A home is so much more than a showroom. It’s the backdrop to your most meaningful moments. It’s where you enjoy morning coffee rituals and quiet pockets of rest in between. At Temple & Webster, we believe great design should do more than just look beautiful; it should support the way you actually live.

That’s why our latest collaboration feels like such a natural fit. We’ve officially joined forces with James Hardie for the launch of their Modern Homes Forecast 2026.

James Hardie is an icon of the Australian streetscape. They don’t just make cladding. They define the face of the modern Australian home. So when they talk about the future of design, the industry listens.
 

What is the Modern Homes Forecast 2026?

The Modern Homes Forecast is not your average report. It was developed alongside global forecasters WGSN to explore the "why" behind our design choices. The industry is seeing a shift away from cookie-cutter boxes. Instead, Australians are moving toward "expressive sanctuaries" that support wellbeing, multi-generational living, and a concept we love: "Creative Living".

James Hardie chose Temple & Webster as a key partner to bring these exterior visions to life inside. We have curated a range of furniture and homewares to accompany each of the 8 styles in their signature lookbooks, proving that the right rug or sofa is just as foundational to a home's soul as the walls themselves. The curations allow you to create a seamless flow and style from the outside in.
 

The 8 Styles of 2026

1. Barn

Think dramatic rural forms reimagined for the city. It’s about strong shapes, natural materials, and a sense of "restorative autonomy." We paired these immersive spaces with textures that feel grounded and tactile, like our 4 Seater Otti Steel Outdoor Dining Set in olive.

Bring the Barn look to life outdoors with the Bilgola Acacia Wood Outdoor Daybed, the Tucson Rust Fire Pit and this Woven Coir Doormat.

Continue the look through to the indoors with the luxurious Terry 3 Seater Leather Sofa, the Nolan Nesting Coffee Table Set and this Linen Quilt Cover Set and cushion.

2. Modern Farmhouse

The classic, but with a brain. It blends traditional charm with smart, contemporary features. It’s built for shared living and nurturing but is resilient. Balancing the old-world warmth with clean, durable lines like the Tamika Teak Wood Ottoman Bench.

Complete the outdoor look with the Harbour Acacia Wood Outdoor Lounge Chair, Coulson Metal & Glass Outdoor Wall Light, Cream Market Umbrella and this Hand-Woven Jute Doormat.

Continue the look indoors with the cozy Olivia Boucle Armchair, Miller Jute Rug, a Faux Olive Tree and the Paloma Ceramic Vase.

3. Modern Heritage

This is where history gets a promotion. It integrates old-world character with modern functionality. It’s a layered, multi-sensorial style that celebrates storytelling. We’ve selected pieces that feel like they have a past but work for the future, like the Nadi Outdoor Dining Chairs in rust.

To steal the Modern Heritage look for your home, the gorgeous Makkari Polystone Outdoor Side Table and Natural Coir Doormat are the perfect outdoor complements to the Shaw Premium 3 Seater Sofa, the Bobbie Side Table and this Flores Ceramic Planter with Stand for your interior.

4. Modern Classical

European grandeur, stripped of the ego. This style weaves graceful curves and minimalist outlines with a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, like the Breeze Outdoor Lounge Chair. It’s grand, but approachable.

To replicate The Modern Classical look for your outdoor area, you'll need the Breeze Outdoor Lounge Chair, Kahuna Polystone Outdoor Coffee Table and this Ceramic Plant Pot and Saucer.

For your indoors, snag the Palatine Steel Side Table, the Killian Boucle Swivel Armchair, the Elowen Contemporary Rug and this Wooden Decorative Bowl.

5. Japandi

Moving beyond basic minimalism into "quiet intelligence." It’s a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian principles that prioritises smart layouts and intuitive design that leaves you feeling energised, like our Carmen Solid Timber Side Table.

To get the Japandi look for your outdoor area, get this Teak Wood Outdoor Armchair and this handy Rechargeable LED Outdoor Lamp. 

For your indoor areas, this Ski-Leg Oak Wood Dining Bench and Marlie Hand-Woven Wool-Blend Rug will complete the look.

6. Box Modern

Dynamic, bold, and purposeful. These homes are a flexible canvas for imagination. We leaned into modular design and bold colour pops to match the architecture's playful, geometric energy, like our Drift Outdoor Dining Chairs in sky blue.

For any furry friends at home, the Stripe Frankie Dog Bed is a fun way to practically extend out the Box Modern look. For your indoor areas, the Russo Armless Lounge Chair, Carlos Felted Wool Rug and this lovely Bobbie Serving Tray complete the look.

7. Modern Coastal

It’s not just for the beach anymore. This is an elevated, joyful, and effortless aesthetic that brings a "coastal state of mind" to any location, like our Franklin Floor Lamp. Open, light-filled, and designed for easy living.

Get the Modern Costal look for your outdoor area with the hard-wearing Miara Outdoor Dining Table, the Mahalo Outdoor Fibrestone Planter and this Cement Outdoor Coffee Table.

Carry the look through to your indoor area with the Montauk Sofa, Watson Hand-Woven Jute Rug, Franklin Floor Lamp and the Povel Outdoor Side Table.

8. Mid-Century Modern

The style that refuses to age. For 2026, it’s maturing, becoming more layered and comforting. We’ve refreshed the look with "joyful maximalism," featuring expressive geometry and vibrant tactile finishes like our Axis Mango Wood Side Table and Scalloped Market Umbrella. 

Complete the  outdoor look with the Rolly Bowl Planter Set, Byrne Stackable Lounge Chairs and the adorable Neill Ceramic Jug and continue it indoors with the Lola Coffee Table, Olympus Metal floor Lamp and this Dot Dial Wall Clock.

At the end of the day, these looks aren’t about perfection, they’re about potential. Whether you’re building from scratch with James Hardie or refreshing a room with Temple & Webster, the goal is the same: a home that looks like it’s having its best day, every day.

Check out the full look on our site to see how the architecture of the outside meets the heart of the inside.