How You've Used 2026 Interior Design Trends in Your Mood Board Projects

At the end of last year, we shared our predictions for the interior design trends we expected to shape 2026. We explored everything from biophilic design and tactile materials to warmer colour palettes and a growing focus on creating homes that support wellbeing.

A few weeks ago, we revisited another side of the story, looking at the new collections that have been capturing your attention this year. As always, we love seeing how those broader design movements have continued to emerge across your mood board projects.

Using insights from the products you've been using in your mood board projects, we've analysed the most popular product selections across Style Sourcebook between January and May 2026 to uncover the trends emerging throughout our community. Looking across thousands of product specifications and mood boards gives us a unique perspective on how Australian designers and renovators are bringing ideas to life and reveals design shifts.

Over the first half of 2026, we've noticed a clear shift towards interiors that feel softer, more layered and more connected to nature. Warm neutrals continue to dominate, natural materials are being embraced more than ever, and texture is playing a bigger role in creating interest and atmosphere.

Let's take a look at some of the trends we've been seeing most often across your mood boards this year.

Image Credit: Design - Blanco Interiors | Photography - Lachlan Dempsey

Warm Neutrals Continue to Shape Interiors

If there is one trend that has remained consistent throughout 2026 so far, it's the use of warm, comforting neutrals. Across mood boards, we're seeing colours like Dulux Natural White™, Lexicon® Quarter and Hog Bristle® Quarter used as foundations for a wide range of interior styles. Whether paired with contemporary furniture, coastal influences or more traditional details, these softer neutrals continue to create spaces that feel calm and inviting.

A Stronger Connection to Nature

Biophilic design has been part of the design conversation for several years, but it's continuing to evolve in interesting ways. Looking through mood boards created this year, indoor plants remain one of the most commonly selected styling elements. Eucalyptus, Bird of Paradise, Anthuriums and Pothos have all featured regularly, helping to bring life and softness into interior schemes.

At the same time, we're seeing designers embrace nature through colour palettes, materials and form. Curved furniture, natural fibres, earthy tones and timber finishes are all contributing to spaces that feel more connected to the outdoors. Rather than being a trend in isolation, biophilic design is increasingly influencing the overall feeling of a home.

View Mood Board

View Mood Board

Natural Stone Is Defining Material Palettes

When we predicted a continued focus on natural materials in our 2026 forecast, we expected to see stone remain popular. This appears frequently across mood board projects, with gorgeous finishes we’re swooning over!

Travertine-inspired finishes, Taj Mahal Quartzite, stone-look surfaces and organic textures have become recurring features across kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. It’s no surprise, with the appeal of their versatility! These materials work equally well in minimalist interiors, Mediterranean-inspired homes and contemporary family spaces. They bring texture, movement and character while maintaining a timeless quality that feels likely to endure beyond seasonal trends.

Texture Is Becoming Just as Important as Colour

This year, mood boards have had an emphasis on texture by creating depth through thoughtful layering of materials. Linen cushions, wool carpets, jute rugs, herringbone flooring, stone surfaces and timber finishes are being combined to create spaces that feel rich and inviting. Rather than using a single statement piece, a collection of materials that work together to add warmth and interest.

View Mood Board

View Mood Board

Earthy Colours Are Adding Warmth and Depth

While warm neutrals continue to lead, we're also seeing more designers introduce deeper, earth-inspired tones into their projects. Chocolate browns, clay colours, burgundy accents and soft sage greens have all appeared frequently across mood boards in 2026. These colours are often being used thoughtfully through furniture, textiles, rugs and styling pieces, making a space feel grounded, sophisticated and easy to live with. These mood boards reflect a broader preference for palettes that feel calming and enduring.

Moody Colour Palettes

While warm neutrals continue to form the foundation of many mood boards, we're also noticing more designers introducing richer, moodier tones to create depth and atmosphere. Chocolate browns, burgundy accents, olive greens and earthy clay shades are appearing across furniture, rugs, artwork and styling pieces, often layered against softer whites and natural materials. It's a trend we predicted in our 2026 forecast, and one that's beginning to gain real momentum. Rather than dominating a space, these deeper colours are being used with intention, adding warmth, personality and a cocooning feel that perfectly complements the calmer, nature-inspired interiors we've been seeing throughout the year.

View Mood Board

View Mood Board

What We've Learned From Your Mood Boards

Looking back at the first half of 2026, one thing stands out: the trends emerging across your mood boards are less about following a particular style and more about creating a feeling. Whether it's warm neutrals, natural stone, indoor greenery, layered textures or earthy colour palettes, the common thread is a desire to create homes that feel welcoming, comfortable and connected to the way we live.

While many of these themes appeared in our trend forecast at the end of last year, it's been fascinating to see how they've translated into real projects and individual interpretations. We'll be keeping a close eye on the mood boards created throughout the second half of the year, and if the first six months are anything to go by, there will be plenty more inspiration to come! 

Ready to create inspiring interiors in line with 2026 trends? Create a mood board using trending pieces from our product library, and for design professionals, use Project Studio to specify products and present to clients easily.