easter in a way that actually feels chic, considered, and aligned with your home — especially here in Australia where the seasons don’t match what we’re seeing online.
...What Taste Actually Means (And Why We Confuse Taste, Class, Style and Trends)
In this episode of Home and Hosting, we explore what taste actually means and why people so often confuse taste, class, style and trends.
Conversations around taste always spark interesting discussions online, so we unpack how the words taste, class, style, and trends have started to blur together and why that causes so much confusion.
Style is talked about constantly, trends move faster than ever, and taste often gets avoided entirely because it can feel loaded or exclusive.
We also explore how social media has contributed to the TikTok-ification of design language, where...
Learning to Live Together: 5 tips to Make a Home Together When You Don’t See Things the Same Way.
If you’ve ever moved in with a partner, a housemate or even a sibling, you’ll know this feeling well: you don’t always see the home the same way. One person cares deeply about how the space looks and feels… and the other person is totally fine with one novelty mug, a well-worn pan, or whatever they’ve had since 2014.
This episode is all about learning to live together when your approaches don’t match and how to actually make a home as a team.
I’m sharing the real conversations I’ve had with my girl...
You’re Doing Trends Wrong. Let’s Fix That. (There Are Two Forecasts: Trends & Weather)
I posted a video about decorating for the wrong season and it clearly stuck! So let’s unpack it.
In this episode I’m talking about the lost art of seasonal styling, why materials and colour have “temperature”, how retail launches distort what feels current, and why calling something timeless doesn’t make it immune to the trend cycle.
Your home should match the weather you’re living in, not just the trend forecast.
Feeling Out of Sorts? A Put-Together Guide for When Life Feels Off.
Feeling out of it? This one’s for you.
In this episode, Loui breaks down that very universal, very human moment where life just… doesn’t feel like it’s matching the version of yourself in your head.
Whether you’re in your late 20s, your 30s, the middle of a 40s reset, or deep in a 50s reroute. We all hit that point where things feel off-kilter.
Loui shares a warm, grounded blueprint for getting your life feeling purposeful again, with a focus on cohesion, clarity, and genuinely intentional living.
Not perfection. Not pressu...
Ins and Outs of 2026 – New Year, Same Great Taste
New year, same great taste.
In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, Loui breaks down the INs and Outs of 2026 through a home and hosting lens blending what leading designers and publications are forecasting with what people are actually searching for and living with right now.
Drawing from industry voices like Vogue Living, Studio McGee, Architectural Digest, and ELLE Decor, alongside real consumer behaviour from Google search trends, Loui unpacks what’s genuinely shifting and what’s quietly falling away.
This isn’t about chasing trends or reinventing your style. It’s a...
5 Mistakes That Make Your Home Feel Lifeless (and How to Fix Them)
If your home looks fine on paper but still feels… off. This episode’s for you.
I’m diving into the five biggest mistakes that make your home feel lifeless (and yes, they might sting a little). From fake materials to playing it too safe with beige, I’ll show you how to fix it and how to start owning your taste.
Because growing up your space isn’t about being “fancy.” It’s about confidence, adulthood, and actually caring about the life you’re building.
Christmas Trends I Love (and Loathe) - Holiday Themes and How to style them
It’s officially that time of year, Christmas has arrived in every major Australian department store, and the themes are loud. From traditional reds and golds to ocean-inspired pastels, Australiana motifs, and candy-coated chaos - I’ve seen it all.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest Christmas décor trends in Australia for 2025
What’s showing up at Myer, David Jones, Adairs, Bed Bath N’ Table, Target, and boutique homeware stores — and sharing which looks I actually love, and which ones I’d rather leave on the shelf.
We’ll talk about everyt...
6 Tips to Host Like a Natural (and Make Guests Feel Instantly at Home)
Growing up with a family restaurant and accommodation business, I learnt early that hosting isn’t just about putting food on a table - it’s about creating an experience people want to come back to.
