Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2026
If you’re planning a renovation or refresh in 2026, now’s the time to tune in…
A wave of new interior trends has rolled in. Shaped by our unique lifestyle and inspired by global trends, we’re experiencing a renewed love for comfort and connection.
While European shows like Milan Design Week continue to influence what we see in stores, Australian interiors are taking their own distinct path: rooted in natural textures, functional layouts, and a calm, lived-in aesthetic that reflects our way of life.
Here’s what to expect—and how to make it your own.
Shapes: Soft, Sculptural, and Comfortable
Furniture is loosening up. Gone are the harsh lines of past years.
In their place? Curved edges, deep seats, and plush upholstery. Think generously rounded sofas, cocooning armchairs, and furniture that makes you want to stay a while.
We’re also seeing a rise in modular and multifunctional designs—perfect for open-plan homes and smaller urban spaces alike. Comfort is king, but form still matters: Australian designers are embracing shapes that feel relaxed but refined.
Colours: Earthy Neutrals Meet Confident Colour
Australia’s natural landscape continues to inspire our interiors, with clay, eucalyptus, sand, and stormy blue tones setting the tone for 2026. These colours are calming, grounding, and easy to live with.
But there’s also a bolder side emerging: rich reds like Sienna, Taupe, Russet, Burgundy, Maroon, and Terracotta, mustard yellows, deep olives, and even punchy cobalt blue are being used as confident accents. It’s all about balance—grounding neutrals layered with mood-boosting colour to create homes that feel both calming and energising.
Materials: Natural, Tactile, and Thoughtful
Timber remains at the heart of Australian interiors, particularly in warmer tones such as oak, walnut, and blackwood.
You’ll also see raw finishes like stone, rendered walls, woven grasscloth, and handmade tiles, adding texture and warmth. Trending metallic surfaces are diverse.
There’s a strong emphasis on mixed metals, cool tones like silver and chrome, and the warm appeal of brass and copper. Metals are being incorporated in more unique ways, from cabinet fronts and backsplashes to furniture and accessories, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to spaces.
Sustainability matters more than ever. We’ve always opted for recycled materials and furniture pieces, low-toxic paints, and locally made everything! We’re happy to say that there’s a growing appetite for interiors that look good and do good.
Style: Personal, Layered, and Nostalgic (In a Good Way)
2026 interiors are all about character, comfort, and individuality. We're moving away from the "perfect showroom" aesthetic and embracing spaces that feel real, lived-in, and uniquely you.
We envision a vintage timber sideboard alongside a large contemporary piece of art. Or a mid-century armchair paired with a new boucle sofa. It's about storytelling—mixing pieces that reflect your past with items that suit your present life.
The New Nostalgia
We're also seeing a subtle revival of 1970s style, but it's being done with a modern Australian twist. Expect to see:
Bouclé and shearling textures adding softness to hard-edged rooms
Rattan and cane in refined forms—think curved bedheads or open-weave dining chairs
Fluted glass and timber popping up in vanities, cabinets, and lighting
Sunken lounges and low-slung seating, reimagined in warm neutrals and earthy colours
These elements tap into a feeling of comfort and familiarity, but with fresh finishes, lighter palettes, and smarter proportions that keep things from feeling too heavy or theme-y
The Power of the Mix
The most compelling homes are layered, not matched. That means:
Mixing heirloom and high-street pieces
Combining clean-lined joinery with handcrafted or vintage finds
Embracing patina, imperfection, and texture as part of the story
It’s less about what’s trending and more about what feels right—the colour of your grandma’s old side table, the shape of a lamp you picked up on holiday, or the art that makes you smile every time you pass it.
How to Achieve a Warm, Layered Look That Feels Personal to You
Creating a warm, layered interior isn't about buying more stuff—it’s about curating with intention. It starts with a mix of materials, textures, and tones that add depth and comfort, then gets elevated by the personal touches that tell your story.
Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. Start with a Warm Foundation
Choose a grounding palette—think warm timbers, earthy tones like terracotta or the greens and blues found in nature. These set the tone without dominating the space.
2. Layer Your Textures
Mix soft fabrics with textured ones, in wool, linen, and velvet. Rugs, cushions, throws, and curtains are your best friends here. The goal is to create visual and tactile richness without visual clutter.
3. Add Vintage or Handpicked Pieces
One or two pre-loved or collected items—a chair, a side table, a piece of art—instantly make a space feel more soulful and unique. It’s less about matching, more about meaning. If you want to reupholster or resurface, that can also bring a sense of newness while retaining the meaning.
4. Play with Lighting
Layered lighting = layered feeling.
Accent lighting is used to highlight a specific object or area, like artwork, a bookshelf, or architectural features: wall sconces, picture lights, track lighting, LED strip lighting in joinery or under shelving. This is a great way to add depth, contrast, and a sense of drama. Think of it like spotlighting the good stuff.
Decorative Lighting is lighting designed for aesthetic purposes. It adds beauty, style, and personality to the room. It may also light the space, but its main job is to look good—chandeliers, sculptural pendants, statement table lamps, neon signs. They make a visual impact and elevate your space.
Warm, dimmable bulbs help make everything feel cosy and calm.
5. Include Something You
A framed photo, a book you love, a handmade vase, a travel souvenir, or even a quirky artwork—something that makes the space undeniably yours. These details are the difference between a house and a home.
As we’ve always said at Hue and Space, the most stylish Australian homes are not the most on-trend—they’re the most individual.
How to Get the Look (Without Overthinking It)
Start with what you love—then build around it with layers of texture and tone
Mix old and new: if your sofa is modern, go vintage with the coffee table or lighting
Don’t worry about matching—contrast adds personality
Let your home evolve: it doesn’t need to be finished all at once
2026 is about ditching perfection and embracing your version of beautiful. A space that feels layered, nostalgic in the best way, and 100% personal. Because in the end, style is less about rules—and more about reflection.
Don’t forget to call on us if you need help.