As the end of the year approaches, many Australians start eyeing off projects for 2026 – from repainting walls with ‘it’ colours to replacing tired furniture.

And according to interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer, this will be the year we finally say goodbye to minimalism – and hello to homes that feel warm, personal and deeply calming.

‘Cold minimalism is done, giving way to spaces that feel calm and warm,’ he told the Daily Mail.

‘Designers and homeowners alike are prioritising sanctuary-style living, homes that feel like retreats rather than catalogues or showrooms.

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‘The emphasis is moving from “how chic my space looks” to “how comfortable and personal my space feels”.’

That means seating you actually want to sink into, textures you want to touch, and materials chosen as much for comfort as for appearance.

Even everyday appliances are shifting to meet these expectations, with sleek pieces like Palmer’s TurboBlade fan blending quietly into interiors instead of sticking out like industrial equipment.

‘Technology and appliances should integrate well with the space rather than dominate the view,’ he said.

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Warm colours, textures and ‘sanctuary living’

Palmer says 2026 interiors are defined by warmth, tactility and a sense of grounded luxury.

‘People want tactility, comfort, authenticity, sanctuary and personality,’ he said.

Two stylistic directions are emerging: soft brutalism – which pairs concrete or brick with plants, natural fibres and plush fabrics – and a calming, textured approach inspired by quiet luxury.

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This includes chunky columns, scalloped edges, coloured stone, handmade elements, and a blend of matte and gloss.

‘We’re seeing contrasting material pairings, weighted and slung forms and hints of gloss against matte textures,’ he said.

Colour will be richer and earthier than the grey-and-oak homes of the past decade.

Palmer’s favourite combinations include blue, brown and cream; burgundy and cream; olive and cream; and palettes of moss, caramel, terracotta, honey wood, dusty plum and deep eucalyptus.

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‘There aren’t many colours that aren’t worth attention in 2026,’ he said.

‘Colour is the approach for ceilings, walls, cabinetry as well as the usual suspects for interior decor and soft furnishings.’

Materials will follow the same emotional logic. Expect warm timber, veined stone, linen, wool, corduroy, velvet and plaster. Metals remain strong, and anything handmade or crafted with care is considered modern luxury.

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‘Craftsmanship is real luxury,’ he said.

‘Creating things built to last will always hold value than anything made for fast fashion or fleeting trends.’

Some trends, however, are officially dead.

‘The term millennial grey is a dirty word, so we won’t be seeing that again for a while,’ he said.

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‘Overly matching sets are done… oak and white and grey are a little tired. It’s about the darker brown, walnut, and hazelnut tones.’

Even boucle – the trend we all expected to disappear – is still going strong.

‘I thought we’d have already moved past its moment, but it’s still being represented in curved sofas, rugs with depth of pile, and generous upholstery. It all points to the need for people to feel comforted and embraced or cuddled by their interiors.’

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The rise of ‘appliances-as-art’

One of the biggest cultural shifts, Palmer says, is the expectation that appliances should be beautiful.

The Shark TurboBlade fana new launch he adores right now, is an example of how engineering and interior design are merging in everyday homes.

‘It stands out because it blends high-performance engineering with a refined aesthetic,’ he said.

‘The design is sleek, minimal in silhouette and uses a mix of finishes that can sit comfortably in a premium living space.’

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Rather than clunky or noisy, appliances are now designed to blend into the room, complement the decor and offer quiet, customisable functionality.

‘For a modern interior where every piece counts, it works both in utility and in style,’ he said.

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And this shift isn’t going anywhere.

‘We’re in a phase where home appliances are no longer hidden away or afterthoughts,’ he said.

‘The term “appliance-as-art” is apt.’

Palmer says Australians can elevate their homes instantly by focusing on three areas.

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‘Swap out soft furnishings. Introduce a statement-lighting piece… and bring in art. All are opportunities for layering personality into your space.’

In his own home, he uses smart lighting, invisible sound systems and multi-zone climate control – all designed to enhance comfort without visually overwhelming a room.

The golden rule: ‘Comfort first, design second’

Despite all the trends, colour shifts and new materials, Palmer says good design ultimately comes back to fundamentals.

‘Compliment and contrast. Compliment ties elements together, contrast gives interest.’

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He also emphasises proportion, scale, rhythm and flow – the classic principles he’s judged on The Block for years.

‘Those fundamentals don’t change,’ he said.

And that’s precisely why Australians updating their homes for 2026 are leaning toward pieces that last, that multitask, and that make their spaces genuinely feel better – whether that’s a velvet chair, a walnut cabinet, or a sleek fan that doubles as modern decor.