In this episode of Home & Hosting with Loui Burke, I’m sharing 6 simple, practical tips to help you host like a natural - whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a special celebration.
You’ll learn:
How to scent-scape your home so it smells amazing the second guests arrive
The lighting and music tricks tha...
5 Bedroom Design Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
Your bedroom should feel like a retreat - but most people are getting the basics wrong.
In this episode of Home & Hosting with Loui Burke, I’m sharing the five most common bedroom design mistakes I see all the time - from bad bedframes to pillow overload - and exactly how to fix them.
We’ll cover:
How to choose the right bedframe and headboard (and why gas-lift storage changes everything)
The foundation pieces you actually need for a hotel-level bed (plus my pillow formula!)
Why styling matters just as m...
Daniel Matthews | ' The Design Style With No Name' : Finding Home Through Colour, Character & Considered Chaos
In this episode of Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting, I’m joined by Daniel Matthews — the creative behind the beautifully layered and cleverly named @a.modest.semi.
We chat about the value of renting as a way to experiment with different styles, the emotional rollercoaster of a first-time renovation, and what it’s like designing a home through the eyes of a textile professional. Daniel also helps unpack “the style with no name” — the romantic, character-filled English aesthetic that’s sweeping our feeds but still defies definition.
From olive green walls to secondhand treasures and how to know wh...
City Row House to Cult Favourite: How Alex & Mike Made Everyday Design an Experience | Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting
In this episode, I’m joined by Alex and Mike (@Alexandmike) — design-forward content creators known for transforming their Philadelphia row home into a warm, layered, and deeply personal space that’s captured the hearts of thousands online.
We talk about the creative evolution of their home, the little rituals that shape their everyday life, and the design decisions — from tile choices to top sheets — that make a space truly feel like yours. Equal parts fun and thoughtful, Alex and Mike bring a sense of style, soul, and storytelling to everything they touch.
Whether you’re in a city ap...
What Are You Running From? | The Return of In-Store Experiences at Mecca + More and Gift/ Father’s Day Inspo to Elevate His Everyday
We put so much pressure on holidays to deliver joy — but what are we really running away from? In this solo episode, Loui dives into the idea of building a lifestyle you don’t need to escape from. From the return of in-store services like Mecca HQ and the Henne Styling Atelier, to finding intention in everyday choices, this is about elevating how we live day-to-day.
Plus, with Father’s Day just around the corner, Loui shares thoughtful gifting ideas to help glow up dad’s everyday — because style and intention shouldn’t stop at the front door.
Alexander Widener | From New York to Maine, and the Art of Timeless Craftsmanship and Design - Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting
In this episode, I’m joined by Alexander Widener (@Alexander_Widener) — a designer and storyteller whose world blends deep-rooted tradition with intentional living. After years in New York’s fast-paced interiors industry, Alexander made the move to coastal Maine, trading the city for a quieter life shaped by history, craft, and care.
We talk about his journey — from working in textiles and showrooms to opening his own guest cottage and store — and the values that guide his work: timeless design, slow decorating, and collecting with purpose. Whether it’s sourcing antiques, working with artisans, or simply letting a home evolv...
From Heritage to Home: Patricia Rodi on Style, Story, and Slowness | Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting
In this episode, I’m joined by Patricia Rodi — a designer, writer, and content creator whose aesthetic blends her Swedish and French heritage with the quiet romance of life in the Scottish countryside.
Patricia and I talk about how her upbringing and cultural influences shape the way she approaches home — from embracing slowness and ritual, to choosing antiques with soul, and layering spaces with history and heart. Her work is a masterclass in intentional living: thoughtful, poetic, and deeply personal.
If you’re drawn to homes that tell a story, to the beauty of tradition, or to th...
What’s In, What I’ve Outgrown: 10 Things I’m Backing This First Half of 2025
Mid-year already? Wild. In this solo episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on 2025 so far — sharing 10 things I’ve been genuinely loving when it comes to home, lifestyle, and content creation.
