Top 5 flooring trends for 2026 guide, home floors style materials, revamp space property advice

Our Top Five Flooring Trends for 2026

16 December 2025

As 2026 approaches, interior design across Australia is shifting toward richer, warmer, and more character-driven flooring choices. From earthy colour palettes to bold patterns and innovative hybrid technologies, homeowners are increasingly selecting floors that add genuine personality and long-term value to their spaces. Below are the key flooring trends expected to define Australian homes in the year ahead, according to Embelton Flooring.

Warm, Natural & Earthy Tones

Light neutrals are making way for warmer, more grounded colour palettes in 2026. Rather than pale, washed-out European Oak tones, homeowners are gravitating toward deeper, natural hues such as soft ochres, warm beiges, and rich mid-browns.

This shift reflects a broader move away from coastal and Hamptons-inspired interiors toward more expressive, character-rich design styles. Warm flooring tones do more than complement a room, they help define it, creating a sense of comfort, depth, and organic warmth that works seamlessly across both contemporary and classic interiors.

Herringbone: The Hero Pattern

Herringbone flooring continues to dominate as one of Australia’s most popular statement flooring styles, with its appeal set to grow even further in 2026.

Whether incorporated into a new build or a renovation, herringbone instantly elevates a space. The dynamic pattern introduces movement and sophistication, making it particularly effective in entryways, hallways, and open-plan living areas where the design can be fully appreciated.

With herringbone now available in Engineered European Oak, Australian timber species, and hybrid formats, the look is more accessible than ever. Embelton Flooring’s Hybrid Herringbone range offers added practicality, combining waterproof and scratch-resistant performance with timeless design, making it suitable for use throughout the entire home, including kitchens and bathrooms. Available in both 5.5mm and premium 8mm thicknesses, these planks balance style with durability.

Brown Is Back

After years of taking a back seat, brown flooring is firmly back in focus. Rich, earthy brown tones are re-emerging as a strong design foundation, ideal for layered, expressive interiors.

Mid-toned browns, such as Embelton Flooring’s Sorra colourway, introduce warmth and depth without overpowering a space. These tones pair effortlessly with textured rugs, natural fibres, indoor greenery, and contemporary furnishings, making them a compelling alternative to the once-dominant pale oak aesthetic.

A Renewed Love for Australian Timber Species

Australian homeowners are rediscovering the natural beauty of locally sourced timber species, and for good reason. Timbers such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Tasmanian Oak offer authentic character through distinctive grain patterns, organic colour variation, and rich texture that cannot be replicated.

Embelton Flooring has recently expanded its range with the introduction of Tallowwood and Grey Ironbark. These species provide more consistent colouring while retaining the unmistakable charm of Australian hardwood. All timber products are sustainably sourced and certified, allowing homeowners to enjoy native timber flooring while supporting responsible forestry and reforestation practices.

Hybrid Flooring Continues to Lead

Hybrid flooring remains one of the most in-demand choices for Australian households, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing in 2026. Thanks to its waterproof construction, high scratch resistance, and realistic textured finishes, hybrid flooring offers a practical solution without compromising on aesthetics.

Embelton Flooring’s wideboard hybrid planks deliver a high-definition timber look supported by advanced flooring technology, making them particularly well-suited to busy households, families, and homes with pets.

Mixing Materials & Layering Textures

One of the defining styling trends for 2026 is the thoughtful mixing of materials to create contrast, comfort, and visual flow. Combining hard flooring in living areas with soft carpet in bedrooms helps balance practicality with warmth throughout the home.

Rugs are also emerging as a key design feature. Whether bold and expressive or understated and natural, rugs provide an easy way to add texture and personality. Embelton Flooring’s rug collection includes natural-fibre designs that layer beautifully over timber or hybrid floors, enhancing both comfort and visual depth.

Start a 2026 Flooring Journey

With flooring trends continuing to evolve toward warmth, character, and durability, 2026 presents exciting opportunities for homeowners to redefine their interiors. Exploring samples early allows for confident, considered decisions that align with both lifestyle needs and long-term design goals.

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