Colour Trends and Designs in Australian Homes: Past, Present, and Future

Australia’s love for blending indoor and outdoor living spaces is mirrored in its evolving home design trends. Colours play a significant role in setting the tone for interiors, reflecting cultural shifts, personal preferences, and a connection to the environment.

The 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year was announced recently with the new colour a soft and chocolatey brown called “Mocha Mousse 17-1230”. The Pantone Color Institute, who decide the colour of the year, have said that the colour reminds people of the comfort and quality of coffee or chocolate.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the colour trends that have shaped Australian homes, explore the popular palettes of today, and consider what 2025 might have in store.

A Look Back: Colour Trends of the Past

Over the decades, colour trends in Australian homes have oscillated between bold statements and serene minimalism.

1970s: Earthy hues like avocado green, mustard yellow, and burnt orange were the hallmarks of this era. These colours were often paired with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a warm, grounded aesthetic.
1980s: A shift towards pastel palettes brought soft pinks, blues, and peaches into Australian interiors. These tones, often used with floral prints, created a feminine and somewhat romanticised style.
1990s: The minimalist movement took hold, with neutral tones like beige, cream, and soft greys dominating interiors. This era embraced simplicity and functionality, paving the way for the modern open-plan designs popular today.
2000s: Feature walls in bold colours such as deep reds or navy became fashionable. Paired with neutral furnishings, these vibrant focal points added a touch of drama to otherwise subdued interiors.
2010s: Scandinavian-inspired designs introduced a love for white-on-white interiors, accented with pale greys and pastel shades like blush pink and mint green. This clean and airy look aligned with the growing trend of minimalist and decluttered living.

Current Colour Trends in Australian Homes

In 2024, Australian interiors embraced a shift from stark minimalism to warmth, comfort, and individuality. Some of the dominant trends included:

Earthy and Natural Tones: Warm, grounding colours such as terracotta, rust, and deep greens reigned supreme. These shades evoked the Australian landscape and created a sense of calm, especially when paired with natural materials like timber and stone.
Dark, Moody Palettes: Charcoal, deep blue, and forest green became popular choices for feature walls, cabinetry, or even entire rooms. These tones offer a luxurious feel while making spaces feel cosy and inviting.
Soft Neutrals with a Warm Undertone: Beige came back, but with a twist. Instead of the cool, ashy hues of the 1990s, modern neutrals carried warm undertones, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Think sandy shades reminiscent of Australia’s coastal beauty.
Pops of Bright Colour: While earthy tones dominated, pops of bold colours such as mustard yellow, cobalt blue, and coral made appearances in furnishings, artwork, and accent pieces. These vibrant touches add personality and contrast.
Nature-Inspired Greens: Reflecting an increasing focus on sustainability and biophilic design, greens in various shades – from olive to sage to emerald – appeared in both interiors and exteriors. These tones paired beautifully with indoor plants, enhancing the connection to nature.

What to Expect in 2025: Predictions for Future Trends

Looking ahead to 2025, colour trends are expected to continue reflecting global influences such as sustainability, individuality, and technology. Here’s what may define Australian homes:

Bold and Expressive Colours: As homeowners seek to personalise their spaces, expect to see daring shades like deep teal, magenta, and burnt orange gaining traction. These colours will be balanced with softer neutrals to prevent overwhelming the senses.
Calming Pastels with a Twist: Softer tones like lavender, powder blue, and peach will likely make a comeback but with a muted, slightly earthy quality. These shades offer a sense of serenity while remaining contemporary.
Metallic Accents: Copper, brass, and even brushed gold will feature prominently, adding warmth and sophistication to interiors. These metallics will be paired with dark tones for a dramatic effect or light pastels for a more playful contrast.
Eco-Influenced Palettes: As sustainability becomes a more significant influence in design, colours inspired by nature—such as moss green, clay red, and ocean blue—will dominate. These shades are versatile, timeless, and perfectly suited to Australia’s love for the outdoors.
Technological Influences: With technology shaping our lives more than ever, futuristic hues like electric blue, neon green, and iridescent shades might find their way into modern interiors, particularly in tech-focused spaces like home offices or gaming rooms.

And how will that Mocha Mousse be infused into homes? Whether you use it as a backdrop for a cosy living room or an accent in a tranquil bedroom, Mocha Mousse is remarkably versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of complementary colours. This shade exudes relaxation, striking a perfect balance between warmth and elegance.

Mocha Mousse has the power to transform any room into a welcoming retreat. Its warm, soothing undertones make it an ideal choice for walls, furniture, and home accessories. The subtle creamy hints enable it to harmonise effortlessly with both bold and neutral colour schemes, offering the flexibility to suit any space, from minimalist interiors to more traditional or rustic designs.

Tips for Incorporating Colour Trends in Your Home

Start Small: If you’re unsure about committing to a bold new colour, experiment with cushions, rugs, or artwork. These elements are easy to swap out as trends evolve.
Use Paint Strategically: Feature walls or painted cabinets allow you to play with bold tones without overwhelming the space.
Balance is Key: Pair brighter or darker colours with neutral tones to create harmony and ensure your home doesn’t feel too busy.
Connect with Nature: Incorporate greenery and natural textures alongside your chosen palette to ground your space and keep it timeless.

Colour trends may come and go, but they’re always a reflection of the times. Whether you lean towards earthy tones, embrace bold and dramatic hues, or stay neutral and serene, the key is to create a space that feels uniquely yours.

As 2025 approaches, Australian homes are set to continue their love affair with individuality and the natural world, making the future of home design as exciting as ever.