Institute of Style with Tim Neve
About the Lifestyle Industry
What inspired you to pursue a career in the lifestyle and interior design industry?
I was always the kid redecorating their bedroom, so it seems so obvious now! I graduated with a degree in design, specialising in set and costume for theatre originally. I like to think that dramatic energy still pulses in my designs. Over the years I've worked in the lifestyle magazine industry as a stylist, which led to designing bigger and better residential and commercial spaces for clients. It's been a wild ride, and I'm always looking forward to seeing what comes next.
How do you see the lifestyle industry evolving in the next five years?
Currently there's a real buzz, especially in retail, around the desire for more human connection, and this is driving the creation of communities, which I’m really excited about. Returning to, and creating, authentic IRL (in real life) experiences for brands that have a genuine sense of place will be key. I love how retail brings together culture and society — it's such a powerful reflection of the state of human existence.
What key elements do you think make an interior space both functional and inspiring?
There's no point in having a purely aesthetic interior that isn't functional! Any designer will always start by considering the needs of the individual who will inhabit the space. That said, colour and lighting are essential elements in any interior design, as they go hand in hand. These elements can dramatically affect both how a space functions and how it feels.
Importance of Life Instyle
Why do you believe events like Life Instyle are so crucial for the lifestyle and design industry?
There’s nothing better than a trade fair to get out and see products in person – allowing buyers to feel and experience them firsthand. Being able to make an informed choice when it comes to colourways and materials is always crucial. It also provides a great opportunity to get a broader view of what's happening across the industry, particularly in terms of emerging aesthetic trends.
What unique opportunities does Life Instyle offer that other trade shows might not provide?
I really admire that LIS has clear guidelines for accepting exhibitors, rooted in sustainability, handmade craftsmanship, or being Australian-based. Not only does this lead to a higher quality, more unique range of products, but it also has a broader impact on the entire retail landscape, encouraging us all to buy more thoughtfully and support local businesses in the long term.
Can you share any personal experiences or success stories that came from attending Life Instyle?
There are simply too many to mention! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting at Life Instyle myself with great success. At the Sydney 2022 event, I launched my debut furniture range and, quite literally, had buyers rushing through the doors on Day 1 to secure their orders. The response was phenomenal—by the first lunch break, I had already achieved my goals for the event! It really highlighted to me just how sharply focused this event is, putting you in the right place at the right time, with retailers eager to connect with fresh and exciting products.
The Institute of Style
The upcoming Life Instyle features the new Institute of Style – can you tell us why this addition is significant for industry professionals?
For many years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at Life Instyle as part of the Retail Therapy seminar series. This year, however, we decided to take things a step further and add another, practical layer to the experience. There’s nothing I enjoy more than showcasing the art of styling in action, allowing attendees to see it come to life right before their eyes. This approach will truly bring the strategies we often discuss at Life Instyle into a really tangible form.
How do you think the Institute of Style will benefit new and seasoned designers alike?
Our new offering is designed to have something for everyone. These days, we’ve all felt the pressure of social media to consistently produce fresh, engaging content, no matter what level of the industry you operate in. So by equipping attendees with renewed confidence in their styling skills, I’m hopeful they’ll not only be transforming their in-store visual merchandising and displays but also discovering fresh opportunities to showcase their products effectively across social media platforms.
What types of educational or networking opportunities should attendees expect from the Institute of Style?
I absolutely love that Life Instyle draws attendees not just from across Australia but even from New Zealand – you never know who you’ll have the chance to connect with! There’s such a fantastic mix of people, from small business retailers to big-name buyers, as well as home stagers, interior designers, and stylists. We’re excited to welcome a diverse range of attendees to the Institute of Style, where incredible networking opportunities await. That’s what I enjoy most about teaching, too – the wealth of real-world experience in the room, not just from myself but from every participant, each bringing their unique perspective and something valuable to share.
Retail Trends
What are some of the biggest retail trends you are seeing currently, and how are they impacting interior design?
Post-Covid, I’ve noticed a couple of key aesthetic trends emerging. The first, which I like to call Cocooning, centres around creating a safe, comforting haven at home – think natural materials and soothing neutral tones. On the other hand, we’ve entered what I’d describe as the era of Playfulism. This trend celebrates more bold, unique, and artisan creations that embrace individuality and ignite a sense of joy and excitement, reminding us what it means to truly feel alive.
How do you think consumer expectations have shifted when it comes to retail and lifestyle products?
Dramatically! From quality control to lead times, consumers today want to be fully informed. So make sure your e-commerce platform is set up to provide automated updates on the exact status of orders at every stage – from purchase to dispatch and even post-sale assistance. This not only keeps customers in the loop but also builds anticipation for their delivery, in turn usually inspiring shareable content like unboxing videos on social media.
In what ways are sustainability and eco-friendly practices influencing current retail and design trends?
It’s everything. Consumers now want to understand the full lifecycle of a product – from cradle to grave. Savvy brands are making this transparency a core part of their narrative, with nothing to hide. This approach empowers us to make informed decisions, from both a production and buying perspective. What excites me most is how this shift drives innovation, sparking new ideas in materials and designs we’d never considered before
Can you share some examples of innovative retail spaces or design concepts that you think are pushing the industry forward?
I can never go past Aesop—they’re always at the top of my list. Their iconic packaging—a simple brown bottle—has become the cornerstone of their visual identity. Every time they open a new retail space, wherever it is around the globe, it’s uniquely designed to reflect and complement its location. I love this idea of adapting to suit the individual market, and creating a bespoke envionment. Even smaller retailers can take inspiration from this approach, connecting with their community and tailoring their experience to meet local needs.
How can retail spaces adapt to the growing trend of hybrid physical and digital experiences?
The traditional shopfront has transformed into much more than just a place to purchase goods—it’s now a meeting point for consumers. Modern retail spaces often prioritise experience over products, whether it’s by incorporating in-house cafés or opening up warehouse roller doors to blend retail and operations into a single, cohesive space. This flexibility in design also opens up greater opportunities for content creation, too. Savvy retailers excel at capturing the in-store experience for social media, making you feel as though you’re there, no matter where you’re located. It’s the ultimate form of FOMO! This can be used cleverly to drive online sales.
What advice would you give to retailers looking to enhance their in-store experience to match current design trends?
Seasonal buying can be challenging, especially if your storeroom is already packed with existing stock. That’s why it’s important to shop wisely. I like to compare it to building a wardrobe: always maintain your core, classic pieces that pair well with anything, and then incorporate bold, trend-driven items as the seasons change. Similarly, as a buyer, stick to your core aesthetic—what you know works—but also don’t hesitate to experiment with a few fresh looks. This approach will keep you in line with the trends and ensure your collection is always feeling dynamic.
