Wellness, Warmth & Heirlooms: The 2026 Pinterest Board

Wellness, Warmth & Heirlooms: The 2026 Pinterest Board

From Beige Fatigue To Bold Blues — Here's What We’re Noticing In Homes Everywhere As 2026 Kicks Off.

Working in real estate, you see a lot of houses. A lot of kitchens. A lot of feature walls. A lot of “this was definitely trendy at the time” moments.

And every January, without fail, something shifts. It’s not just a new year — it’s a reset button. The decorations come down, the summer light hits differently, people start decluttering, repainting, renovating, “just freshening things up.” Trends don’t just change because designers say so. They change because people change. Seasons change. Life changes.

So here’s our very unofficial, very real-estate-office take on what 2026 is bringing… and what 2025 is politely escorting out the door 👋

A Quick Snapshot of 2025 (Before We Move On)

Let’s give 2025 its moment.

We saw Organic Modernism take centre stage — curved furniture, soft silhouettes, warm neutrals layered with texture.

Colour drenching was everywhere. Entire rooms painted in one colour from wall to ceiling to skirting board. Bold? Yes. Slightly intimidating? Also yes.

Sustainable materials and biophilic design continued strong — lots of greenery, natural stone, timber features.

Smart spaces got smarter. Hidden charging drawers, discreet appliances, multipurpose rooms.

Sunken lounges and banquette seating made a comeback (we saw a few brave attempts 👀).

And wellness? Still rising. Dedicated meditation rooms, home saunas, cold plunge baths. The post-pandemic focus on feeling good at home isn’t going anywhere.

Colour-wise, 2025 leaned warm and moody.

  • Autumnal hues — rust, ochre, dark honey — created cosy, grounded spaces.

  • Cherry reds brought drama and personality.

  • Primary colours popped in playful but curated ways.

  • And Pantone crowned Mocha Mousse — a deep chocolate-coffee neutral that anchored interiors beautifully.

But now… we feel the shift.

Beige Is Officially Leaving the Party

We’re calling it.

The clean, modern, beige-on-beige-on-beige look? It’s slowly packing up its things.

For years, homes were styled like calming Pinterest boards. White walls. Cream couches. Pale timber. Maybe a single abstract print for “personality.”

Minimalism had its moment — and we get it. It photographed well. It felt safe. It appealed to buyers.

But 2026 feels different.

We’re seeing colour come back into the picture — and not just in throw cushions. Entire rooms with depth. Rich blues. Deep plums. Even brave tonal layering.

Homes are starting to feel less like display homes… and more like people actually live there again.

Blue Is Becoming the New Staple

After years of sage green, olive kitchens and eucalyptus bathrooms… we’re seeing a subtle shift.

Blue is stepping forward. Navy cabinetry. Dusty blue bedrooms. Inky feature walls.

Green isn’t disappearing completely — but it’s no longer the default “safe colour.” Blue feels grounded but fresh. It works with heritage homes and modern builds. It’s versatile without being predictable.

We’re predicting blue becomes a long-term staple, not just a phase.

Goodbye Bouclé 👋

We said it.

Bouclé had a strong run. The curved armchairs. The creamy, textured occasional chairs that looked amazing but were mildly terrifying to sit on with a coffee.

But we’re seeing less of it. Less “cloud-like” furniture. Less showroom softness.

2026 feels more layered. More varied. More textured in interesting ways.

Texture Is Getting Real

And that brings us to tactile finishes.

Hand-painted walls. Textural stone tiles. Linen that actually crumples instead of sitting perfectly pressed.

People want surfaces you can feel. Materials that age. Imperfection that looks intentional.

Sterile environments are out. Warmth is in.

Old Meets New (And We Love It)

One of the biggest shifts we’re noticing? Nostalgia.

Heirloom furniture. Antique mirrors. Sculptural vintage pieces mixed with sleek modern lighting.

Instead of everything matching, it’s about contrast. Mixing woods. Layering tones. Combining old timber with new joinery.

Wood was already becoming more popular — but now it’s less coordinated and more relaxed. Mixed wood tones aren’t a mistake anymore. They’re deliberate.

It feels personal. It feels curated over time.

And honestly? Buyers respond to that warmth.

Patterns Are Back

Subtle at first. Then not subtle.

Wallpaper. Patterned tiles. Striped upholstery. Decorative detailing.

We’re seeing homeowners move away from “safe resale mode” and embrace personality again.

The fear of committing to pattern seems to be fading — especially when the rest of the home is layered and warm.

Wellness Isn’t Slowing Down

If 2020 changed anything permanently, it was how we view our homes.

In 2026, wellness spaces are still on the rise. Home offices have evolved into calming, multi-purpose spaces. Spare rooms are yoga rooms. Bathrooms are being upgraded for that “retreat” feel.

Buyers are still prioritising natural light, airflow, outdoor connection, and spaces that feel restorative.

That’s not a trend. That’s a lifestyle shift.

Why Is This Happening?

A few reasons.

A new year always brings a psychological refresh. People crave change.

Seasonally, we’re moving toward warmer palettes and layered materials that feel grounding.

And culturally? There’s fatigue around perfection. Social media homes that look untouched and untouchable aren’t resonating the same way.

People want authenticity. Story. Depth.

Homes that feel human.

The Broad Summary for 2026

We’re leaving behind:

  • Clean, ultra-modern beige minimalism

  • Overly sterile environments

  • Bouclé overload

  • Perfectly matched timber

We’re welcoming:

  • Heritage and sculptural pieces

  • Antique and nostalgic heirlooms

  • Bold colours (especially blue)

  • Pattern and layered materials

  • Warmth and organic textures

  • Continued investment in wellness spaces

Homes are feeling richer. More dimensional. More personal.

And from a real estate perspective? Warm, thoughtfully layered homes often photograph beautifully and feel amazing at inspections.

Now We’re Curious…

What design trends are you happy to see go?

What are you excited about in 2026?

And controversially… what 2025 trends do you think deserve to stay?

(We know some of you are still loyal to Mocha Mousse ☕)

Thinking of Selling in 2026? 🏡✨

If you’re considering selling in the future, it’s important to know the difference between what looks good on Pinterest and what actually resonates with buyers.

At Us Real Estate, we walk through homes every single day. We see firsthand which upgrades spark interest at inspections, which finishes photograph beautifully online, and which renovations genuinely influence offers — and which ones don’t.

Before committing to bold colours, feature tiles or that “must-have” trend of the moment, have a conversation with us. We can help you prioritise the updates buyers are responding to right now — and steer you away from the ones that won’t necessarily add value in your local market.

🏠 Sales Team Experts
📞 John Lewis – 0423 487 266
✉️ [email protected]

📞 Karen Day – 0490 242 303
✉️ [email protected]

✨ If your home is mid-makeover or your Pinterest board is full of bold blue kitchens… let’s chat first. We’ll help you prioritise the updates buyers genuinely pay for in today’s market. 🏡