The hottest home trends for 2026
Whether you are embarking on a new build or looking to refresh your current sanctuary, 2026 is the year of the “mood.” Moving away from the clinical whites of previous decades, the modern New Zealand home is embracing texture, depth, and a touch of secret luxury.
To understand this shift, we sat down with G.J. Gardner Homes, a name that has become synonymous with the New Zealand residential landscape since they first arrived on our shores in 1997. With over 25,000 homes built and a legacy of being voted New Zealand’s most trusted builder for nearly a decade, they aren’t just building houses; they are the architects of the modern Kiwi lifestyle. From “hidden” rooms to the return of dramatic palettes, the key trends emerging in their latest showhomes across the country offer a glimpse into how we’ll be living this year.
Moody Colour Palettes:
A return to the dark side! A resurgence of love for dark and moody vibes is on the rise. Showcasing a minimal and sleek style this colour palette is sure to create a standout feature to the home, and combining it with statement lighting is sure to wow anyone.
Green tones:
Green has been a go-to for a few years now with many of the showhomes incorporating this popular colour. While green is said to have a calming effect, you can’t help but get excited when you see these gorgeous hues as feature walls and cabinetry!
Luxe Touches:
A little glitz and glam has been popping up in their showhomes, from statement lighting, feature walls, luxurious bathrooms and even a hidden bar and wine cellar in their Rodney West showhome.
Hidden Sculleries:
Hidden sculleries are becoming a popular feature that provides both functionality and style to any kitchen. Concealed behind what looks like another pantry door lies endless opportunities; hide mess from guests, extra space for a large household, an extra sink or fridge and plenty of additional storage. These secret little hideaways are definitely growing in popularity.
Feature Walls:
Feature walls have been a trend for a few years now, but this past year saw the resurgence of wall paneling. Combining paneling with bold colours like green and blue, or popular textured effects like limewash or brick, and subtle patterned wallpapers are taking this trend up a notch.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow:
Perhaps not a trend but a major priority for kiwi style living is indoor-outdoor flow. Prioritising the flow from indoor spaces like the kitchen to outdoor dining and lounges creates the perfect space for entertaining and the typical kiwi summer BBQs. Plus, the ability to open up the spaces and bring the outdoors in.