Planning a New Home or Renovation? Here's What I'm Seeing in Design Right Now
This year I was fortunate enough to attend both Salone del Mobile in Milan and the Design Show in Sydney, along with an exclusive tour of Polytec's manufacturing facilities in NSW and a visit to the Carrara Marble Quarries in Carrara, Italy.
What stood out the most was a clear movement towards personalisation and wellness. The focus has shifted towards creating homes that feel more considered, more connected and more reflective of the people who live in them.
While some of the products on display were experimental, the broader design principles are very relevant to the homes I design here in Tasmania every day.
The industry seems to be moving further towards what I've always believed makes a great home. Creating homes that feel warm, personal and functional has always been at the heart of my work.
At a Glance: What's Shaping Homes in 2026
These are my biggest takeaways from Salone del Mobile in Milan and the Sydney Design Show:
Homes are becoming warmer, softer and more personal.
Rich earthy tones such as terracotta, burgundy, olive and warm neutrals continue to dominate.
Texture is everywhere, from fluted joinery and handmade tiles to natural stone and textural finishes.
Bathrooms are evolving into spa-inspired retreats with sculptural basins, statement tapware and layered materials.
Curves and organic shapes remain popular but are being used in more refined, timeless ways.
Storage, functionality and clever joinery solutions are becoming just as important as aesthetics.
Consistent palettes and carefully selected materials are creating spaces that feel calm, luxurious and cohesive.
Many of these global trends are already influencing products and homes here in Australia.
Homes Are Feeling Warmer and More Welcoming
If there was one thing noticeably absent, it was bright white. Instead, the spaces on display embraced warmth.
Rich timbers, travertines, limestones, earthy neutrals, terracotta tones, soft greens, deep burgundies and warm metals were everywhere.
Even where bold colours appeared, they were used thoughtfully and balanced with natural materials. The result was spaces that felt calm, grounded and welcoming rather than cold or overly minimalist.
Texture Is Becoming More Important
One of the strongest themes across both Milan and Sydney was texture.
Fluted joinery, handmade tiles, natural stone, bouclé fabrics, leather finishes, wallpaper and timber grain were all used to add depth and character.
Many spaces only used two or three colours, yet still felt rich and sophisticated because of the way those materials were layered together.
Refinement Is Found in the Details
The details are becoming more deliberate.
A consistent palette might be carried through a space using tapware, cabinetry, shelving, door hardware, lighting as well as furniture.
Small details such as brass kickers, integrated lighting, leather handles or fluted drawer fronts create a level of refinement that feels considered rather than decorative.
It's not necessarily about adding more. It's about making more thoughtful choices.
Curves Continue, But They're Maturing
Curves aren't disappearing. They're evolving.
Rounded furniture, arched mirrors, softened joinery corners, curved bath forms and organic basins continue to feature strongly, but they're being used in a more refined way than we've seen in recent years.
Rather than acting as a statement piece, curves now feel naturally integrated into the architecture, joinery and furniture itself. The result is spaces that feel softer, calmer and ultimately more timeless.
Bathrooms Have Become Retreats
This was perhaps the biggest takeaway from Milan. Bathrooms are no longer purely functional spaces. They're becoming personal sanctuaries.
Sculptural stone-look basins, pedestal vanities that resemble artwork, mixed-metal tapware, layered lighting, wallpaper and natural textures all contribute to a strong spa-inspired aesthetic. Many of the products on display felt less like bathroom fixtures and more like carefully curated design pieces.
The opportunities for personalisation are extraordinary. Whether your style is understated and natural or bold and dramatic, there are now countless ways to create a bathroom that feels unique.
Functionality Is Becoming Beautiful
One of the strongest themes at the Sydney Design Show was the integration of clever functionality.
From innovative storage systems and wardrobe solutions to pull-down hanging rails, hidden appliances, slide-away doors, integrated lighting and accessibility features, there was a clear focus on making everyday living easier without compromising on aesthetics.
These products aren't just practical. They're being designed to look beautiful as well. The best spaces achieve both form and function.
A Simpler Palette Feels More Luxurious
One detail I noticed repeatedly was consistency. Rather than introducing many different finishes, designers often selected a restrained palette and repeated it throughout the space.
A warm brass finish might appear across tapware, shelving, lighting, door hardware, furniture details and joinery, while complementary timber tones continue through cabinetry, wall panelling and furniture.
This restraint creates a sense of sophistication and calm that feels far more luxurious than introducing new colours, finishes or materials.
What This Means for Tasmanian Home Design
As a Building Designer and Interior Designer based in Launceston, Tasmania, I always enjoy seeing how global design trends evolve and how they can be adapted for Australian homes.
While not every product from Milan will find its way into a Tasmanian home, many of the broader design principles already are.
Warm materials, thoughtful storage, layered textures and authentic homes that feel connected to their surroundings translate beautifully to the Tasmanian lifestyle.
One thing that was reassuring to see was how many of these ideas already align with the way I approach design.
Seeing those values reflected across Milan and Sydney was a reminder that good design isn't about chasing trends, it's about creating spaces that genuinely improve everyday life.
After all, the goal isn't simply to create a beautiful home.
It's to create a home you love to live in.
