At Home with. . . Diane Tate
A beautifully curated (and gloriously moody) home on the edge of the Toowoomba escarpment - we sat down with Diane Tate - librarian, book club founder, and self-confessed Tsundoku 'tragic'.
Published 05 August 2026
Photography: Ana Ott
Can you tell us a little about yourself, what you do, and how did you find yourself here in the Toowoomba region?
We have been fortunate to live in Toowoomba for the past 11 years. We moved here from Shanghai, China, and directly before that, Sydney and London. We came to Toowoomba for work opportunities, and we have never looked back. Toowoomba has been the perfect place to raise our family of six. I'm a librarian, and my husband works as a professor.
You lived in China for many years. How did that shape you, and your home today?
Living in China was culturally fascinating and it exposed us to people from all over the world. It made me resilient, adaptable and curious, but also appreciative of the things that can be taken for granted in Australia. I gave birth in Shanghai to our 'Made in China' twins, so I guess that's the influence I see when I look around our home! As far as furniture goes, we don't own too many Chinese pieces, but I did go a bit nuts on the ginger jars, and it definitely shines through in our art.
What's one of the things you love most about your home?
One of the first things I do when I wake up is look down the valley, as it's ever-changing. I'll never forget one particular drizzly, overcast day. I was home alone and I sat on the couch sipping tea, watching a koala eat in the gum tree. That was special.
The home has such a distinct personality to it — dark, layered, lived-in. Where did that come from?
I love nature, so that is reflected in the textures, colours and natural fibres around the home. Our belongings have been collected over the years based on things we love - the Chesterfield couch was destined for the dump - I paid $150 on Gumtree. It was shipped from England to South Africa and then onto Toowoomba, and after I had it refurbished, the lady I purchased it from came over for a cup of tea. She cried happy tears to see it had a new life.
Sentimentally, I love our two black Danish-designed Leander highchairs — we purchased them before our twins could even sit up, and 14 years later they're still at the dining table. It's probably time to let them go.
That bookshelf is something — it's clearly the centrepiece of the home. Tell us how it came to be.
Like any collection, it evolves over time. We've never bothered to do a count, but the record collection has been curated over 30-plus years. The vinyl has been purchased from travels, websites, record stores, garage sales, and some gifted. I honestly couldn't say if there is a definitive favourite, but some definitely get played more than others. The books just seem to multiply, and the kids are buying records now too.
Where did your love of books come from?
My mother and sisters are big readers, so maybe the influence comes from them. In fact, they have all authored multiple books. My oldest sister is soon to release her seventh book, a historical fiction story about my grandmother's life. I also dabble with writing children's picture books. I definitely have what the Japanese call Tsundoku — a habit of acquiring books but letting them pile up without reading them (I think we all do this, don't we?). Plus I work in a library, so I'm surrounded by books all day.
Tell us about the BookBar Book Club — what is it, how did it come to life, and what do you love most about running it?
I started BookBar Book Club in early 2025 as a community for book and wine lovers, pairing books with wine or signature drinks. We meet once a month at various places around town. Every time is a little different, but it's always a night of insightful discussions.
I started it because I was doing too much scrolling and not enough reading - I wanted some reading accountability. It's a lot of fun, and the best part is people connecting over their love of books — anyone is welcome to join.
We have to ask about the dogs.
Two spoodles. Once we'd run out of excuses with the kids, Lola came first— and four years later, her brother Charlie. Lola is the bossy big sister. They absolutely have our hearts.
What does a perfect day at home look like for you?
A perfect day is normally a Saturday. Coming and going from the house. Kids playing sport, unpacking food into the fridge, a few loads of washing and a general potter. Then a cheeky afternoon sleep, some cheese and wine next to the fire with a record on, a simple dinner, maybe friends over or a movie on the couch. Roll into bed with a book. Perfecto!
Favourite Weekend Spots:
Perk up: A chatty walk with friends around Picnic Point, Queens Park or Prince Henry Heights.
Eat: Farmers markets on a Saturday. Bread, fruit and veg, fresh pasta, condiments and meat — all produced locally.
Indulge: We're foundation members at the new Vitasati bathhouse. I'm excited!
Shop: Harry & Kit for furnishings, The Book Tree for books, Sunday Merchant for gifts.
Catch up: Sweet Talk for coffee and BellaVino for wine.
@bookbar_book_club
