Words Carrol Baker

The profound influence of our homes is created by design elements such as natural light, acoustics, textures and materials. The way that spaces are designed also has a part to play. All of these things feed into human emotions and experiences — they influence how we feel.

Over the past few decades, architecture has undergone a subtle change, which is slowly gathering momentum. Ton Vu, director of Atlas Architects, says this new defining culture is all about human-centred design. “Architecture has experienced a fascinating shift, moving in a wide arc from modernist ideals, through periods of more commercially driven housing, and back towards a renewed focus on people and place,” he says.

At the very heart of human-centred design are strategies that foster organic connection. It’s a design philosophy that seeks to offer connection. Ton explains that this connection is between the inhabitants, each other, and also nature. “This was a defining feature of Australia’s mid-century bespoke houses by architects such as Robin Boyd, and even the suburban project homes developed by the Merchant Builders, which carefully integrated courtyards, gardens, and shared spaces to foster interaction and a sense of community,” he explains.

Humans enjoy architecture that is visually appealing. The beauty of human-centred architecture is that it’s more than skin deep. Mick Moloney from Moloney Architects says the focus on human-centred design is a welcome change. “Over the past five years I’ve noticed a real shift away from heroic, ‘look-at-me’ architecture,” he shares. “The focus now is on more nuanced projects that derive meaning from their relationship to place, history, and the people who live in them.”

Human-centred design encompasses many modalities and nuances. It’s holistic, driven by a desire to foster feel-good spaces that boost health and wellbeing. Sam Crawford from Sam Crawford Architects says great domestic architecture elevates the everyday human experience. “It considers the simple rituals of our day, such as cleaning our teeth — so designing the bathroom could provide a view out the window to a beautiful garden, or to the canopy of a gum tree lit up by the early-morning sun, or a glimpse of the ocean,” he says. “Or it may be creating a small ledge where we might sit to drink the first cup of coffee of the day, with the winter sun on our back.”

A healing home

A home designed with wellness in mind is uplifting. It seeks to nurture, to heal. It offers respite from everyday pressures that can exist the moment you step outside your front door.
Human-centred design is achingly complex, yet peel back the layers and it’s refreshingly simple. Sam says it’s all about spaces that dignify and bring joy to our everyday lives.

“We may not experience this at a conscious level, in the same way that we may not, at a conscious level, bemoan the lack of human touch in a given day,” he says. “Well-designed, considered spaces make us feel better — make us feel loved and cared for, make us feel safe.”

Your home plays a huge role in your mental health. The right design, materials, colours, textures, light, and connection to the natural world can have a deep impact. “Today we are seeing a return to those human-centric ideals, now strengthened by building science and sustainability imperatives,” says Ton. “Contemporary human-centred design in Australia goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about creating energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable homes.”

For Ton, thoughtful selection often comes down to a few key criteria: choosing products with low-embodied energy, which are non-toxic and ideally from renewable or responsibly sourced materials. “For example, specifying VOC-free paints, FSC-certified timbers, and natural wool insulation reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and creates healthier indoor air quality,” he says.

Human-centred design also encompasses design flexibility. Mick says a family’s life isn’t static, so spaces shouldn’t be either. “Operable screens, dual-use spaces and layered floorplans let you open things up for connection or close them down for privacy or to hide clutter,” he says. “Flexibility makes a home more enjoyable and more enduring as your circumstances change.”

Naturally good

Biophilic design is a part of human-centric planning. It’s all about connection. It’s based on the notion that humans have an innate relationship with nature. Sam says looking for ways to enhance that sense of connectedness is important. “Views to a garden, to the ocean or the sky; the sound of birdsong — these things calm our nervous system and lead to healthier, happier lives,” he says.

There’s a host of ways you can foster connectivity to the outdoors. One of Mick’s favourites is the window seat. “Is there a better architectural invention than the window seat?” he ponders. “In our house, the window seat is the most loved spot — the only issue is that all five of us want to sit there at once!”

Biophilic design is, at its heart, human centric. It’s all about plants and indoor-outdoor connectivity to greenspaces, but that’s only part of the story. “It can apply to spaces with surfaces made of natural materials that make us feel more comfortable, happier and healthier,” adds Sam. “The surfaces of the things that we see and touch change the way we feel inside ourselves.”

