Joy and Expression Redefine Australian Homes: James Hardie Forecast 2026

The latest James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast has identified a decisive shift in Australian residential design, with joy and creative expression emerging as defining forces shaping homes in 2026 and beyond.

Now in its third edition, the forecast has become a key reference point for the building and design industry, offering a data-led snapshot of evolving homeowner expectations.

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Developed in collaboration with global consumer trend forecaster WGSN and informed by insights from Milan Design Week, the research charts a move away from purely functional dwellings towards emotionally resonant, highly personalised living environments.

According to James Hardie, Australian homes are entering a new era where individuality, wellbeing and creativity sit at the centre of design decision-making.

The study identifies four overarching lifestyle themes driving this shift. Creative Living positions creativity as a form of personal agency rather than surface aesthetics, with 57 per cent of Australians now using AI to assist with creative tasks. It frames the home as an expressive environment where joy, play and imagination actively support wellbeing and resilience, and where technology extends rather than replaces human creativity.

Evolved Living responds to ongoing cost-of-living and environmental pressures, with homeowners increasingly prioritising fewer but better-designed spaces. This theme focuses on intelligent planning, material longevity and comfort-driven design that supports self-reliance, reflecting a broader move towards more intentional and resource-conscious living.

Multigenerational Living reflects structural change in how Australians live together, with 30 per cent of ANZ families with parents and children now residing in more complex household arrangements. This is driving demand for adaptable layouts, flexible zoning and inclusive design approaches that allow privacy and independence while still enabling connection across generations.

Autonomous Living highlights a growing desire for independence, calm and reduced cognitive load within the home. It embraces self-sufficient systems, automation and low-maintenance design solutions, with an emphasis on technology that supports wellbeing. The intent is to ensure intelligent systems enhance daily life without overwhelming it, balancing efficiency with emotional comfort.

To translate these insights into practical design direction, the forecast introduces eight home typologies developed with industry leaders including interior designer Neale Whitaker, WGSN trend specialist Jenny Li and architect Justin Logan. The accompanying design handbooks outline materials, palettes, floorplans and landscaping strategies aimed at supporting more intentional residential design.

Whitaker said the findings reflect a fundamental shift in how Australians relate to their homes. “Design as a living, breathing expression of creativity, comfort and care,” he said. “Our homes are the canvas for our creativity, the architecture of our wellbeing.”

James Hardie APAC marketing director Adele Gordon said the forecast reinforces the company’s focus on innovation and long-term thinking in housing design.

The eight typologies include Modern Classical, Box Modern, Modern Farmhouse, Modern Heritage, Barn, Mid-Century Modern, Modern Coastal and Japandi. Each responds to shifting social and environmental pressures, from affordability and multigenerational living to sustainability and autonomy.

Supporting these trends is a growing demand for adaptable, durable and low-impact materials. James Hardie’s upcoming Hardie Gravis AAC Panel, alongside its fibre cement systems, aims to support mixed-material construction approaches aligned with these evolving design priorities.

As Australian housing continues to evolve, the forecast signals a clear direction for the industry: homes are no longer defined solely by function, but by their capacity to inspire connection, creativity and everyday joy.

Images via James Hardie

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