Home & Hosting with Loui Burke

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 pressure. Just direction.
You’ll hear about:
why you’re not actually “behind”

the real reason people resist cohesion

how aesthetics shape behaviour

why clutter keeps you stuck

the wardrobe reset that changes everything

routines that make you look (and feel) more put-together

buying for longevity instead of panic

and how to design a life that genuinely reflects who you’re becoming

If you’ve been in a slump, drifting, or just feeling off, this episode will make you breathe out, reset, and feel a little more like yourself again.

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 about refining what already works, making smarter material choices, improving flow, and creating homes that feel better to live in and easier to host in.
Expect practical takeaways, real-world examples, and a good-time, optimistic start to the year.
OUTs for 2026
Homes that feel unresolved — furniture and layouts that worked in a different space, but haven’t been adapted to the current one

Neutral interiors that rely on colour alone, without enough material depth or texture

Stock-standard, default finishes (especially in new builds and developments) that don’t reflect the price or personality people expect

Homes that photograph well but make hosting harder than it needs to be — poor flow, no prep zones, no landing space

INs for 2026
Intentional restraint: sculptural, edited spaces where every element feels deliberate

Improving flow in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use zones by reshuffling, decluttering, and re-zoning what you already own

Warmer kitchens with a furniture-like feel, timber details, and softer finishes

Calm front-of-house spaces paired with highly functional back-of-house storage and prep zones

Softer metals like silver, pewter, and brushed finishes — especially for hosting and table details

Blue used as a grounding neutral (not coastal or Hamptons) — think accent pieces, not themes

Darker timber used sparingly to add depth and contrast in neutral homes

Pattern reintroduced gently through textiles, table linen, and cushions

Textiles doing more than decoration — fabric, trims, and soft detailing adding warmth without clutter

One strong, anchoring art piece to resolve a space instead of lots of small objects

Vogue Living — editorial direction, city homes, material trends

Studio McGee (Shea McGee) — intentional restraint, warmer interiors

Amber Lewis — material honesty, darker woods, lived-in neutrality

Architectural Digest — layered interiors, textiles, large-scale art

ELLE Decor — finishes, metals, warmth and texture

Rising searches around making rental spaces feel personal and intentional

Increased interest in warmer kitchens, storage solutions, and hosting-friendly layouts

Growing demand for neutral interiors with texture, depth, and better materials

Searches for darker timber, blue accents, patterned textiles, and oversized art as finishing elements

2026 isn’t about buying more or starting again.
It’s about:
fewer things

better materials

stronger anchors

improved flow

and homes that support how you actually live and host

New year. Same great taste.
📝 Show NotesWhat’s covered in this episodeIndustry voices & inspiration referencedConsumer behaviour & search trends discussedKey takeaway

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.

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 everything from the rise of Australiana and coastal Christmas styling to pink Christmas palettes, Ralph Lauren-inspired traditional looks, and the glass-droplet “romantic” trend that’s still lingering online.

Plus, I’ll share a few simple tips for reinventing your existing decorations - like changing ribbon colours, upgrading your tree, or using gift wrap as part of your décor.
Whether you’re team classic, coastal, or something in between, this episode will help you curate a festive home that feels intentional, elevated, and authentically Australian.

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 that instantly shift the mood

How to arrange seating and surfaces so conversation flows naturally

Table setting tips - from tablecloths to napkins to where to put the flowers

Buffet vs. family-style dining (and why I prefer one over the other)

How to stay relaxed and actually enjoy yourself as the host

These are the little things that make a big difference - and the reason people leave your home feeling cared for, connected, and ready to come back again.