2026 New Build Trends According to Builders on the Sunshine Coast
With Ava St Clare, Design Consultant.
If you’re building a new home in 2026, you’ve probably noticed there’s a LOT of inspiration out there right now. Some of it is beautiful, some of it is overwhelming, and some of it will date faster than you can say “saved to Pinterest”.
As builders on the Sunshine Coast, we see these decisions play out every day. So we sat down with Ava St Clare, our Colour Consultant and Customer Liaison at J Co Constructions, to talk through what clients are actually choosing in 2026 new builds, what’s trending, what’s fading, and what’s genuinely worth investing in.
Whether you’re in the early stages or heading into selections soon, this is a practical guide to what’s popular right now, and what’s worth thinking twice about.
Colour trends shaping Sunshine Coast homes in 2026
Colour drenching is leading the way
One of the biggest changes we’re seeing in 2026 is the move toward colour drenching.
Instead of a single feature wall, colour is being carried across walls, ceilings, cabinetry and even electrical fittings. When done in the right tones, it creates a seamless, intentional look that feels modern without being overpowering.
“What we’re seeing in 2026 is clients wanting homes that feel considered, not rushed,” Ava explains. “They’re thinking beyond trends and focusing more on how their home will actually feel to live in.”
Warmer whites are replacing cooler greys
Despite evolving trends, neutral bases are still the foundation of most Sunshine Coast homes.
Two wall colours continue to dominate:
They’re light, fresh, and make it easy to layer in timber, stone and texture. Importantly, they’re also slightly warmer than the cooler “builder’s whites” (like Greyology 1) that were everywhere a few years ago.
“These whites still give you that fresh, coastal feel,” Ava says, “but they’re not as cool or grey as the builder whites that were really popular a few years ago. They feel softer and much easier to work with long term.”
Many builders on the Sunshine Coast are seeing clients gravitate toward these warmer whites because they suit the coastal climate while feeling more refined.
Texture is doing the heavy lifting
Rather than relying on colour for impact, homes in 2026 are leaning heavily into texture.
This is coming through in:
stone and tile selections
cabinetry profiles
fluting and subtle curves
layered natural materials
“Clients are far more confident using texture now,” Ava notes. “They’re happy to keep the colour palette calm and let materials like stone, timber and tile do the talking.”
The result is a home that feels layered and elevated, without feeling busy.
Kitchen trends clients are choosing in 2026
Cabinetry that balances warmth and simplicity
The most common kitchen direction we’re seeing is:
Boston Oak (or similar warm timber tones)
paired withwhite cabinetry
“That combination works because it’s familiar but still elevated,” Ava says. “It doesn’t lock you into a specific style, which gives people confidence they won’t get sick of it.”
It’s a timeless mix that works across coastal, contemporary and modern homes.
Benchtops are becoming the focal point
Stone is playing a bigger role in kitchens this year, with more clients choosing dramatic Calacatta-style benchtops.
Bold veining and movement are being used as a feature, often against a simple backdrop of white cabinetry.
“Stone has really become the hero in kitchens,” Ava explains. “When everything else is kept simple, you can afford to be a bit braver with your benchtop choice.”
Kitchen features people actually love living with
Some trends look great in photos, but the most requested upgrades are still the practical ones:
bin drawers
sink and dishwasher side by side
layouts tailored to how the kitchen is actually used
integrated fridges
pocket doors to breakfast nooks
shaker-style cabinetry profiles
And yes, butler’s pantries are still a must-have for many clients. Functionality continues to drive decisions.
Bathroom trends across Sunshine Coast new builds
Travertine-look tiles are everywhere
Travertine-look tiles are one of the most repeated selections in 2026, particularly in bathrooms.
They add warmth and softness while still feeling timeless.
“Travertine-look tiles are one of those finishes that just work,” Ava says. “They add texture and warmth without dating quickly, which is exactly what most clients are looking for.”
Clean, minimal bathrooms with texture
Bathrooms are staying minimal overall, with interest coming through texture rather than colour.
We’re seeing:
fluted basins, baths and shower screens
freestanding baths
back-to-wall bath upgrades
wet room layouts
“Bathrooms are still very minimal overall,” Ava notes, “but fluting adds just enough detail to stop them feeling flat or boring.”
Lighting choices making the biggest impact
Lighting has become one of the most influential design elements in 2026 homes.
Feature lighting is now being used well beyond the kitchen, including:
entries
hallways
voids
media rooms
powder rooms
bedside lighting
“Lighting is one of the biggest mood-setters in a home,” Ava says. “It’s often the difference between a house feeling nice and a house feeling special.”
One small upgrade that makes a surprisingly big difference is sensor lighting to the WC.
“It’s one of those upgrades people don’t think about until they have it,” Ava adds. “Then they wonder how they lived without it.”
Flooring choices staying practical
The most popular flooring options across new builds continue to be:
vinyl plank flooring
tiles
Vinyl has come a long way in both appearance and durability, making it a practical choice for busy households and coastal living.
Exterior trends and street appeal in 2026
Clean bases with warm contrast
Exterior palettes are staying clean and classic, with popular choices still including:
Lexicon Quarter
Snowy Mountains Half
black or white window frames
Warmth is coming through contrast features like:
timber detailing
stone cladding
warm toned composite decking
Facades are leaning more modern too, with skillion and box-style designs becoming increasingly common.
For street appeal without overcomplicating things, builders on the Sunshine Coast are finding that one strong feature, such as lighting, timber or stone, makes the biggest impact.
The real key to cohesive homes
Selections can feel overwhelming simply because there are so many decisions to make.
The most successful homes start with a clear direction, then rely on guidance to refine the details. Cohesion comes from consistency in tone and material, not from repeating the same finishes everywhere.
One common mistake is continuing to scroll Pinterest after selections are finalised.
“We always encourage clients to trust the process,” Ava says. “Once your selections are done, it’s usually best to step away from Pinterest and let the design come together as planned.”
Timeless vs trendy: what lasts
Trends will always evolve, but the homes that age best are built around:
smart layouts
muted, warm tones
natural light
natural materials
thoughtful detailing
“Good design isn’t about chasing every trend,” Ava says. “It’s about making choices that work together and feel right for the people living in the home.”
Planning a new build?
Trends come and go, but good design always comes back to clarity, cohesion and how you actually want to live.
We intentionally limit the number of homes we build each year so each project receives the time, care and attention it deserves.
Our 2026 build schedule is now fully booked, and we’re currently engaging with clients planning 2027 builds. Starting the conversation early allows time for thoughtful planning, design collaboration and confident decision-making.
If you’re in the early stages of planning a future build on the Sunshine Coast, our team is here to guide the process from the very beginning.