New-home buyers are becoming increasingly discerning about style, seeking home designs that are on trend while also reflecting their personal taste.
Fortunately for these buyers, there are many options available of new, expertly crafted designs inspired by current trends, but with room to personalise.
Lisa Goodsall, national display home and Queensland Studio M retail manager at Metricon Homes, says in addition to their ever-popular designs – such as Contemporary and Hamptons – some new looks are exciting buyers.
“You can take a style as far as you want to go, always making sure it suits your tastes and the way you want to live in your home,” she says.
New lookbook, new inspiration
The 2026 Metricon Lookbook features a selection of overarching trends focusing on relaxation and comfort, with plenty of choice within those trends to make the look your own.
Ms Goodsall explains that this level of personalisation is key to making the styles accessible for everyone.
The Lookbook leans into interior design styles that showcase the artistry, detail, and vision behind homes.
Each expression tells its own story, highlighting the textures, colours and finishes that define Australian living.
“You can pick your overarching trend, such as Country, but then go into an expression of that trend with Modern Farmhouse to really suit your tastes,” says Ms Goodsall.
Here are five of the latest trends from the lookbook that might inspire your new home.
1. Palm Springs
Palm Springs features sun-bleached tones, curved forms and layered textures. As the name suggests, the look inspires relaxation and leisure, and features colours such as sage and sand alongside plenty of warm timber.
“Palm Springs is fun and you can adapt it to any size of home,” says Ms Goodsall.
The timber floors and soft edges of the Palm Springs style creates a calming look.
2. Japandi
Japandi is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism. The look focuses on craftsmanship and evokes a feeling of calm.
“Japandi is really popular. It’s a minimalist look with simplistic, purposeful, clean lines,” says Ms Goodsall.
“It brings tranquillity with organic elements – and I think tranquillity is the thing that people crave the most at the moment.”
In a Japandi kitchen, warm oak floors meet sleek stone benchtops and black accents.
3. Coastal
Under the theme of Coastal, you’ll find Beach House and Modern Beach House. These looks are designed to bring a blissful coastal feeling into your everyday life – wherever you live.
“Coastal is relaxed but sophisticated. It’s full of light and natural materials,” says Ms Goodsall.
Modern Beach House has a uniquely Australian coastal touch, with pale beeches, tonal cabinetry and breezy flooring. Beach House is a little warmer, with sand tones key.
Ms Goodsall says a feature of both interpretations is VJ panelling, which adds subtle texture to cabinetry.
“The interiors feature lots of textures, lots of linen, and big comfy cushions,” she says.
A coastal-inspired style like Beach House focuses on natural light, soft textures and calming base palette.
4. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern is inspired by 1950s design, refreshed for today's lifestyle.
“It features clean lines and seamless integration between the indoors and outdoors. It has simplicity with the use of timbers and textured walls. It’s a timeless look,” says Ms Goodsall.
The look also centres on a rich yet restrained colour palette, setting the scene for some show-stopping final touches.
“You can bring in some beautiful furniture and finish off the look with lush upholstery, rugs and some statement artwork,” she says.
Timeless and full of character, Mid-Century Modern celebrates clean lines and warm natural materials.
5. Classic Hamptons
Classic Hamptons is an enduring style that prioritises light-filled, airy spaces, natural timbers, and stone.
Ms Goodsall says this style is always popular as it’s perfect for relaxed family living.
“It has a coastal touch, seamlessly mixing formal and informal spaces. You’ll find hanging pendants and breezy linen curtains. It all feels effortless,” she says.
Drawing on the heritage of America's East Coast, Classic Hamptons is a sophisticated, coastal-inspired look.
Make the looks your own with expert help
Whichever look you go for, Ms Goodsall says the key to success is dialling it up or down to suit your tastes and lifestyle.
You might select slightly more classic flooring or tiling, and then lean into the style for highlight moments.
“You could go for it with the taps, or a feature-tile area, then have fun with the furnishings such as rugs, curtains and cushions,” she says.
Once you find your favourite look in the Metricon Lookbook, or even a shortlist, Ms Goodsall says to visit a Studio M showroom to chat to Metricon’s design and styling experts.
They can give you more personalised guidance and help you create a mood board to show you how the look could come together in your future home.
To explore all fourteen expressions, visit the Metricon website.
English (US) · 