Biophilic design encompasses flowing water, warm spaces bathed in natural light, even organic shapes that occur in the natural world, such as a curved benchtop or curved mirrors. It’s all about flowing shapes rather than geometric or ordered patterns.

Calm the chaos

Human-centred design seeks to offer calm and solace. Cluttered spaces influence our emotions. It can lead to feelings of overwhelm and disconnect. Creating interior spaces that have adequate storage helps to corral the clutter and calm the mind. Well-designed spaces offer solutions for storage, so what you need is at your fingertips when required and tucked out of sight when it isn’t. Custom joinery pieces are tailored to individual storage needs. Multifunctional storage spaces offer design flexibility over time as needs change.

Community living

With booming population growth in inner cities and along coastal fringes, the only way to go is up. Apartment living in residential communities is on the rise — in more ways than one. Modern apartment living is human centric — it fosters connectivity between residents. But it hasn’t always been that way. Ton points out that for a long time, architects grappled with the disconnect between residents and the ground plane, as well as the isolation created by repetitive, stacked apartment layouts.

“In recent years, we’ve seen innovative strategies to re-establish those incidental moments of connection,” he says. “Projects such as Nightingale Apartments in Melbourne show how communal laundries, rooftop veggie gardens, and outdoor dining areas can become places where neighbours naturally meet.”

Light me up

Natural light is balm for the soul. It boosts your serotonin levels and can elevate your mood. Some say it’s essential to the human condition. “If natural light isn’t in our charter of human rights, it damn well should be,” states Mick. “Sunlight does more than brighten a room — it sets our sleep–wake cycles, sharpens concentration, and also supports our mental health.”

Human-centred design captures natural light, it looks at ways to harness dappled light, and at times it seeks to punch light deep into a home. Other times it needs to offer shade. Mick explains that design wise, it’s about getting the right light in the right place at the right time.

“Bedrooms facing east allow you to wake up with the morning sun, while living areas oriented north stay bright and comfortable throughout the day,” he explains. “We usually avoid harsh western sun in the afternoons, but sometimes we like to design in a little sun trap to capture that warmth on a chilly winter afternoon.”

Some say to design a human-centric home, we should also be able to look up and see the heavens. “I firmly believe that we need to be able to see the sky from indoors,” says Sam. “Rooms with windows with a low head height that prevent us from seeing the sky from within our domestic spaces lower our mood.”

Sound bites

Design elements in residential architecture are what makes up human-centred design. Acoustics refers to how sound waves radiate from a source and interact with other surfaces in a space. Sam says well-proportioned rooms, with the right balance of hard and soft surfaces, create a comfortable acoustic environment.

“Our voices can be heard and not drowned out by echo or reverberation,” he says. “We may not be conscious of acoustics when a room is comfortable, but we will certainly be conscious of it when a room is loud and uncomfortable.”

The acoustics of a space is important, yet Ton says it’s not given its due. “Acoustic design is one of the most overlooked aspects of residential architecture,” he notes. He explains that acoustics can be enhanced through deliberately minimising noise transmission from outside and between rooms.

“For example, this can be done by separating quiet bedrooms from noisy living areas, specifying solid internal doors, and using wall and floor assemblies with higher acoustic ratings,” he says. “Thoughtful surface selection is equally important: incorporating sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic ceilings, rugs, and upholstered finishes can reduce reverberation and create a softer, more comfortable sound environment.”

This article originally appeared in Grand Designs Australia, issue 14.4.

The post My Sanctuary appeared first on Completehome.

With a generous firebox that accommodates logs up to 38 cm, the Morsø 8643 delivers long-lasting warmth, supported by advanced combustion technology drawn from the acclaimed 6100 and 8100 series. Despite its heating capacity, the stove’s clean lines and minimalist form create a light, timeless presence – perfect for both classic and contemporary interiors.

Crafted to endure and designed to impress, the Morsø 8643 is a future-forward fireplace that honours the legacy of traditional wood heating.

Optional Fresh Air Intake Kit

The optional Morsø 8843 external air kit allows you to connect this wood burning fireplace to exterior combustion air through the rear of the unit.

Fireplaces burn fuel to generate heat and require a continual source of oxygen in order to start and sustain combustion. Wood-burning stoves typically obtain this oxygen from the room in which they are located. However, it’s not always practical, or suitable, for wood-burning stoves to draw the oxygen they need from the room in which they are situated.

