As the curtain falls on 2025 and the world of real estate and interior design gears up for another year, a striking shift is underway in what homeowners want and how they want to live. According to recent reports from ELLE Decor and realestate.com.au, both the aesthetics inside our homes and the features buyers crave are evolving rapidly, reflecting changing lifestyles, demographics, and even the climate.
For those who’ve spent the last few years perfecting their modern farmhouse look—think shiplap walls, reclaimed beams, and that signature blend of rustic and contemporary—2026 may be the time to pivot. Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects told ELLE Decor, “The modern farmhouse aesthetic is fading—and I’m relieved to see it go. Modern farmhouse can be beautiful when executed with authentic materials and thoughtful restraint, but unfortunately, this was not often accomplished.” Her sentiment is echoed by other top designers, who see the winds of taste blowing in new directions.
One of the most notable casualties of this transition is the white-box room. Even though Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, dubbed ‘Cloud Dancer’, is a crisp, stark white, designers are increasingly advocating for spaces with more warmth and depth. Allison Babcock, a Sag Harbor designer, put it simply: “White rooms!” when asked what she hopes to leave behind in 2025. Babcock, known for her coastal-chic interiors, explained that layering different paint finishes of a chosen neutral on walls, trim, and ceilings, as well as introducing natural elements like wood and stone, can create a more inviting atmosphere. Soft accessories—“cashmere and fur—faux is fab”—are also on her list for warming up these spaces.
Melissa Bowers of M.A. Bowers, Inc. is on the same page. Her hope for 2026? “I want design in 2026 to move beyond the sterile white box and toward a timeless, textured future.” Laura W. Jenkins, another designer, adds, “I think there is a myth that color has to be all or nothing. There are so many ways to bring color into your home, whether it be through art, through a patterned rug, or even better, a colorful or patterned sofa. I often hear clients say, ‘what if I get tired of it?’ But rarely have I ever had a client regret going with something that pushed the boundaries a little bit.”
And push boundaries they will—especially when it comes to rugs. The era of neutral, natural-fiber rugs like jute or sisal is giving way to bold, patterned floor coverings. Jenkins points to a custom Christopher Farr rug in a vibrant dining room as proof of how a patterned rug can transform a space, injecting color and an artful touch. “While these solids and textures may still have a place, think about using a patterned rug to bring color and an artful touch to your room,” she advises.
Another trend on the wane is the dominance of bespoke built-ins. While these custom storage solutions have been lauded for maximizing space—especially in urban homes—designer Ariel Okin told ELLE Decor that more clients are now opting for vintage and antique casepieces. “While there’s always a purpose for millwork, scaling back in some instances and instead utilizing a piece with patina for storage is a nice trend we’ve noticed as of late.” The result? Spaces that feel collected and storied, rather than overly engineered.
Pattern mixing, a hallmark of the maximalist movement, is also poised for a retreat. Designer Phillip Thomas of Phillip Thomas Inc. is known for vibrant rooms and dramatic furnishings, but he’s hoping for a more intentional approach in 2026. “Pattern mixing needs to stay in 2025!” he remarked. “I love a well done, layered moment but there has to be an intention to the pattern mix—elements, colors, textures—that have underlying, unifying elements.” Without that, rooms risk descending into visual chaos. The new goal? Spaces that blend old and new for a curated, cohesive look.
But it’s not just what’s inside the home that’s changing. In Australia, keyword search data from realestate.com.au paints a vivid picture of what buyers are seeking. Unsurprisingly, ‘swimming pool’ once again topped the list of most searched home features in 2025—a perennial favorite, especially among families. Yet, as the site points out, pools are not universally loved; while they add value for some, they can be a turn-off for buyers wary of maintenance or safety concerns.
‘Garage’ was the second most searched term, which isn’t shocking given that 91% of Australian households have at least one car, and over half have two or more, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The country added about 560,000 registered vehicles in 2025 alone. Air conditioning ranked third, a nod to the fact that 2023, 2024, and 2025 were Australia’s three hottest years on record. Other must-haves included ensuites, built-in robes, dishwashers, heating, and outdoor areas, reflecting a desire for comfort and convenience.
But the real story lies in the trends with the biggest growth. Searches for ‘single storey’ homes jumped by a whopping 72% in 2025. Features like ‘elevator’ (up 68%), ‘step free entry’ (up 53%), and ‘wide doorways’ (up 53%) also saw major increases. These accessibility-focused features are increasingly sought after as Australia’s population ages—the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2065. Most older Australians want to “age in place,” and the rise in these searches suggests buyers are thinking long-term, seeking ‘forever homes’ that will suit their mobility needs now and in the future.
Flexibility is another big draw. Searches for ‘dual income’ (up 72%), ‘dual occupancy’ (up 31%), and ‘dual living’ (up 29%) signal a growing interest in multigenerational living or properties that can generate rental income. Development-minded buyers are also on the rise, with a 31% increase in searches for ‘STCA’ (subject to council approval), and a 29% jump for ‘corner block’—properties that offer greater development or subdivision potential.
The priorities of buyers also vary by city. In Sydney, proximity to the expanding Metro network is hot, with searches for ‘metro’ up 85%. Melbourne buyers are increasingly after homes with courts—tennis or basketball—with a 96% spike. Brisbane saw nearly triple the searches for ‘ducted’ air conditioning and a 57% increase for ‘acreage’. Perth buyers want water views and brand new homes, while Adelaide buyers are seeking tenanted investment properties. Darwin’s transient worker population drove a 239% rise in searches for ‘furnished’ homes, Hobart saw a 231% jump in ‘heritage’ searches, and Canberrans are all about the outdoors, with a 241% surge for ‘garden’ and other outdoor features.
As we move into 2026, it’s clear that both the look and function of our homes are being reconsidered. Whether it’s trading in the white-box for a more layered, colorful approach, or seeking out homes that are accessible, flexible, and future-proof, the message is unmistakable: the homes of tomorrow will be as dynamic and diverse as the people who live in them.