Three experts reveal the biggest design trends to watch out for in 2026

Whether you like it or not, trends are inescapable. Like Miranda Priestly scolding Andy over her cerulean blue sweater, trends shape what we eat, where we travel, what we wear and how we style our homes.

For those wanting to update their homes, we asked three experts to look into their crystal balls and predict the design trends that will dominate 2026.

Character-filled spaces

Henry Sgourakis, director and principal at SGKS Architects, believes this will be the year we'll see a return to character-filled spaces.

"2026 feels like a moment of reset in interior design, with a shift towards more intentional and considered design," he says. "Rather than a return to minimalism or white spaces, there is a focus on character created through materiality, proportion and layering."

Shona McElroy, Pprincipal at SMAC Studio, concurs with this sentiment.

"Everyone is trying to put their own stamp on things, which is great," she says. "Eclectic, multiple different styles being pulled together to create new and interesting spaces that feel tailored and lived in."

McElroy is already seeing clients more interested in unique details when it comes to hardware and trims.

"Handles are no longer just a handle," she says. "They're now being used as pieces of art or home jewellery."

Mixed metal

There was once a design belief that once you chose a particular metal, you stuck to it throughout your whole home. McElroy is now seeing clients less afraid of mixed metal.

"I'm definitely seeing a big return to chrome, that clean, almost clinical seventies chrome, and mixed metal," she says. "So chrome with gold or chrome with bronze."

McElroy has recently released a line of handles in collaboration with Lo & Co. Putting her money where her mouth is, a two-tone option is coming out later in the year.

Furniture

When it comes to furniture, Sgourakis is seeing a lean towards pieces that align with a space and "feel timeless and well considered" as opposed to being trend-based.

"There is a clear move away from statement furniture that dates quickly and towards forms that feel generous, comfortable and enduring," he says.

Fabric is undoubtedly a personal, and a practical, choice when choosing a piece of furniture, however, if you're keen to try the next big thing McElroy thinks velvet is it.

"I'm seeing a lot of velvet, more along the mohair line, which is a really plush velvet," she says. "Less shiny and more matte, but plush."

Colours to watch out for

For the majority of people, changing up the colours in their homes, whether through paint or soft furnishings, is one of the simplest ways to overhaul the look of a space.

Lauren Treloar, Dulux colour manager, predicts an increase in "warm earth-based neutrals, rich burnt oranges and caramels, alongside greens such as sage, moss and spearmint.

"Soft pinks, vintage rose tones, tender pastels and muted berry shades also make a strong appearance."

Continuing with the nature theme, Treloar also thinks there will be a "deeper browns, earth-based greys and rich olive shades"

Sgourakis is also seeing a trend towards brown tones with tobacco emerging strongly as a design choice.

"They are being used with more confidence on fixed elements such as walls, cabinetry and joinery rather than just furniture or textiles," he says.

"Overall, darker colours are gaining momentum as lighter neutrals are increasingly associated with functional or work-oriented spaces rather than places of retreat."

Cloud Dancer: Hit or miss?

Now for the biggest news in interior trends, was Pantone's choice of Cloud Dancer for colour of the year a hit or a miss?

For Sgourakis, Cloud Dancer feels "very in step with where we are right now."

"While it may be seen as another white, it carries more nuance and restraint," he says. "It reflects a sense of reset without dictating a particular style or direction, allowing space for personal interpretation."

Treloar believes the colour was "a surprise" for the colour institute - "We typically see bolder shades from Pantone's Colour of the Year."

"Over the last few years, we've started to see a shift in the Australian market from the use of cooler whites and neutrals, in favour of warm and neutral whites," she says.

In contrast, McElroy thinks the decision was a "complete miss."

"I don't wanna see the return of a white house, or a grey house or a cloud house," she says. "I think people have so much more personality than that."

Trends to say goodbye to

In addition to the trends we are welcoming, there are also those we're saying goodbye to.

Minimalism

Unsurprisingly, the first cab off the rank for Sgourakis is minimalism.

"Overt minimalism in residential interiors is continuing to fall away, as spaces that feel too stripped back no longer resonate as warm or liveable," he says.

Empty decor

In alignment with his prediction of character-filled interiors, Sgourakis thinks that "excessive decor is fading."

"Instead, there is greater value placed on fewer pieces with meaning or longevity, reflecting a broader move towards considered investment over short-term impact."

Spiral staircases

For those who leaped onto the spiral staircase trend, McElroy has bad news for you.

"I think we're going to start to see our beautiful spiral staircases go back out," she says. "They are gorgeous, but I think they're maybe starting to get a little oversaturated."

Practically speaking, staircases can never go out of style, but McElroy thinks we'll see more variety in the design.

"I think people will start to do them either in different colours and different materials, or even return to more of a rectilinear stair type."

Parisian over Mediterranean

Forget the Mediterranean aesthetic, classic Parisian style is going to surpass it.

"There was a big time of curvy Mediterranean, but I've seen a lot less of that come through and people wanting more of a Parisian, timeless look," says McElroy.