The Design Shift in 2026

Vivien Topalovic, Property Journalist

30 Jan 2026, 3:52pm

New homes are setting the direction for interior design in 2026, with builders pointing to a shift towards warmer, more liveable spaces. 

Design choices in Australia’s new homes are becoming more considered, with comfort and everyday functionality taking precedence over visual impact alone.

A cozy French Provincial living room featuring carved wooden furniture and floral fabrics

According to Metricon, 2026 signals a broader move towards interiors that balance contemporary design with wellbeing and longevity, a shift that typically emerges first in new builds before shaping trends more widely across the market. 

Metricon’s recently reimagined digital lookbook provides a clear snapshot of how these trends are being applied in practice.  

Featuring seven new styles and 10 interior design expressions, the platform demonstrates how Australians can interpret current design directions in ways that feel cohesive, functional and enduring. 

Metricon’s national display home and Studio M retail manager Lisa Goodsall said the lookbook’s aim was to give homeowners clarity when it comes to interior design.  

“Our new lookbook is designed to empower Australians at every stage of the home building or styling journey,” she said.  

“By offering curated style expressions, we show how the right mix of materials, colours and textures can transform any home into something cohesive, welcoming and uniquely personal.” 

What the trends are showing 

Across the lookbook, warm, nature‑inspired palettes are a consistent theme.  

Neutrals are shifting beyond crisp whites towards earthy greens, soft creams and deeper, grounding tones that create a more relaxed feel.  

Curves and rounded joinery are also becoming more prominent, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. Replacing sharp edges, these softer forms help interiors feel more natural and comfortable to live in. 

Japandi is one style that reflects this direction clearly. Combining Japanese wabi‑sabi with Scandinavian minimalism, it favours pale timbers, creamy tones and natural textures.