Whilst not every fireplace requires an external air kit, they are recommended for homes that have insufficient ventilation. The types of scenarios in which an external air kit is recommended include:

• if the room in which you are placing the fireplace does not have a non-closable vent
• if you live in a home which has been designed and built to Passive House standards items shown in picture may vary depending on the Morsø model

High-efficiency Technology & Features

The Morsø 8643 is designed to enhance both performance and experience. Its expansive glass viewing area offers the ambiance of an open fire, bringing warmth and atmosphere into your space. The elegantly curved base not only adds a sculptural touch but also provides convenient wood storage while raising the firebox to the perfect height for effortless viewing and enjoyment.

The Morsø 8643 is DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign compliant and is made to meet the latest Australian environmental standards:

• Ultra-low 0.5 grams/kg emissions
• Made from durable cast iron for long lasting performance and heat retention
• Rear or top flue fitting
• Designed and engineered in Denmark
• Panoramic Flame View
• Sleek Log Storage
• Advanced combustion technology

The post Power Meets Timeless Danish Design appeared first on Completehome.

They shape how light moves through a space, how rooms feel at different times of day, and how a home supports the way we live. They are quietly working at the intersection of aesthetics and function.

As Australian homes continue to evolve, from compact urban apartments to light-filled family homes and thoughtfully downsized spaces, window furnishings are stepping into a more considered role. They are no longer purely practical, nor purely decorative. They are design tools in their own right.

Playing With Light

Light is one of the most powerful elements in interior design, yet it’s also one of the least controllable. Window furnishings give us agency over it. Sheer curtains soften harsh sunlight and create movement. Blockout blinds bring calm and rest. Layered solutions allow rooms to shift mood from morning to evening, season to season.

The ability to filter, diffuse or fully block light changes how a space is experienced. A living room washed in gentle afternoon light feels warm and inviting. A bedroom that can be completely darkened supports better sleep. A home office that minimises glare works harder for the people inside it.

Design-led window furnishings allow light to become intentional rather than incidental. It’s not about closing a blind; it’s about shaping atmosphere.

Function That Feels Invisible

Great interior design often goes unnoticed because it works so well. The same is true for window furnishings. Thermal performance, privacy, acoustics and UV protection are essential considerations, but the best solutions integrate seamlessly into the design narrative of a home.

Honeycomb blinds help regulate temperature without visual heaviness. Shutters provide structure and architectural rhythm while offering precise light control. Curtains soften hard surfaces and improve acoustics, particularly in open-plan living spaces.

Function doesn’t need to look functional. With the right materials, finishes and proportions, practical benefits can feel quietly luxurious.

Style Without Compromise

For many homeowners, DIY has historically meant compromise, with fewer choices, standard finishes, and a sense that saving money comes at the cost of style. That assumption no longer holds.

Tuiss Blinds Online has redefined what DIY window furnishings can be. By offering a vast range of designer-inspired fabrics, colours and textures, from crisp linens and refined neutrals to statement prints and contemporary weaves, homeowners can tailor their window treatments to suit any interior style.

Whether the aesthetic leans minimalist, coastal, classic, contemporary or layered and eclectic, there is a solution designed to complement it. The DIY model simply removes unnecessary overheads, allowing quality materials and considered design to remain accessible.

The result is choice without compromise, and the confidence to design intentionally, even on a defined budget.

Designer Brands, Designed for Real Homes

Today’s design-aware homeowners are more informed than ever. They recognise quality in the weight of a fabric, the precision of a fit, the way a blind operates smoothly and quietly. Tuiss works with trusted designer brands and manufacturers to ensure that every product feels refined, durable and thoughtfully made.

This is not trend-driven design for the sake of novelty. It’s about longevity. Choices that feel relevant now and will continue to work as life evolves.

Windows and the Milestones of Life

Window furnishings often change at pivotal moments. A first home brings the desire for privacy and light control. A growing family prioritises safety, durability and easy operation. Renovations invite bolder design decisions and layered textures. Empty nesting can shift focus back to softness, luxury and ease.

These transitions are deeply personal, yet universally shared. Window furnishings quietly support them all.

