- Intention over minimalism
We’ve gone from boxy, stark grey linen couches to opulent burgundy velvet sofas layered with plush sheepskins in just a few years, so where are we now? Well, somewhere in the middle, and we’re calling it soft minimalism. The focus for 2026 is to create a home that captures the sense of calm derived from minimalism without completely foregoing character, personality, and comfort. It’s about being intentional with your purchases, choosing quality, locally made pieces or vintage items over mass-produced, fast furniture.
- Less open plan, more cosy
Open-plan living has transformed so many homes in the last few decades – just knocking that wall between the kitchen and lounge has made homes flow better, feel bigger and more connected. And while we’re not ready to turn our backs on these connected spaces just yet,
we are seeing a definite shift. Buyers and homeowners are now craving flexible spaces that can be closed off for privacy, or opened up for entertaining, and defined zones like cosy reading nooks or quiet hobby and work spaces. There’s no need to rebuild the walls, though;
clever pocket doors, partitioning systems and even bookcases will do the trick.
- Wellness becomes embedded in the home
From internationally driven trends like
Scandinavian-inspired saunas to the creation of
spa-like bathrooms and bespoke
wellness zones in our homes, the focus on holistic health and wellness features within your four walls is here to stay. In 2026, we’re seeing tech increasingly integrated into wellness, with elements like smart air purifiers, circadian lighting, and
smart indoor garden systems that bring
biophilic design home without looking like the clunky hydroponic setups of the past. The goal here is not simply to follow a trend; it’s to make simple, affordable tweaks that enhance your quality of life at home – and they feature high on buyers' wish lists, too.
- Tech tentacles extend throughout the home
It’s not just in the home wellness space that we’re seeing a rise of tech integration; it’s present throughout
the entire home. The homes of 2026 will increasingly include smart furniture like
bedside tables and couches with built-in USBs and lighting systems, and next-level automation for tasks like laundry, home safety, and
blinds – you’ll soon forget these used to require your input!
The crisp whites and cool greys that dominated interiors throughout the 2010s to the early 2020s are gradually giving way to friendlier, warmer tones.
In 2026, we’re taking this further with creamy caramel shades and earthy clay and putty tones, which deliver oh-so-much more personality and warmth than white, while still providing a neutral backdrop to make your furniture, artworks, and other accents pop. These warmer neutrals complement organic textures like linen, oak and other natural hues like deep forest greens and midnight blues – the ultimate combination for a grounded yet sophisticated décor.
Natural tones extend beyond paint too, as this year, we’re seeing things like heavily veined marble and stones move beyond the benchtop and into furniture, fireplace surrounds and other accent pieces. These allow you to have fun with colours too – while neutrals are typically a timeless option for a stone benchtop, accessories and accent pieces mean you can play with trending deep greens and rich burgundies.
- Colour capping is the new colour drenching
Colour drenching has had its moment, and while we’re not turning our back on it just yet, the trend is set to evolve this year into colour capping. According to
Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, ‘Colour capping is a clever way to refresh your home and achieve a high-end look with just a few tins of paint. It introduces subtle depth by enveloping the room in a tonal gradient that intensifies toward the ceiling. Essentially, it’s ombré for your walls (all six of them – floor and ceiling included!) – and the result is a soothing, cohesive space.’