James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2026

James Hardie’s Modern Homes Forecast is back for 2026, with eight home styles set to shape the way Australians design, build and renovate. From the clean lines of Box Modern to the colour and character of Mid-Century Modern, there’s plenty of inspiration to take from each look and plenty of ways to make it your own.

TileCloud is featured throughout this year’s forecast, so we’re taking a closer look at the eight styles and the tiles used to bring them to life. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just figuring out what you like, here’s the trends and the TileCloud products to get the look. Explore the design handbooks here.

1. Modern Classical

James Hardie’s 2026 Modern Homes Forecast sees Modern Classical moving towards softer curves, warm neutrals and classic details without feeling too formal. Our Noosa Semi Gloss Zellige in Bone is an easy way to bring that look inside, with plenty of variation and texture for walls, splashbacks or feature areas. Pair it with our Sydney Matte White Stone Look Tile. The soft stone finish keeps the palette light and gives bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces a simple, classic base to build from.

2. Box Modern

Box Modern is moving beyond a purely minimalist look, with more colour and personality coming into its clean architectural lines. Our Newport Matte Square & Subway Pattern Tile is an easy way to bring that graphic feel inside. Use the mixed formats to add interest to a bathroom or splashback. It keeps the clean, modern feel of the style, but gives the space a bit more to look at.

3. Modern Farmhouse

Modern Farmhouse takes familiar shapes and materials and makes them feel fresh and easy to live with. Take the look outdoors with our Clovelly Travertine Look Crazy Paving Tile. Its irregular pattern and travertine look add texture to outdoor entertaining areas, pathways and pool surrounds, and work really well with the natural materials used throughout this style.

4. Modern Heritage

Modern Heritage borrows from older homes without making the space feel dated. There’s room for colour, traditional details and finishes with a bit of character. Our Noosa Gloss Zellige Pink Subway Tile fits right into that mix. The pink colour, gloss finish and handmade-look variation make it a fun choice for a kitchen splashback, bathroom or feature wall, especially if you want to bring some colour into the space without going too bold.

5. Barn

The Barn style pairs strong architectural shapes with warm, earthy materials. Bring those tones inside with our Northbridge Peach Terracotta Look Subway Tile, which gives you the warmth of terracotta in an easy subway format. Pair it with our Coogee Antique Forest Green Kit Kat Mosaic Tile for a deeper hit of colour and texture. The peach and forest green work really well together and give the Barn palette plenty of warmth without making it feel too rustic.

6. Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern is where colour and simple geometric shapes can have a bit more fun. Our Haddon Pink Matte Medium Square Tile brings both, with a soft pink colour and classic square format that works in kitchens and bathrooms. Pair it with our Noosa Gloss Zellige White Square Tile to break up the colour and add some gloss and variation. Using the two square tiles together keeps the nod to mid-century design without making the room feel like a time capsule.

7. Modern Coastal

Modern Coastal is light, relaxed and connected to the outdoors, without needing to lean into an obvious beach-house theme. Our Newport Matte White Small Square Tile gives bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces a simple white base that works with the rest of the palette. For more warmth and movement, add our Clovelly Travertine Look Crazy Paving Tile. The irregular layout and stone look work especially well outdoors and help carry the same materials between indoor and outdoor spaces.

8. Japandi

Rounding out the James Hardie forecast, Japandi keeps things simple but brings in more earthy colour and contrast. Start outside with our Haddon Matte Black Medium Square Tile for a darker base that works well with timber, stone and other natural finishes.

Inside, pair our Northbridge Peach Terracotta Look Subway Tile with the Coogee Antique Brown Matte Kit Kat Mosaic Tile. The peach and brown tones add warmth while the different shapes bring texture, without making the overall space feel busy.

Explore the design handbooks here.