Flooring Forecast 2026
Posted January 19, 2026
Just like that, it’s 2026 — which means it’s time to look at what’s going to be trending in flooring this year. Designers across the industry agree that stark minimalism is officially out, and soft minimalism is in.
You might ask, “What in the world does that even mean?” In essence, it’s a shift towards spaces that feel more lived-in, relaxed and connected to nature, rather than the sharp, ultra-polished interiors of the past decade. While minimalism isn’t going anywhere, it has softened — making room for warmth, texture, personality and layers.
Warm colours, natural materials, tactile surfaces and a sense of comfort are here to stay. Cool greys, clinical neutrals, glossy finishes and perfectly matched interiors now feel dated. The flooring trends of 2026 are a continuation and evolution of what we saw emerging in 2025 — and they’re all about creating homes that feel good to live in.
Let’s take a look at what’s leading the way this year.
Warm, Earthy Tones
Warm, earthy tones dominated 2025 and they’re only gaining momentum in 2026. Designers are encouraging homeowners to be braver with colour, moving away from overly safe palettes and embracing tones inspired by nature.
Think soft greens, rich browns, caramel, bronze and copper hues — colours that create depth, warmth and a sense of grounding. Over the last few years, we’ve seen almost every supplier expand their carpet ranges to include bolder, more expressive colourways, with greens, blues and earthy browns becoming staples rather than outliers.
The long-standing reign of grey and charcoal is finally over, and our team of flooring experts couldn’t be happier.
Katrina, one of our flooring consultants and a true interior design enthusiast, says:
“Warm wood tones are leading the shift, with natural oak, caramel and rich brown hues replacing the cool grey palette of the past.”
Bremworth continues to push the boundaries with colour — their Galet range remains a customer favourite, while the recently released Te Aroha and Ahuru collections prove that carpet can be vibrant, expressive and anything but boring.
Warm, earthy tones are here to stay! Rich timbers and carpets in organic hues make a space feel inviting and cosy. Te Aroha carpet (above left) by Bremworth is a great example of this.
Natural Materials & Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s an expectation. Customers are increasingly seeking natural materials that are responsibly sourced and built to last.
Sustainably produced wool and timber sit high on the priority list for many homeowners. Feltex’s felted wool ranges — Apiary, Pinnacles and Profiles — are manufactured locally from 100% New Zealand wool, combining comfort, durability and environmental responsibility in one beautiful package.
In hard flooring, engineered timber continues to grow in popularity thanks to its efficient use of natural resources. By layering a thin hardwood veneer over a fast-growing or recycled timber core, engineered flooring reduces the need for old-growth timber while maintaining the authentic look of solid wood.
Hurford’s Genuine Oak engineered timber range is a standout, and their parquetry options lead beautifully into our next trend.
Pinnacles felted wool loop pile carpet by Feltex and Hurford's Genuine Oak engineered timber are both sustainable flooring options that also deliver timeless style.
Pattern Exploration
Herringbone and chevron designs remain highly sought-after thanks to their timeless elegance and ability to inject movement, craftsmanship and character into a space. These patterns bring personality without overpowering a room and work seamlessly in both traditional and modern homes.
What’s exciting is that these designs are no longer limited to timber. Today, you’ll find chevron and herringbone patterns across laminate, vinyl plank and sheet flooring — making them far more accessible for homeowners.
The Zenku Artec collection by Woodland Lifestyle is a perfect example. Featuring a classic chevron layout in a durable laminate, this range delivers high-end style with everyday practicality. After soaring in popularity during 2025, we expect this range to continue winning hearts in 2026.
Zenku Artec by Woodland Lifestyle gives the high end look of parquet flooring without the high end price tag but with all the practical benefits of laminate.
Texture & Low-Sheen Finishes
High-gloss floors are fading fast, replaced by matte and satin finishes that feel more organic and forgiving in real life. These lower-sheen finishes hide wear, fingerprints and everyday mess far better — making them ideal for busy family homes.
Texture is also playing a bigger role in flooring design. Katrina explains: “Loop-pile carpets continue to be popular because they add depth and sensory appeal while still being highly practical.”
Robert Malcolm’s Ashhurst and Kinloch wool loop-pile ranges are beautiful mid-range options that offer timeless colours, tactile finishes and understated luxury without the premium price tag.
Ashurst and Kinloch are two wool loop pile carpets released by Robert Malcolm last year that quickly proved to be fast favourites on our showroom.
Unique Tiles
Homeowners are feeling more confident with colour again — especially in tiled spaces. While neutral tiles remain popular, we’re seeing an increase in bold choices, from coloured mosaics to artistic mural-style layouts.
“There’s been a definite movement towards more saturated colours,” Katrina says.
“People are stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing something more personal.”
This sense of creativity aligns perfectly with the principles of soft minimalism — creating spaces that feel curated, expressive and uniquely yours.
Wide Planks & Large-Format Tiles
Large-scale flooring continues to rise in popularity, with wide planks and oversized tiles becoming the go-to choice for modern interiors. Fewer joins create visual calm, helping rooms feel open, uncluttered and more serene.
Our showroom favourite is Paradise Laminate by Signature Floors, featuring impressive 2260mm-long planks that instantly elevate a space. Large tiles are just as in demand, with more customers asking for formats of 900x600mm and beyond.
Paradise laminate planks are a great option for those looking for large format flooring to create a sense of spaciousness.
Luxury Vinyl & Laminate Floors
Luxury vinyl and laminate floors remain hugely popular thanks to advancements in printing and embossing technology. Products like Robert Malcolm’s AquaPRO Supreme laminate deliver remarkably realistic timber finishes, complete with embossed surfaces and pressed bevels for added authenticity.
For tile lovers, Zenku Tile by Woodland Lifestyle offers the warmth and comfort of laminate with the visual appeal of ceramic — plus an AC6 abrasion rating for outstanding durability.
AquaPRO laminate (above left) has an embossed surface and pressed beveled to achieve a realistic timber appearance. Zenku Tile (above centre and right) are a great choice for homeowners who love the tile aesthetic but want a warmer surface underfoot.
Carpet Comeback
After a decade dominated by hard flooring, wall-to-wall carpet is making a confident return — particularly in bedrooms and living areas where comfort matters most.
Carpet brings warmth, softness and acoustic benefits that hard floors simply can’t match. Belgotex’s Forest Grove, Parkview Gardens and Riverside Reserve ranges offer plush cut-pile styles that are fade- and stain-proof, making them ideal for busy Kiwi homes.
Soft minimalism is about creating homes that feel welcoming — and nothing says comfort quite like stepping onto a beautifully soft carpet.
Our team love the stain-proof Parkview Gardens and Riverside Reserve carpet ranges from Belgotex. Providing softness underfoot, they're great for making bedrooms and living rooms feel cosy and inviting.
And that's a wrap on our flooring forecast for 2026! If you're thinking of new flooring this year or you're feeling inspired by these trends, our team would love to help! Our showroom has the very latest styles in carpet, timber, laminate, vinyl and tiles and our flooring experts are on hand to answer your questions and get you started on your flooring journey. Pop into our showroom at 147 Blenheim Road, Riccarton or get in touch below!