Australians Are Decorating With Feeling Again: Temple & Webster Reveals the Three Trends Defining Homes in 2026

New insights from Temple & Webster 2026 January trend report have highlighted that Australians are embracing a new era of home styling, one defined by confidence, emotion and individuality. 

Released today, new findings show a clear shift away from generic, mass-produced interiors and toward spaces that feel deeply lived-in and personal. As one of Australia’s leading destinations for furniture, homewares and home improvement, Temple & Webster has been able to draw on millions of customer interactions, along with in-house design expertise and on-the-ground insights from global design events spanning Paris to Shanghai. 

The result is three globally inspired trends that feel achievable and perfectly at home in everyday Australian spaces: Sundrenched, Eclectic Era and Cocoa & Chrome.

“At Temple & Webster, we’re seeing Australians move away from purely aesthetic trends and toward homes that feel lived-in, expressive and emotionally resonant,” said Lucy Sutherland, Director of Insights & Trends at Temple & Webster.  “Design is no longer about precision; it's about connection, and the trends we have identified demonstrate that.”

At the heart of the report is an expression of how Australians can redefine luxury; one grounded not in price or perfection, but in comfort, meaning and emotional connection. From warm colour palettes that soothe the senses to layered interiors filled with memories and personality, Australians are curating homes that feel intentional, expressive, and inherently human.

Sundrenched captures the enduring appeal of Australia’s golden hour, with interiors washed in warm, earthy tones of clay, blush, mustard and terracotta that blur the boundary between indoors and out. This restorative aesthetic reflects a growing desire for calm and emotional grounding, with sales of furniture and homewares in caramel, clay, rust and terracotta jumping 64%*. Natural textures that mimic our landscape, such as plaster, travertine, linen and woven fibres, further reinforce the shift toward slower, more sensory design.

Celebrating collecting as an art form, Eclectic Era embraces layered interiors filled with pieces that tell a story. Vintage finds sit effortlessly alongside contemporary design, creating interiors that feel thoughtfully curated rather than overly styled. As individuality takes centre stage, Australians are proudly displaying their treasures, with searches for “shelves” surging 21%**. Research shows that 67%* of Australians believe meaningful objects are what truly give a home its soul, underscoring the emotional pull of this expressive trend.

For those drawn to moodier palettes and refined detail, Cocoa & Chrome introduces a sense of quiet glamour. Rich tones of cocoa, caramel, and espresso are softened by plush 

upholstery and elevated with chrome, polished steel and smoked glass accents. Searches for “brown rug” have increased by 180%**, while searches for chocolate sofas and chairs have risen by 165%*, reflecting a renewed appetite for warmth, depth and indulgence. The trend speaks to a desire for spaces that feel luxurious, not through excess, but through texture, tactility and atmosphere.

“These trends reflect how Australians are redefining what ‘good design’ means,” Sutherland said. “It’s about creating homes that support how we live now; spaces that feel comforting, expressive and genuinely personal. Luxury today is about how a space makes you feel.”

The fact that Australians are turning to Temple & Webster to bring these trends to life reflects a growing trust in the brand to make elevated styling feel achievable rather than intimidating, translating emerging interior obsessions into stylish, practical choices for everyday homes.

The Temple & Webster Trend Report offers styling inspiration, trend insights and practical guidance to help Australians bring these looks to life, whether they’re refreshing a single room or reimagining their entire home.

Data based on Temple & Webster sales and search insights across specified periods.*Temple & Webster internal search data and commissioned consumer research, November 2025.

The full Trend Report by Temple & Webster includes styling tips, product recommendations and expert advice for incorporating each trend into Australian homes across all budget ranges.