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Neale Whitaker is certainly one of Australia’s premier taste makers. But who knew his ability to spot trends extended to music as well?
While appearing on Home Beautiful’s The Edit podcast, Neale confessed the “soundtrack to his home” is currently the 26-year-old jazz/pop icon, Laufey.
“I think I’ve come late to this party, but I’ve literally just discovered an amazing Icelandic jazz vocalist named Laufey,” he tells The Edit host and HB‘s editor in chief, Elle Lovelock.
“She is quite extraordinary, and her music is just everything I love. It’s like a modern take on all the jazz I’ve been listening to my whole life. I’m absolutely obsessed, and absolutely in love!”
If you thought the admiration stopped at musical appreciation, think again. Naturally, Neale tied his love of Laufey back to his appreciation for Nordic interiors.
“And she’s from Iceland!” Neale enthused. “I’ve never been to Iceland, it’s still on my to-do list, but I’m intrigued by the Icelandic aesthetic. It’s the perfect mix.”
The Icelandic aesthetic could be described as minimalist and dark but textured, with an emphasis on raw timber, concrete, metal, and wool. It reflects Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, from jagged waterfalls to black sand beaches and volcanic rock formations.
Given the black-and-white colour palette of Neale’s stunning country home, it’s no surprise he’s excited by Laufey’s Icelandic roots.
Laufey (pronounced Lay-vay) started her music career at the age of 15, when she was a cellist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. She won the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2024 and 2025 for her second and third albums, Bewitched and A Matter Of Time. With a large TikTok and Gen Z following, Laufey has been credited with bringing back jazz with a new, contemporary sound.
In short, she’s the perfect addition to any playlist for your next low-key drinks or dinner.
If you’re wondering what other pop culture Neale Whitaker devours on his days off from judging My Reno Rules, he gave a shout-out to Jacob Elordi’s Narrow Road To The Deep North mini-series. Neale’s favourite sit-com to watch over-and-over is Schitt’s Creek.
Watch Neale’s The Edit episode on YouTube:
Read more: Neale Whitaker’s favourite candle will keep your home fresh
