Step inside an Australian home in 2026 and the difference is immediate with softer light, warmer tones, textures you want to touch.
Cool greys and stark whites are giving way to clay, sand and olive hues, while glossy finishes are replaced with matte, natural surfaces that carry a gentle patina. Flooring and window treatments are more than decorative, they set the mood, turning everyday rooms into calm, personal sanctuaries.
“There’s a shift towards homes that feel lived in, textured, tactile and full of warmth,” Olive and Pear Designs interior designer and founder Georgina Redenbach says.
“Australians are moving away from ultra-minimalist spaces towards interiors that are grounded and inviting.”
Across the country, styles vary as much as the climate. Queensland apartments favour pale hybrid floors and sheers for light and airflow, while cooler regions embrace parquetry and layered window treatments.
Earthy tones continue to dominate, reflecting the Australian landscape. Clay, terracotta, olive and sand anchor interiors, paired with wide-plank timber or timber-look flooring and naturally toned curtains.
Green is re-emerging in rugs and flooring from eucalyptus and sage to khaki, creating warmth underfoot while connecting interiors to nature.
“Green works with light oak for airy spaces, or darker timbers like spotted gum for something richer,” Georgina says.
“It’s a nod to heritage interiors with a modern edge.”
Minimalism is softening. Mixed-width boards, chevron motifs and matte finishes are popular, while layered window treatments add both style and function.
“Layering sheers with blockouts or dual-function blinds gives flexibility with it being breezy in summer and cosy in winter,” Georgina says.
It also reduces noise, improves privacy and with smart options like motorised blinds, homeowners get convenience without sacrificing style.
Heritage details are returning with a modern twist. Parquetry, herringbone floors, patterned tiles and layered fabrics are bringing craft and character back into homes.
Coastal interiors remain light and breezy, with sandy neutrals, pale oak and stone-look floors, paired with sheers or motorised blinds.
“Light flooring with floor-to-ceiling drapery lifts spaces and blurs the line between indoors and outdoors,” Georgina says.
Practical finishes and smart automation keep these homes resilient while maintaining effortless style.
“The beauty of these trends is adaptability,” Georgina says. “Flooring and window treatments help homes feel welcoming year-round, whether adding warmth in winter, inviting breezes in summer, or simply making a space feel uniquely theirs. A single update like new curtains or hybrid flooring can completely transform how a home looks and feels.”