From soft-washed cotton and coverlets finally getting their flowers, to the joy of seasonal living, Aussie design pride, and why I’m done performing for the algorithm — it’s a mix of trends, shifts, and personal realisations.
Some of it’s aesthetic. Some of it’s about boundaries. All of it’s part of how I’m choosing to live and show up this year.
...
How to Create a Calm, Collected Home – with Anthony Immediato | Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting
Welcome back to Home and Hosting with Loui Burke — and to another episode of Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting, where I chat with creators and designers about the way we actually live in our homes.In this episode, I’m joined by the ever-warm and wonderfully intentional Anthony Immediato (@anthonyimmediato) — one of my very first friends on TikTok and someone who’s carved out a signature style full of calm, character, and comfort.We talk about:✨ How he transformed his Philadelphia apartment by flipping the floor plan✨ Why mixing styles creates more feeling in a space✨ His advice for making a home...
A New Chapter Begins - Welcome Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting
This is the official introduction to Fellow Friends in Home & Hosting — a new series within the podcast where I sit down with content creators from around the world to talk about what it really means to make a home.
So far, Home and Hosting has been a solo space — a place for me to share my thoughts on interiors, routines, and the feeling of home. But I’ve always believed in telling the world who you are before you’re given the title — and this series is just that. A space to shine a light on the...
EOFY Is for Furniture, Not Fashion! - My Store/Sale recommendations
EOFY sales are here — but before you fill your cart, let’s talk strategy. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what’s worth splurging on and what you can save on when it comes to furniture, lighting, rugs, and more.
Whether you’re styling your rental or investing in your forever home, this is your guide to making smart, stylish decisions that last — plus, I’m sharing my favourite go-to brands (think MCM House, Interior Secrets, Life Interiors and more).
And if you want to see the exact pieces I’m loving right now, I’ll be pos...
WeddingTok and the One-Day Aesthetic: Beautiful for a Day, Boring for a Lifetime
You styled your wedding down to the last napkin—but what about your Tuesday night dinner at home?
In this episode of Home and Hosting, Loui dives into the world of WeddingTok and asks the big question: why do we allow ourselves to live beautifully for one day… but not every day? From the aesthetics of ambient lighting to the deeper psychology behind performance and presence, this is a conversation about taste, permission, and how we’re all secretly craving more beauty in our daily lives.
Plus, we talk about divorce stats (yep), the quiet shame...
Still Haven’t Found Your "Personal Style?" — No wonder! The empty bedroom says it all
We need to talk about the way we’re chasing personal style right now—especially online. Everyone’s hunting for the next hot fashion item, the right silhouette, the “clean girl” formula... but maybe the reason you haven’t found your style yet isn’t your wardrobe. Maybe it’s your home.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why your interiors say more about your style than your outfits do—and why your bedroom, your kitchen, your everything is a reflection of how you care for yourself, not just how you present yourself. I talk about my own upbringing su...
Home & Holidays: Why Are They Losing Their Spark?
In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, we dive into a topic that’s been on Loui’s mind—why home and holidays seem to be losing their spark. With so much focus on escaping the daily grind, are we missing the deeper meaning of our traditions? Loui reflects on the simple, yet powerful gestures that bring meaning to our celebrations and explores how creating a true holiday experience goes beyond just checking boxes. Tune in for an honest conversation about what we’re really running from when it comes to holidays, home, and the traditions we once...
TOP 10 Home Styling Questions Answered | Interior Design Q&A
Watch the video version here
You asked, I answered! In this episode, I’m sharing my top 10 most-asked interior design questions from our recent Instagram Q&A.
From how to make your bed look extra fluffy to whether the pillow chop is still in (spoiler: it depends), we’re diving into practical styling tips, home decor do’s and don’ts, and how to elevate your space—on any budget.Whether you’re starting with a blank room, dealing with grey carpet, or trying to warm up a white-on-white kitchen, I’ve got you.✨ Questions answered in this...