Blinds offer clean lines and control in busy family homes. Curtains add warmth and elegance during phases that demand softness. Shutters bring permanence and value to homes designed for long-term living.

The beauty of a flexible, design-led range is the ability to meet homeowners where they are, without asking them to sacrifice style at any stage.

The Curated Perspective

From a carefully curated standpoint, window furnishings are one of the most effective ways to transform an interior without overhauling it entirely. They frame views, anchor colour palettes and bring cohesion to a space. They can modernise a room, soften it, or give it architectural presence.

For design enthusiasts, they represent opportunity and a chance to refine rather than replace, to experiment with texture and light rather than committing to structural change.

Designing With Intent

The most compelling interiors are those that feel considered, not contrived. Window furnishings play a quiet but powerful role in achieving that balance. They support daily rituals, respond to changing light, and adapt as homes and lives evolve.

By approaching them as integral design elements rather than final additions, homeowners can create spaces that feel thoughtful, functional and deeply personal.

In the end, great design isn’t about excess. It’s about choices that work harder, feel better and last longer. And sometimes, it starts at the window.

Discover the full range of DIY window furnishings online with Tuiss Blinds Online. https://www.blindsonline.com.au/

The post Designed for Living. Why Window Furnishings Matter More Than You Think appeared first on Completehome.

Words Carrol Baker

Passive design

You might have heard the term “passive cooling” bantered about. David Noordhoff from Freeman Group Architects says it’s basically a collection of design strategies to keep a building comfortable in warm weather without relying on mechanical systems such as air-conditioning.

“It uses elements such as orientation, cross-ventilation, shading, thermal mass and insulation to naturally regulate temperature,” he explains. “The idea is to work with the climate rather than fight against it, allowing heat to escape, encouraging airflow, and preventing excess heat from entering in the first place.”

With effective passive cooling design strategies in place, you and your family will benefit. Taras Wolf from Wolf Architects adds that designing with passive cooling has many other advantages. “It reduces energy consumption, lowers running costs, and aligns with our sustainable design ethos,” he says.

For many architects, sustainable building practices are at the very heart of what they do. One of David’s projects, Atria House in Torquay, has a central courtyard with a pool that acts as a natural cooling element. “The pool cools the surrounding air, which is then drawn through the home via louvred windows and operable sliding doors,” he explains. “These openings are positioned to harness prevailing breezes, allowing the cooled air to move freely through the living spaces and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.”

There’s a host of other reasons why a home designed with passive cooling is a great idea. For starters, says David, they have better air quality and fewer fluctuations in temperature. “These homes can also perform during power outages or extreme weather — they remain cooler and more liveable even without electricity, offering a type of built-in resilience.”

In the wind

One way to really beat the heat is to maximise cross ventilation. This concept occurs naturally when wind enters an opening, flows through the space, then exits through an opening on the other side.

Taras says one of his favourite passive cooling strategies involves cross-ventilation. “For example, in one of our homes built along the coast, we positioned operable windows and vents on opposite sides of the main living areas, allowing cool breezes to flow straight through the house, flushing out hot air. We also incorporated overhangs and vertical fins to shade those windows in summer while still allowing winter sun to penetrate.”

Perfect placement

When building, ideally you don’t just plonk your new home anywhere on the block. The direction the home faces is important. In fact, according to Taras, it’s fundamental to clever design. “Getting orientation right at the start is one of the most powerful tools in passive design,” he says.

In a nutshell, explains Taras, a well-oriented, north-facing home makes the most of natural light in winter and limits heat gain in summer. “At Wolf Architects, we take great care in siting our homes to ensure that living spaces benefit from northern light while minimising exposure to harsh western sun,” he says. “This not only aids passive cooling, but also improves overall comfort and liveability.”

Look up

Your roofing materials will also play an active role in comfort. Taras suggests Colorbond steel with high solar reflectance (a lighter colour) is a clever option. “It’s durable, low maintenance, and helps reflect rather than absorb heat,” he says. “We also explore green roofs and insulated metal panels in some of our projects, particularly where sustainability is a key focus.”

The design of your roof will also play a role. David says ventilated roof spaces, or skillion roof forms with high-level openings, can allow stifling air to escape. “Shading is equally important,” he says. “In our Pyrenees residential project we used deep eaves to shade windows and external walls, significantly reducing solar heat gain in summer and helping the home stay cooler naturally.”

