As the temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, winter naturally shifts our focus to the heart of the home; the living room.
This winter we're sharing four design directions, perfectly suited to your living room space; Perfect Plum, Modern Mid-Century, Neo Deco and Modern Australian. While each has its own unique character, they all share a common thread of warmth, texture and a desire to create spaces that feel welcoming and lived in.
Perfect Plum is rich, dramatic and a surprisingly versatile trend. Plum is emerging as one of the standout colours for Winter 2026, the tone working beautifully in statement pieces, whether introduced through a velvet sofa, occasional chair, cabinetry or carefully selected accessories. What makes the colour particularly appealing is its ability to bridge both warm and cool palettes. Pair it with pale peach walls and warm timber flooring for a soft, cocooning atmosphere, or contrast it with deep aqua and teal accents for a more contemporary look.
This trend embraces a more maximalist approach to interiors, layering colour, texture and personality to create spaces that feel warm and inviting. Texture is essential to making this palette feel sophisticated rather than overwhelming. Velvet upholstery paired with patterned fabrics, sheer curtains and glossy furniture finishes all contribute to the layered aesthetic. White accents through lighting, hardware and decorative objects provide moments of relief, helping the richer tones feel balanced.
While the palette is bold, it doesn't require a complete room overhaul. Introducing plum through cushions, artwork or a single furniture piece can be enough to add depth and warmth to your living room this season.
Another look to try for your living room this winter is Mid-Century Modern. This trend has quietly become one of the most enduring design movements of recent years.
The palette is intentionally restrained, typically combining warm timber tones with shades of green, crisp whites and subtle black accents. Walnut furniture, timber panelling and sculptural lighting provide the foundation, while olive and moss greens bring life and personality to the space through feature walls or freestanding furniture.
Velvet upholstery remains a defining feature, adding softness and luxury to the clean architectural lines that characterise the style. Chrome and brushed nickel details introduce a subtle sophistication, while statement tiles used on a fireplace hearth, study nook wall or coffee table can provide a nod to the era without impacting the space too much.
What makes Modern Mid-Century so appealing is its balance. The spaces feel curated without being overly decorated, stylish without sacrificing comfort, and timeless without feeling predictable.
From the 1970s to the 1920s, the Neo Deco trend is another modern evolution of a historic design style, Art Deco. Luxurious and layered, this trend embraces rich materials and decorative details while maintaining a distinctly modern sensibility.
Velvet upholstery, antique brass hardware and warm walnut timbers create the foundation for a space that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Curved furniture profiles soften the room, while mirrors and reflective finishes help capture and amplify natural light.
Whilst this style can lean into colour drenching, this example keeps it lighter, focussing on creams, pale yellow and accent of burnt orange in upholstery, with the darker depth of colour coming through walnut woods and antique brass finishes.
Pattern also plays an important role within Neo Deco interiors. Floral wallpapers, decorative fabrics and intricate detailing in soft furnishings such as piping, tassels and tufting on a sofa add depth and visual interest.
Despite its luxurious appearance, Neo Deco is ultimately about creating a sense of warmth through layered textures, rich materials and carefully selected decorative elements, working together to create living rooms that feel intimate, elegant and lived in.
Lastly, we come back to a simpler and classic home interior; Modern Australian. Inspired by the colours and materials of the landscape, this trend continues to evolve while maintaining the relaxed warmth that makes it so enduringly popular.
When you think of an Australian interior, it’s hard not to go past the classic earthy colours of clay and terracotta, which pair perfectly with pale green and eucalypt, altogether making spaces that feel grounded and calming. Natural materials take centre stage, with timber, stone, tiles and brick often used in conjunction with each other in living room spaces for a layered, textured approach. Textured fabrics in sofas, cushions, throw rugs and floor rugs help soften some of these harder, yet natural surfaces used in design.
Large windows dressed with softly textured sheers help maximise natural light, as well as softening a living room.
The beauty of Modern Australian design lies in its simplicity. Rather than relying on dramatic statements, it focuses on creating a cohesive and comfortable environment, blending many tactile design elements.
Whether you're drawn to the richness of Perfect Plum, the timeless appeal of Modern Mid-Century, the glamour of Neo Deco, or the relaxed warmth of Modern Australian, use these trends as inspiration to identify what speaks to you. Incorporating these elements thoughtfully can create a living room that feels both current and enduring.
After all, good design isn't about constantly changing your home. It's about making thoughtful decisions that create spaces you'll enjoy spending time in, season after season.