From coastal ease to heritage revival, Andersens and Olive and Pear Designs reveal the flooring and window looks shaping homes

Step inside an Australian home in 2026 and you’ll notice the difference immediately: softer light, warmer colours, textures you want to touch. Cool greys and stark whites are continuing to give way to clay, sand and olive tones, while glossy finishes are being replaced with matte and natural surfaces with beautiful patina. Flooring and window treatments are setting the mood – turning everyday rooms into places that feel calm, personal and enduring.

Australian homes aren’t defined by a single look. From Queensland’s coastal apartments to cottages in regional New South Wales and Victoria, contemporary styling in Western Australia, heritage in South Australia and townhouses in our nation’s capital, design choices vary as much as the climates across the country.

“Because we’re working with so many different communities, we see first-hand how people adapt trends to suit their location and style of home,” Olive and Pear Designs interior designer and founder Georgina Redenbach says.

“In warmer climates, pale hybrids and sheer curtains are popular for maximising light and airflow, while in cooler regions we’re seeing heritage-inspired parquetry and layered window treatments making a confident return. It’s a national story but told in very local ways.”

Across the country, earthy palettes are maintaining a strong presence, with hues like clay, terracotta, olive and sand grounding interiors in a way that reflects the Australian landscape. Wide-plank timber or timber-look hybrids paired with linen or more natural toned curtains are popular for creating calm, restorative spaces.

“These tones instantly bring the outdoors in,” Georgina says. “They feel timeless and grounding, whether in a new build in a suburban setting or an inner-city renovation.”

One of the most interesting shifts is the re-emergence of the colour green in carpet and rugs – from eucalyptus tones, khakis and softer sage shades. These hues are being chosen for bedrooms and living areas to add warmth underfoot while maintaining that connection to nature. They also pair beautifully with natural timber grains, especially spotted gum, where the depth of the timber is lifted by a green palette that feels fresh but enduring.

“Greens are incredibly versatile,” Georgina adds. “They work with light oak for a softer, airy palette or with darker timbers like spotted gum for a look that’s richer and more dramatic. The green tones pick up the deeper grain in the spotted gum, creating a layered effect that feels both new and nostalgic, reminding us of heritage or mid-century era interiors, but with a modern, natural edge. While we’ve seen green used in kitchens for some time, it’s refreshing to see the colour now transitioning into floor coverings as well.”

Minimalism continues to soften, particularly in places with cooler winters. Flooring designs are moving towards mixed-width boards, chevron motifs and matte finishes, while window treatments are increasingly layered.

“Layering adds both style and function,” Georgina explains. “Sheers, blockout curtains or dual-function blinds not only enhance privacy and insulation, they let home owners adapt their spaces through the seasons. It’s breezy in summer, cosy in winter and that flexibility is why this look is in such demand.”

Beyond style, this layered approach has practical benefits. Extra curtain layers help reduce outside noise and enhance privacy, a welcome improvement for open-plan living or apartments, while matte flooring and patterned layouts disguise everyday wear, making them family-friendly. Smart options like motorised blinds and curtains are also becoming more accessible, giving homeowners convenience and control without sacrificing design.

In heritage-rich areas, traditional design details are making a return but with a modern twist. Parquetry, herringbone flooring and patterned tiles are resonating with homeowners looking for authenticity and craft.

“We’re seeing a real ‘Heritage Revival’. Heritage-inspired details bring craftsmanship back into interiors. In older homes, people are rediscovering parquetry, herringbone flooring and enhanced detailing in architraves, and pairing them with richer colours in furnishings and window coverings,” Georgina notes.

“Patterned or textured curtains with interesting trims can also be a nod to the original architecture of a home. Even in newer homes, the introduction of layered textures and detailing is a great way to bring softness and personality into a space. It’s a way of balancing richness with lightness, character with modern practicality.”

This revival also taps into nostalgia. Many Australians are reimagining the details they grew up with in their parents’ or grandparents’ homes, decorative floors, rich textiles but refreshing them with modern fabrics like linen and voile so the look feels crafted, not dated. It’s a blend of eras that celebrates quality and personality while keeping the home comfortable and contemporary.

Meanwhile, coastal influences remain strong. Sandy neutrals, pale oak and stone-look flooring mirror seaside palettes, while breezy sheers and motorised blinds capture the relaxed feel of coastal living.

“Coastal tones remain a favourite because they create a sense of ease,” Georgina says. “Light flooring paired with floor-to-ceiling drapery softens interiors, visually lifts ceiling heights and blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. It’s practical, but it also elevates the look of a room.”

This enduring style is as practical as it is beautiful. Flooring designed to withstand sand and sun makes it ideal for coastal or family homes, while fade-resistant fabrics keep light-filled spaces fresh without losing colour. Smart automation is giving coastal interiors a modern edge too from automated blinds to sheer curtains that filter light throughout the day.

“It’s easy living but elevated,” Georgina adds. “That’s why Australians keep coming back to coastal palettes year after year.” According to Georgina, the beauty of these trends is their adaptability: “Home owners want spaces that feels welcoming year-round. Flooring and window treatments are central to that whether it’s adding warmth in winter, inviting breezes and managing glare in summer or simply creating a home that feels uniquely theirs. And what I love is seeing how people use these choices not just to style their homes, but to make them perform better. A single update such as new curtains or hybrid flooring can completely change how a home looks and feels.”