Cool like concrete

Thermal mass can improve the performance of your home. High-density materials including brick, rammed earth and concrete have good thermal mass. These materials need a lot of heat to rise in temperature; they also lose stored heat slowly.

David explains that this slow release can even out temperature swings, especially when shaded from direct sunlight. “On the other hand, lightweight, well-insulated materials such astimber framing with external cladding can prevent heat from transferring indoors in hot climates,” he explains. “The key is balancing the two depending on the climate and how each space will be used.”

Feel the breeze

Fans are one way to keep your cool in summer. Clea de la Nougerede from Big Ass Fans says for a ceiling fan to really do its job, placement is everything. “Big Ass Fans recommends hanging your fan so the blades sit about 2.4m to 2.7m above the floor — or higher if your ceilings allow,” she advises. “Ideally, leave at least 30cm of space between the top of the fan and the ceiling so air can move freely above the blades.”

Clea suggests that in living rooms, bedrooms or dining areas, try to centre the fan over the main spot where people spend time — such as above the couch or the bed. “If you have an open-plan space, one large fan (such as an i6 or Haiku) often works well, but really big rooms might be better with two smaller fans to spread the airflow evenly,” she explains.

Smart sensors are making it even easier to keep your cool, save money and precious resources. “Tiny sensors detect motion, temperature and humidity, and automatically adjust the fan’s speed and light for you,” notes Clea. “Leave the room, and the fan turns itself off — and when you come back, it switches back on at the perfect speed.”

Turn up the air

An air-conditioning unit is an effective way to set a comfortable indoor temperature. When selecting a new air-conditioner, Dr John J. Shiel, principal of EnviroSustain, suggests choosing one that contains lower-impact hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) greenhouse gases (which are used for cooling) to help reduce global warming.

It’s also important that the product has a good energy star rating for heating and cooling for your climate zone and that it is not oversized, as a smaller unit is more efficient and costs less to run. He also suggests choosing a unit that does not require ducting, if possible, as it reduces efficiency.

Open it

A key element in energy efficiency is window glazing. This incorporates the placement, style and also the glazing component. Use of double or triple glazing and well-sealed frames are perfect to keep out the summer heat. From single to double and even triple, there are many glazing options available that directly impact the amount of heat loss and gain within a home.

Cover it

Blinds and awnings will also influence thermal comfort. Michelle Fitzgerald, marketing manager AU/NZ for Tuiss Blinds Online, says today’s most sustainable window furnishings aren’t just about what they’re made from, but how they actively contribute to energy performance. “Honeycomb blinds are a standout,” she says. “Their unique cellular structure traps air, creating a natural thermal barrier that significantly reduces the need for artificial heating
and cooling.”

Michelle says that layering diverse types of window furnishings is a great concept. “This can mean combining energy-saving honeycombs with thermally lined curtains or Roman blinds, or pairing them with insulating timber shutters,” she says.

Michelle adds it’s important to target west-facing windows. “Whether it’s a block-out blind, outdoor window blind or a layered combination, it can reduce internal temperatures significantly,” she explains. “Outdoor blinds are particularly effective; they function as the first line of defence, an external shield that keeps the home cool before the sun has a chance to heat up internal surfaces and spaces.”

Hot stuff

Changing design strategies, coupled with modern technology, means many new homes are becoming more adept at handling sweltering summer temperatures. But what about existing homes? The performance of a new air-conditioner is compromised if it’s positioned in a poorly insulated home. Gaps around windows and doors will impact thermal comfort.

Many existing homes are underprepared, under-insulated, and lack the energy efficiency to create a comfortable and healthy interior environment. The reality is that poorly designed and insulated homes can have an impact not only on comfort levels, but also on health.

Dr John J Shiel’s report, Cooling Your Home, published by Beyond Zero Emissions, notes that the average Australian house is rated at only 2 stars out of 10 in the scale of the Nationwide House Energy Ratings Scheme (NatHERS) home.

It’s not good enough. Globally, temperatures are rising and greenhouse gas emissions are acknowledged to be a big contributor. In Australia, notes Dr Shiel, temperatures increased by around 1.4°C between 1910 and 2020. The number of “extreme heat days” over 35°C has risen 500 per cent in only the past 30 years, he reports.

