A Sophisticated Outback Twist on an Oklahoma Barn
The iconic lyric, “Oklahoma – where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain. And the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet,” evokes a specific image of the American heartland. For one Australian homeowner, these words hold a deep personal resonance, connecting her to her Great Plains heritage despite her current residence Down Under. This connection is beautifully encapsulated in a sophisticated holiday hideaway, a barn-style home designed to be shared with her husband and their six children. This isn’t just any barn; it’s a masterclass in reimagining rustic charm with a distinctly modern and elegant Australian flair.
The transformation of this property is the brainchild of Sydney-based interior designer Greg Natale, who had previously lent his expertise to the couple’s Australian abode. Tasked with imbuing a two-storey, three-bedroom spec house, purchased in 2015, with a unique character befitting its rural Oklahoma setting, Natale embraced the challenge. He recognised the home’s potential but noted its initial lack of personality.
First Act: Prairie Panache
Natale’s initial approach involved a striking exterior update. The formerly cream facade was repainted in a bold graphic of grey and white, strategically chosen to accentuate the home’s architectural details. Elements like the cupola, steep gables, sash windows, and the characteristic board-and-batten construction were brought into sharp relief.
Internally, the house underwent a significant overhaul. Natale stripped back the existing interiors to create a fresh and dramatic space, drawing inspiration from Oklahoma’s rich cultural tapestry. The state’s heritage, marked by institutions like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the vibrant Red Earth Native American cultural festival, served as a foundational influence.
For this first renovation, Natale curated a palette of rich chocolate timbers, deep reds, classic blacks, and timeless plaids. This was artfully combined with Navajo-inspired decorations and furnishings, creating a “southwest meets Ralph Lauren” aesthetic. The addition of prominent roof beams and wall panelling further enhanced this warm, inviting, and rustic feel, striking a balance that was decidedly not “too country.”
An extension was also part of this initial phase, featuring a generous balcony off an upstairs second lounge, nestled beneath the home’s pitched roof. Natale expressed his enthusiasm for exploring the southwest aesthetic, a style he doesn’t often get to incorporate into his Australian projects. He finds international assignments particularly stimulating, as they offer exposure to different vernaculars, from London townhouses to New York brownstones, allowing him to push his creative boundaries.
Second Act: Maximalism and Moody Hues
A decade later, the owners were ready for a new chapter, seeking “more colour, moodiness and space.” Their primary goal was to create a ‘great room’ capacious enough for large family gatherings. This was achieved by repurposing space from the garage, which was subsequently made a separate entity from the main house. Upstairs, a new main bedroom suite and a fifth bedroom were added.
The creation of the fifth bedroom necessitated the sacrifice of the second living room and the closure of the balcony that Natale had previously designed. In a region susceptible to harsh winters and notorious for its “Tornado Alley” status, the appeal of extensive indoor-outdoor living was somewhat diminished.
“This time, it was more an evolution than a reinvention,” Natale explained, highlighting that the project built upon the existing structure through reupholstering and re-wallpapering. While the initial renovation was characterized by a full and layered approach with panelling, beams, and a stone fireplace, the client’s vision for the second phase leaned towards a more maximalist style, infused with sophisticated European influences. The owner’s specific preference for “moody, warm spaces with timber panelling” became a guiding principle.
The signature Ralph Lauren preppy look remained a strong presence, particularly evident in the furniture selections. Likewise, the Navajo and southwest influences continued to be celebrated, most notably in the rug and an Andy Warhol print of an Indian Chief featured in the new great room. To these elements, Natale introduced a more cosmopolitan and European flair, incorporating brands like the UK’s House of Hackney, known for its signature whimsical designs.
The main bedroom became a showcase for bold design choices. Gucci’s ‘Grotesque’ wallpaper commands attention, dramatically paired with Stark’s ‘Leopard Rose 2’ carpet. This daring combination, as the name suggests, blends a fierce leopard print with delicate rose motifs. In a thoughtful nod to the owner’s adopted home, Natale also incorporated prints by Catherine Martin.
“There’s still plenty of plaid,” Natale noted, “but this time there’s more colour and pattern.” The updated palette is a vibrant tapestry of animal prints, geometric designs, and florals, presented in unexpected and captivating combinations.
The shift in colour palette is notable. Where the previous scheme favoured browns and reds with crisp white accents, the current iteration embraces earthy autumnal hues: rich greens, warm siennas, and deep maroons.
Natale’s Favourite Feature
When asked about his preferred aspect of the reimagined home, Natale pointed to the main bedroom. “I love the main bedroom and its pitched ceilings with roof trusses, its quirky carpet and Gucci wallpaper,” he enthused. “You still feel like you’re in a barn, with its earthy rusticity, but this is much warmer and sophisticated. Sexy, too.”
This eclectic and richly layered space serves as a perfect metaphor for the owner’s own life journey, transitioning from her rural Oklahoma roots to embracing the vast possibilities of the world beyond.
