When it comes to homewares, for a long time in Australia it’s been all about classic neutrals, white and a light, bright, coastal feel.
But those with a penchant for something with a little more personality will love the fact that Australia’s largest online furniture and homewares retailer Temple & Webster is seeing a shift towards something a little more colourful and bold.
In the store’s very first “trend report”, Temple & Webster have found three major design movements set to transform Aussie homes: Mix and Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries.
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The report, informed by millions of customer interactions and shopping behaviours, identifies a significant shift towards bold self-expression, nostalgic comfort and wellness-focused living spaces.
“We’re seeing Australians become more confident in their design choices, moving away from safe matchy-matchy interiors and towards spaces that truly reflect their personality,” Director of Insights and Trends Lucy Sutherland tells Best Picks.
“At the same time, there’s a strong desire for homes that actively support well-being and provide respite from our fast-paced world.”
Below, Best Picks reveals the three trends set to dominate Aussie homes, and the top buys to invest in for each.
Mix and Max
The first trend set to dominate spaces has been dubbed Mix and Max.
Taking inspiration from high fashion’s maximalist approach, the Mix and Max trend embraces bold colour clashes, unexpected pattern collaborations and sculptural furniture pieces.
Think wavy furniture (increased by 29 per cent), boucle beds (increased by 286 per cent) and patterned accessories (increased by 23 per cent).
As a lover of cosy cottage style, I am a big fan of mix and max as a concept.
My recent investment, the Braden Coffee Table (currently $699), is the perfect epitome of the style, thanks to its patterned top, mosaic finish and gold base.
But there is plenty of inspiration on Temple & Webster, like the Paloma Boucle Bed (from $599) or the stunning Darvin Striped Armchair (currently $309.99).
One of the store’s most popular Mix and Max buys of the moment is the Lilly Lamp (currently $89.99), which has a beautiful glossy base and natural raffia shade.
Another top seller is the wavy Milos Mirror (currently $299.99), which makes the perfect modern infusion to any space.
Past Forward
The second trend set to dominate has been dubbed “Past Forward”, and this reimagines 70s and 80s aesthetics throguh a contemporary lens.
In this vein, merlot-coloured furniture sales have increased by 32 per cent, while searches for walnut timber pieces have risen by 95 per cent and in particular walnut coffee tables (115 per cent).
Top sellers in this capacity include the Torsby Desk ($349.99) and the Marilyn Merlot Coffee Table ($599).
Others are also loving the Orlena Framed Velvet Cushions ($39.99), which are available in a series of colours including olive green, cinnamon, neutral and blue.
The Bahamas Bar Cart ($299.99) is also a perfect nod to the past that shoppers are rushing to snap up.
Sumptuous Sanctuaries
Wellness has been growing and growing in recent times, and it shows no signs of abating any time soon.
With this in mind, the Sumptuous Sanctuaries homewares trend is all about creating luxury restorative spaces through natural materials, curved shapes and coloured palettes.
Research uncovered by Temple and Webster uncovered that some 57 per cent of Aussies feel the need to create a reflective space at home.
Swivel armchairs, for instance, have increased in searches by 185 per cent, while marble and travertine product sales have increased by 25 per cent.
Highlights on the Temple & Webster website right now include the store’s Viola sconces ($139.99), the on-sale Lennox side table ($179.99) and the Klein Dining Chairs ($249.99).
“These trends reflect broader cultural shifts,” Lucy Sutherland concludes.
“Mix and max reflects our growing confidence in personal expression, Past Forward taps into our need for emotional comfort during uncertain times and Sumptuous Sanctuaries responds to the wellness movement and our understanding that our environment directly impacts our mental health.”
For more information and to shop Temple & Webster, head here now.
