Home design in Australia is entering a new phase defined by joy, creativity, personal expression and wellbeing, according to the latest James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast. Now in its third edition, the 2026 report outlines the major design forces shaping the country’s residential future and identifies four emerging lifestyle themes expressed within the latest home styles.

Drawing on research by global consumer trend forecaster WGSN and insights from Milan Design Week, the forecast points to a shift away from purely functional housing towards spaces that foster joy and individuality. Homes are increasingly seen as environments that support emotional wellbeing and reflect personal choices.

stria-fine-texture-brushed-concrete-matrix-exterior-modern-classical-jameshardie4.jpg — *Modern Classical home style*

To capture this defining shift in how Australians want to live and translate the research into practical, real‐world inspiration, James Hardie has released eight new design handbooks that bring each home style to life. Co-developed with interior design expert Neale Whitaker, WGSN Trend Specialist Jenny Li and architect Justin Logan, the guides provide direction on materials, textures, colours, layouts, styling and even landscaping to help homeowners create more authentic and personalised living environments.

linea-weatherboard-fine-texture-axon-exterior-modern-coastal-render-jameshardie2.jpg — *Modern Coastal home style*

“The findings in James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2026 reflect the evolution of what Australians desire in a home: design as a living, breathing expression of creativity, comfort and care. Wherever we choose to live, from coast to country, city to suburb, our homes are no longer just shelters from the storm. They are the canvas for our creativity, the architecture of our wellbeing and the quiet backdrop to the lives we build,” Whitaker shares.

stria-fine-texture-hardie-fine-texture-exterior-box-modern-render-jameshardie1.jpg — *Box Modern home style*

Emerging lifestyle themes expressed within the latest home styles

Four key lifestyle themes underpin the forecast:

Creative living, where homes act as expressive sanctuaries and technology is leveraged to maximise creativity
Evolved living, prioritising better designed spaces that balance intelligence, comfort and self-reliance
Multigenerational living, which requires flexible zoning, inclusive design and adaptable spaces
Autonomous living, driven by self-sufficient, smart and low-maintenance design, with AI playing a major role

axon-matrix-stria-smooth-exterior-mid-century-modern-render-jameshardie3.jpg — *Mid-Century Modern home style*

James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2026

Translating these four lifestyle themes into real‐world design, the Modern Homes Forecast curates eight distinct home styles shaping the residential landscape in Australia’s suburbs.

Modern Classical: Home design that weaves graceful curves, minimalist outlines and seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Box Modern: Dynamic and purposeful homes designed for imagination that become a flexible canvas where personal stories, bold ideas and everyday creativity naturally take shape.

Modern Farmhouse: Blends traditional charm with smart, contemporary features that make shared living feel comfortable, flexible and beautifully balanced.

Modern Heritage: A progressive design style that integrates old-world charm with modern functionality, layering multi-sensorial detail and bold finishes.

Barn: Elevated by intricate details, layered materials, and deep, bold-yet-comforting tones, this style blends nature in unexpected ways and prioritises autonomy and a restorative home.

Mid-Century Modern: Evolving from its practical, timeless roots into a more matured, layered and comforting direction, the look is refreshed with high-performance design and joyful maximalism, expressed through vibrant colours, tactile finishes and striking geometry.

Modern Coastal: Expanding beyond its beachside roots to become an elevated, joyful and effortless style for any location, the style embodies a refreshing coastal state of mind that is calm, playful and open.

Japandi: Moving beyond serene minimalism to become a style of quiet intelligence, this style prioritises smart layout and intuitive design, creating minimal, nature-integrated spaces that can help restore energy.

axon-brushed-concrete-axent-trim-exterior-barn-render-jameshardie1.jpg — *Barn home style*

“The James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast for 2026 is a clear reflection of how far we’ve come as a design leader, and a powerful reminder of why we do this work. It demonstrates our deep understanding of what Australians genuinely value in their homes and highlights the meaningful ways we’re shaping the next chapter of Australian home design,” Adele Gordon, Marketing Director for James Hardie APAC, notes.

“At its heart, this Forecast reinforces the principles that guide us – creativity, innovation, and a belief in building a better future for all. The insights not only validate our direction; they fuel the momentum behind our commitment to reimagining the Australian home and improving the way people live.”

James_Hardie_Modern_Homes_Forecast_fine-texture-oblique-linea-weatherboard-exterior-modern-heritage.jpg — *Modern Heritage home style*

The research also highlights broader societal and economic influences, including rising cost-of-living pressures, increasing cultural diversity, growing demand for sustainable, energy-efficient homes, and a focus on connection and community, all of which are reflected in the evolution of home design. Technology is expected to play a more human-centred role, with smart systems designed to build trust without overwhelming daily life.

stria-fine-texture-axent-trim-axon-exterior-modern-farmhouse-render-jameshardie3.jpg — *Modern Farmhouse home style*

The report concludes that future Australian homes will need to balance practicality with warmth and creativity, as homeowners seek spaces that deliver both lasting value and a sense of joy.

Access the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2026 report here.

Main image: Modern Classical home style

All images supplied.

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

Let’s connect!