Flooring trends move slowly compared to paint colours or soft furnishings, since it's not something most people replace on a whim. Still, there are clear shifts in what Australian homeowners are gravitating toward right now.
Warmer tones are replacing cool grey
The stark grey-wash look that dominated the last several years is giving way to warmer, more natural tones: honey oak, soft caramel, and classic blackbutt browns. It's a softer, more lived-in look that pairs well with the timber furniture and warmer paint palettes also trending in interiors right now. Our hybrid and laminate ranges both have strong options here, from Coastal Blackbutt through to Toffee Land.
Wider, longer boards
Wider plank widths are increasingly popular over the narrow strip boards that used to be the default, since they read as more premium and make a room feel larger with fewer visible seams. It's part of why engineered timber in wider European Oak formats has become such a popular upgrade from standard board widths.
Herringbone, but understated
Herringbone layouts remain popular, but the trend has shifted toward natural, muted tones rather than high-contrast or dark stains, letting the pattern do the visual work rather than the colour. We offer herringbone in both hybrid and engineered timber if you want the pattern without the cost or complexity of solid timber herringbone.
Matte over gloss
Matte and low-sheen finishes have become the clear favourite over gloss in most Australian homes. They hide everyday dust, scuffs and footprints far better than high-gloss finishes, which matters more in busy households. If you love the gloss look, our gloss laminate range is still there, but it's very much the minority choice these days.
One floor, whole house
More renovators are choosing a single flooring type for open-plan living, kitchen and hallway areas rather than switching materials room to room. Waterproof hybrid makes this easier than it used to be, since it can run straight into kitchens and laundries without the compromises laminate or timber would require. See our best flooring for bathrooms & wet areas guide and our flooring comparison if you're weighing up a single floor for the whole house.
Bringing it into your home
Trends are a useful starting point, but the right floor still comes down to your room, your budget, and how it needs to hold up day to day. See our flooring cost guide for current pricing by range. Order free samples of a few options before you commit, or book a showroom visit to see them in person.
Related Reading
Once you've picked a range, our Hybrid vs Laminate comparison and cleaning and care guide cover what to expect day to day.