Top Flooring Trends in Australia for 2026
After years of cool greys and high-contrast finishes, interior design in 2026 is projected to be characterised by a shift toward warmth, longevity, and connection to natural materials. Designers are embracing saturated and earthy colour palettes, tactile surfaces, and flooring that feels both grounded and liveable.
Design choices in Australia are being centred around a connection to nature and the land around us, driving material choices across new builds, renovations, and apartments alike. These wider design movements are directly influencing which flooring types, colours, and finishes are trending, making 2026 a year where flooring plays a leading role in how spaces look, feel, and function.
Read on to see our findings for the top things to focus on this year.
1. Warm, Natural Wood Tones and Earthy Neutrals
Expect to see warm wood tones like honey oak, walnut brown and sand-inspired neutrals that reflect the country’s landscape. With interiors continuing to trend toward comfort, saturated and jewel tones, and organic sophistication, these floors will provide a welcoming foundation that will compliment other design trends, while remaining timeless choices in their own right.
What’s on trend?
For Hard Flooring:
Light to medium oak and driftwood hues
Nature-inspired tones like warm sandstone and soft wheat
Moving away from the grey tones of the last decade
For Carpet:
Sand, ecru, taupe for a neutral base
Area rugs in green tones - think eucalyptus, sage, khaki
In a nutshell:
E-architect reports an overall shift away from “coastal and Hamptons-inspired interiors toward more expressive, character-rich design styles”. Australians are over the stark whites and greys that have dominated interiors in recent years. Give your interiors a strong narrative by anchoring bolder décor choices with a warm and inviting, complimentary flooring choice.
2. Matte and Textured Hybrid Flooring
Gone are the days of ultra-glossy floors that show every scratch and footprint. In 2026, Australians favour matte and textured finishes that feel softer underfoot, conceal wear better, and complement casual, lived-in interiors. Hybrid continues to be one of the most in-demand solutions in particular, due to its waterproof, scratch-resistant design.
What’s on trend?
Australian timber species are being sought out this year, due to their charming and distinctive grain and colour patterning
Avoid high-gloss finishes that “read more ‘show home’ than ‘real home’ [and are] genuinely slippery”, according to designer Damla Turgut.
In a nutshell:
Don’t shy away from visual interest in flooring this year. You can marry up bold colour in furnishings, décor, and walls to create an inviting and timeless space that exudes warmth.
3. Pattern Revival
For those seeking a bolder solution than a noticeable wood grain, tasteful patterns are being used in both new builds and renovations to elevate the overall aesthetic of a space. Whether acting as a tasteful focal point or building cohesion from room to room, these patterns are also following the other trends listed above.
What’s on trend?
For Hard Flooring:
Herringbone in warm neutrals with minimal patterning on the boards
Bold, black and white checkerboard may be on its way out in contemporary spaces, but a checkerboard pattern can still work, when done in natural tones such as a sage/cream combo shades of terracotta.
Avoiding heavily patterned tile-look vinyl. Rather, opt for matte or semi-matte patterned tiles (but experts suggest keeping it to smaller areas like entryways, powder rooms, and on kitchen backsplashes).
For Carpet:
Heathered finishes or subtle patterns, like our Flashtone solution
Area rugs with bold or oversized patterns in nature-inspired tones where you have linear hard flooring. For patterned hard flooring, stick to area rugs that do not detract from the statement of the pattern.
In a nutshell:
An overall shift in design sensibilities are gearing toward “homes that feel lived in, textured, tactile and full of warmth”. If you’ve ever fancied dabbling in a bold pattern, now could be your time.
Final Thoughts
Taken together, Australia’s flooring trends for 2026 reflect a clear shift toward warmth, texture, and personality. From natural timber tones and earthy neutrals to matte finishes and considered pattern use, flooring is being seen as a design feature that anchors the entire space. The emphasis is on materials that feel lived-in, practical, and expressive, supporting bolder interiors while remaining timeless and adaptable.
Get a quote today on trending options