When it comes to your home, nailing your kitchen and bathroom design is crucial.
These two high-use spaces are central to your daily routine, and a functional, carefully considered design can elevate your home life.
“The kitchen truly sets the tone for the entire home,” says Metricon Senior Interior Designer Tracey Noonan.
“It’s where families gather, where conversations unfold and where guests always seem to linger.
“Choosing the right look means choosing a space that reflects your lifestyle and supports the way you want to live.”
Metricon Interior Designer Team Leader Brooke Boman says bathroom design is just as important.
“The right design sets the mood for both the beginning and the end of each day,” she says.
“Choosing the right look is not just about style, it is about how a space makes you feel.
“When the palette, materials and lighting all work in harmony, the bathroom becomes a retreat that supports wellbeing and adds long-term value to the home."
Styling is as important as practicality in high-use spaces like the kitchen or bathroom.
High-end looks, without the premium price tag
As Australia’s leading home builder, Metricon designs thousands of kitchens and bathrooms every year and has a front-row seat to how Australians really live.
The home builder is constantly testing new ideas, refining details and exploring global influences, not just observing trends, but shaping them.
The good news for those looking to achieve their dream kitchen or bathroom is that it’s often possible to get the look, without the exorbitant price tag.
"Luxury comes from smart design choices,” explains Ms Boman
“We often use stone-look porcelain, affordable tiles laid in beautiful formations, or brushed finishes that look high-end without the premium cost.
“Our role is to help customers invest where it makes the biggest visual impact and ensure every decision delivers value."
Metricon can help you choose on-trend finishes that look and feel luxurious, without the luxury price tag.
Top trends for kitchens in 2026
So, which kitchen trends will be making an impact in 2026?
Cabinetry is becoming a visual statement, according to Ms Noonan.
Fluted profiles, shaker detailing and bold colour palettes give homeowners a chance to express themselves, while push-to-open doors and integrated power pods keep things streamlined.
Arches are redefining layouts, curved islands and softened edges add flow and a sense of ease.
“Tiles, too, are enjoying a moment,” says Ms Noonan.
“From handcrafted textures to playful shapes and tonal patterns, they add depth and artistry.
“Integrated storage, concealed spice drawers, pull-out bins and pop-up power pods support everyday routines while keeping surfaces clean and calm.”
Cabinetry and materials that make a bold statement are becoming a major kitchen design trend.
Top trends for bathrooms in 2026
Bathrooms are also shifting from purely functional rooms to spaces that inspire and rejuvenate, according to Ms Boman.
“In 2026, we are seeing warmth, tactility and softness come to the forefront,” she says.
“Curves, richer tones and natural finishes all help the bathroom feel more serene.
“Every detail, from lighting to storage, is more considered, which allows the bathroom to support daily routines while still feeling indulgent and restorative."
Unpacking the current trends, expect to see more curves in joinery, mirrors and benchtops in 2026.
Stone and stone-look finishes offer timeless texture, while veined finishes bring movement and a natural feel that grounds the space.
Soft curves and warm accents are a trend that can help make bathrooms calmer, more relaxing spaces.
Clever storage has become a design feature in its own right.
Think concealed power points, internal drawer dividers and open shelving to streamline daily routines and optimise organisation.
In 2026, grout will increasingly be a deliberate design choice.
“Tonal grout creates soft harmony, while a contrasting colour can frame a tile and add visual interest,” says Ms Boman.
“It is a small decision that can redefine the entire room."
Brushed brass, bronze, nickel and gunmetal continue to be strong choices for tapware, while layered lighting – LED strips under vanities, backlit mirrors and wall sconces – will continue to be a design highlight in 2026.
Top it all off with some greenery and a well-placed plant, and you’ll have yourself a bathroom design that’s bang on-trend and offers lasting style.
Clever storage and indoor plants can help create a practical bathroom with enduring style.
Let lifestyle lead your design
Looking through Pinterest and trying to choose the right kitchen or bathroom design can feel overwhelming, which is why you need expert advice along the way. To help narrow your vision, explore Metricon’s curated Lookbook, where you can browse a wide range of styles tailored to different tastes and ways of living.
Once you’ve chosen your Metricon floorplan, Metricon’s Studio M interior designers will guide you through your selections, exploring materials, finishes, colours and layouts with you, and creating a cohesive look that matches your lifestyle and vision.
Ms Boman suggests choosing a bathroom design that brings you calm and joy every day.
“Trends are helpful for inspiration, but the most successful designs are grounded in warmth, quality finishes and beautiful lighting,” she says.
“Do not be afraid to express your style, just make sure the space supports the life you want to live in it."
Ms Noonan agrees that lifestyle should lead your kitchen design.
“Think about how you cook, gather and entertain, then choose features that make those moments effortless,” she says.
“A great kitchen should feel welcoming, inspiring and entirely lived in. When you design with that in mind, you’ll create a space that serves you beautifully for years to come.”
To keep up to date on the latest design trends, visit Metricon's website, tour one of their display homes, or call 1300 METRICON.
English (US) · 