Are you ready to step into the future of interior design? Forget sterile minimalism – 2026 is poised to be a year of bold self-expression, rich textures, and spaces that tell a story. Get ready to embrace the 'imperfectly perfect' home!
Many of us claim to ignore trends, believing our personal style is immune to fleeting fads. But think about it: that burgeoning collection of succulents, your sudden craving for earthy wall colors, or even a newfound appreciation for Art Deco – these are all subtle signs that you're more influenced by design currents than you might think. And that's perfectly okay! Interior design is all about evolution, and what makes our spaces beautiful is a reflection of the world around us.
To get a glimpse into what 2026 holds, we’ve consulted with a diverse group of design experts, from color forecasters to rebellious stylists. They've shared their current passions, future predictions, and even a few trends they're eager to bid farewell to. Let's dive in!
The Colour Alchemist
Let's start with a deep dive into the crystal ball of color forecasting. Each year, Dulux, a leading paint company, unveils its Australian forecast, a trio of palettes designed to shape the color landscape of the coming year. Lauren Treloar, Color and Design Manager at Dulux, relies heavily on international cues, especially the groundbreaking designs showcased at the annual Milan Design Fair.
Treloar predicts that the "Elemental" palette will resonate most strongly with homeowners in 2026. This palette is a symphony of warm neutrals, featuring comforting hues like Hog Bristle Quarter and Blended Cream. It gains depth from caramel and gold accents, alongside grounding chocolate browns and tranquil steel blues. "Elemental is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into color without overwhelming their space," Treloar explains. "It's about layering warm whites with golden brown undertones, incorporating subtle warm greys to create a sense of stillness and structure."
While Treloar found Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year, "Cloud Dancer," a surprising choice – "we typically see bolder colours from Pantone" – she anticipates its popularity among those seeking a neutral foundation for their interiors. Cloud Dancer is a soft, almost ethereal white that could prove to be a versatile backdrop for bolder accents.
For the truly adventurous souls seeking to craft a haven of connection and comfort, the "Evoke" palette offers a richer, more saturated experience. "Evoke is incredibly nostalgic," Treloar shares. "We believe these colors will be particularly appealing during the cooler months, with their rich feel and character-filled colors like blush pink, melon, and warm mustard. It's simply stunning."
And this is the part most people miss... But color trends aren't just about individual shades. Treloar also anticipates a surge in the popularity of "color drenching" – where a single hue envelops the entire room, from walls to skirting boards and architraves. As people become more comfortable with this bold approach, she envisions the rise of "colour capping."
"Next, we’ll see colour capping, which is more popular in commercial spaces [at the moment], where you can see shades or similar colour being used on the ceiling and on the walls, but deeper on the ceiling and lighter on the wall," she says. "It elevates the space and creates a sense of luxury and brings another dimension to a room."
The Style Rebel
Jono Fleming, a Sydney-based stylist, author, and podcaster, brings a fresh perspective shaped by his extensive work on commercial campaigns and leading interior design magazines. He pulls no punches when it comes to Pantone's "Cloud Dancer."
"Cloud Dancer felt like a cop out to me," he says. "It’s inoffensive, but it doesn’t really say anything about who we are or the moment we’re living in on a wider scale, not just in interiors and fashion."
"The colours I saw a lot of during the Milan Design Fair felt more like a response to the world; they’re richer and more emotionally charged – purples, chartreuse, deep reds, burgundy tones. They’re bold, fiery colors that feel expressive and human, rather than neutral for neutrality’s sake."
Fleming predicts a significant emphasis on pattern in 2026, with layered designs taking center stage. His advice? Don't be afraid to mix and match!
"Pattern on pattern is having a moment," says Fleming. "One of the clearest signals for me is how people are embracing pattern again, and not just as an accent. We’re seeing pattern layered with pattern, florals with stripes, prints that feel decorative rather than restrained."
"Kendall Jenner’s recent Architectural Digest home tour, designed by Heidi Caillier, is a great example. That floral sofa moment alone feels quietly influential. It gives people permission to be braver and to treat pattern as something to live with, not just admire from afar."
Open-plan, minimalist designs are officially on their way out, Fleming declares. "When it comes to spatial planning, there’s also a noticeable move back towards separation. Living rooms are becoming their own spaces again, rather than an extension of the kitchen. Even within open-plan homes, people are looking for ways to create division through curtains, joinery, levels, or furniture layouts."
Fleming emphasizes a shift towards spaces designed for lingering and connection rather than just passing through. "Think 70s-inspired lounges, lower seating, conversation pits. The goal isn’t to cut rooms off completely, but to let them talk to each other with a bit more structure and intention."
It’s time to express yourself and make spaces your own, he says, rather than worry about maintaining overly polished, heavily curated environments.
The Design Guide
James Treble, a seasoned interior designer, thrives on new projects and emerging trends. He guides industry professionals through upcoming design directions at the Decor+Design trade event in Melbourne. Treble agrees that 2026 will see a surge in personalized spaces that reflect the unique tastes of their inhabitants. If you've been waiting for permission to embrace your individuality, this is it!
"Go for some bold, slightly jarring accent pieces to add to your existing scheme. It’s cost-effective, but tells your story,” he says. “Maybe pink orange and navy blue, or some textural fun with some chenille – I love chenille. Have bedspreads in a few rooms and some statement scatter cushions adding pattern and colour."
Treble suggests that the post-holiday season is the perfect time to hunt for quirky roadside finds or repurpose furniture your grandmother no longer wants. "Matchy-matchy furniture sets are not so much in any more, but they are being merged with more eclectic mixed furniture combinations, like it’s been created over time," he says. "Something old something new, an armchair from nonna, a new coffee table, a lamp from the markets."
In addition to earthy colors, Treble highlights the growing influence of organic shapes, with curved edges appearing on furniture, shelving, bedheads, and island benches. This trend has been gaining momentum for several years and shows no signs of slowing down. "Curves in all their glory are here to stay," he proclaims.
The Timeless Bohemian
To call Lynda Gardener a mere decorator would be an understatement. This Melbourne-based author, stylist, retailer, and designer has cultivated her signature bohemian-country-chic-meets-city-vintage style over decades. Her core philosophy? She doesn't follow trends.
But there are some things she loves right now. "I am always drawn to autumnal tones, chocolates, caramels, natural and neutrals, always layering with texture, and patterns this year for me are stripes, all about a stripe," she says.
Gardener describes her style as timeless, emphasizing layered materials that confidently display their age and character. "I like layers always, beautiful lush rugs, bed linen, cushions in the tones I love or stripes, even florals," she says. "I love mixing multiple patterns, such as at home right now I have a checkered rug, stripe cushions and an old floral floor cushion."
"And it works, all in the same autumnal tones, but it works perfectly – and definitely not predictable."
So, what do you think about these predictions for 2026? Are you ready to embrace bolder colors and patterns, or are you more inclined to stick with timeless neutrals? And what about the move away from open-plan living – is that something you've already started to implement in your own home? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective on the future of interior design.
