New research shows how Australians are styling their homes around comfort, emotion and experience, with layout, colour and personal expression now leading design decisions.
Australian homes are increasingly embracing confidence, emotion and individuality, according to new research by Temple & Webster.
More homeowners are choosing personal, expressive interiors. Picture: Supplied
According to the online furniture and homewares retailer’s 2026 trend report, homeowners are moving towards spaces that feel expressive, layered and genuinely lived‑in.
“Design is no longer about precision; it's about connection, and the trends we have identified demonstrate that,” Temple & Webster director of insights and trends Lucy Sutherland said.
Rather than chasing perfection, Australians are focusing on how their homes feel and the data shows exactly what’s driving that shift.
Fitting furniture to layout
When it comes to creating a home that feels good to live in, layout is now the top priority.
Temple & Webster research shows 46% of furniture and homewares shoppers say space and layout is the biggest factor in how a home feels.
Instead of minimising furniture in smaller rooms, homeowners are choosing pieces that fit the space properly and zoning areas more clearly to support everyday living.
Creating luxury through experience, not expense
Rather than price or perfection, Australians are gravitating towards spaces that feel indulgent to live in.
Sales of chocolate sofas and chairs have surged 165%, according to research. Picture: Supplied
In fact, 68% of furniture and homewares shoppers say true luxury lies in the experience of a space, not how much it costs.
That mindset is showing up in richer palettes and tactile materials. Sales of caramel sofas and chairs have increased by 40%, while chocolate sofas and chairs have surged 165%.
Dubbed the Cocoa & Chrome trend, Ms Sutherland said darker, moodier tones are helping create a sense of comfort and quiet glamour without excess.
“Cocoa & Chrome blends indulgence with modern polish: layers of chocolate, caramel and espresso softened with plush textures, then sharpened with molten metallics for a look that’s grounded, glamorous and endlessly adaptable,” she said.
Embracing warmth
Cool greys and stark whites are steadily giving way to warmer, earth‑based tones.
Sales of sun‑baked tones including caramel and terracotta are up 64%, as homeowners seek softer interiors. Picture: Supplied
Sales of furniture and homewares in caramel, clay, rust and terracotta have jumped 64%, highlighting a growing appetite for interiors that feel softer and more emotionally grounding.
According to Ms Sutherland, this is reflected in the Sundrenched trend, which draws inspiration from Australia’s natural light.
“Sundrenched is all about capturing that warm, sunlit feeling that lingers long after golden hour,” Ms Sutherland said in the report.
“Homes bathed in sunbaked hues of clay, blush, mustard and terracotta that blur the boundary between indoors and out.”
Making spaces meaningful
Perhaps the clearest signal of change is the renewed focus on personal expression.
This trend celebrates collecting, from books and artwork to vintage finds. Picture: Supplied
Research shows 67% of Australians believe it’s meaningful objects that give a home its true soul.
Branded as the Eclectic Era, this trend embraces collecting, from books and artwork to vintage finds and sentimental pieces that tell a story.
“Every piece tells a story, from vintage finds to shiny surprises, creating homes that are as joyful and expressive as the people who live in them,” Ms Sutherland said.
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