7 Autumn Home Trends to make your home extra cosy
This autumn, it's all about turning your home into a cosy, stylish haven with just the right trends. From bold, earthy bedlinen in natural flax and warm tones of burgundy, pink, and brown, to layering up with luxurious bedcovers that bring that sleek European vibe to your bedroom, the season is all about comfort and elegance. Don’t forget to indulge in rich, plush fabrics like velvet, faux fur, and satin for the ultimate in autumn luxury. And let’s not overlook the power of scent — think fresh beetroot and tomato alongside timeless amber and tuberose. If you’re ready to...
How to Be Put Together - Learning the Difference Between Participation and Aesthetics
In this solo deep dive, we explore what it truly means to be "put together" by contrasting the concepts of participation and aesthetics in design. Rather than focusing solely on appearances, we delve into how our homes, furniture, and even fashion should serve a purpose that connects to our lifestyle. This episode highlights the importance of a balanced approach, where both function and beauty work in harmony to create spaces and styles that truly reflect who we are.
What's out for 2025! 10 Ins and Outs Interior Design Trends
Discover the 10 Outs and 10 Ins of 2025 Interior Design Trends! In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, we dive into the must-know shifts shaping the design world this year. From saying goodbye to dopamine décor, white bouclé, and scalloped edges to embracing chic romance vibes, coloured bouclé, and bold striped bedlinen, we cover it all. Learn why indoor plants are taking a backseat, how natural scents are taking over from sugary candles, and why vintage posters are replacing kiddult décor. Whether you’re redecorating or just staying ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with t...
15 Interior Design Trends for 2025: What’s In, What’s Next
Pinterest Reference Imagery Here
Discover the top 15 interior design trends set to shape 2025 with Loui Burke! From the Art Nouveau revival and the rugged charm of Western masculinity to bold ceiling designs and the return of plush velvets, Loui dives into the themes redefining interiors this year. These trends go beyond homewares, focusing on architecture, materials, and timeless influences like 90s romcom aesthetics and Italianate elegance. Plus, Loui shares exclusive Pinterest boards packed with inspiration to help you visualise each trend. Stick around for practical tips to bring these ideas to life and a...
2025 Colour of the Year - Reflecting the Times or Falling Behind?
Pantone has revealed its Colour of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse. A warming brown hue meant to nurture and comfort, but does it really capture the essence of where we’re heading? In this episode, I dive into Pantone’s choice, why it feels like déjà vu, and whether it reflects cultural trends—or plays it safe.
We’ll explore the psychology behind colours, the rise of brown in design, and even throw in some alternative picks (hello, yellow!) that might have been better suited for 2025. Plus, I reflect on Pantone’s obsession with pinks and purples over...
Black Friday Must-Haves: 10 Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable
In this episode of Home and Hosting with Loui Burke, we’re diving into the ultimate Black Friday shopping list for your home. These aren’t just impulse buys—they’re the items you’ve been eyeing all year, wondering, “Do I really need that?” Spoiler alert: you do.
From plush towels and crisp linens to cosy blankets and game-changing gadgets, these are the 10 things that will transform your home into a haven for the holidays and beyond. Whether you're hosting guests or just looking to upgrade your space, now’s the time to take advantage of those Black Frid...
What It Truly Takes to Make a 'Space' a 'Home'
What makes a space worthy to call home?
In this episode of Home & Hosting with Loui Burke, we explore the profound journey of turning any space—whether you’re renting, a first-time homebuyer, or a seasoned homeowner—into a place that feels like home. It’s more than just décor or location; it’s about creating a sanctuary that reflects who you are. From lighting candles and adding fresh flowers to mastering the art of setting the perfect table, discover the essential elements that transform a simple space into a home filled with comfort, warmth, and personal to...