To cool your home, Dr Shiels recommends some of the following: creating an efficient one-room Cool Retreat retrofitted with efficient cooling strategies; updating appliances such as fans, air-conditioners and evaporative coolers; and using them more strategically. He also suggests considering a heatwave emergency plan.

This article first appeared in Grand Designs Australia 14.3

The post Shady Character appeared first on Completehome.

This shift is driving renewed interest in cast-iron cheminée-style fireplaces. Once central to European homes, this style is being reinterpreted for contemporary architecture, where permanence and material honesty are increasingly valued.

Why the Cheminée Style Is Returning

Traditional cheminée fireplaces were never designed to disappear into walls. They were vertical, substantial, and clearly defined. Over time, many fireplaces became lighter and less prominent, often treated as secondary elements.

Today, designers are reversing that thinking.

A cast-iron cheminée brings structure to open spaces. It introduces a clear focal point without relying on decorative surrounds. In modern homes, this vertical form helps anchor living areas while maintaining openness and flow. The result feels intentional rather than applied.

Cast Iron and Architectural Integrity

Cast iron plays a key role in this revival. It is a material defined by longevity and substance. Unlike layered finishes or fabricated surrounds, cast iron expresses its function honestly.

In contemporary interiors dominated by glass, stone, and light surfaces, cast iron provides contrast. It absorbs light, introduces depth, and creates visual weight. This balance is essential in modern fireplace design, where restraint must still feel grounded.

Rather than blending into the background, the fireplace becomes an architectural element in its own right.

A European Influence, Refined for Modern Homes

The cheminée style draws from long-standing European design traditions, where cast iron has always been associated with durability and craftsmanship. What has changed is the expression.

Modern interpretations are refined and minimal. Decorative detailing is reduced. Proportions are precise. The focus shifts from ornament to form.

This evolution allows the cheminée to sit comfortably within contemporary Australian architecture, complementing clean lines and open-plan layouts while still offering warmth and character.

Fireplaces Designed Early, Not Added Later

One of the strongest indicators of this revival is when fireplaces are being specified.

Rather than being added late, cast-iron fireplaces are increasingly considered during early planning. Their placement influences room layout, circulation, and furniture positioning. A vertical fireplace can define zones without walls, maintaining openness while creating structure.

This approach reinforces the fireplace as part of the architecture, not a decorative addition.

Longevity as a Design Value

In high-end residential design, longevity is becoming a defining measure of quality.
Cast-iron cheminée fireplaces are built to last decades. They resist short-term trends and age with character. Their permanence reduces the need for future replacement, supporting more sustainable design decisions.

Choosing a fireplace of this nature is not about following fashion. It is about committing to a material and form that justify their place over time.

A Curated Approach to Fireplace Design

At Sculpt Fireplace Collection, this revival reflects a broader focus on architectural integrity and material quality. Sculpt works closely with architects, designers, and builders to support fireplace solutions that prioritise proportion, longevity, and design relevance.

As interest in cast-iron cheminée-style fireplaces continues to grow, their role within contemporary homes is becoming clearer. They are no longer an optional feature. They are a defining element of modern fireplace design. This return is not about nostalgia. It is about intention.

For more information

Sculpt Fireplace Collection

The post The Revival of the Cast-Iron Cheminée in Contemporary Fireplace Design appeared first on Completehome.

Interior design is moving away from overly neutral palettes and embracing materials and finishes that bring personality and presence into a space. From richer colour tones to statement patterns and advanced hybrid technology, these are the flooring trends set to define the year ahead.

A Shift Toward Warm, Earth-Inspired Colours

Cool, pale finishes are steadily giving way to warmer, more grounded tones. In 2026, homeowners are favouring natural hues such as soft ochres, warm beiges, and mid-to-deep browns that instantly create a sense of comfort and cohesion.

This change reflects a broader move away from coastal and Hamptons-style interiors toward spaces with more character and visual depth. Warm flooring tones act as a foundation rather than a backdrop, adding an organic quality that complements both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Herringbone Continues to Make a Statement

Herringbone remains one of the most sought-after flooring patterns in Australia, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing. In 2026, this classic layout continues to be a go-to choice for homeowners looking to elevate their interiors.

Often used in entryways, hallways, and open-plan living zones, herringbone introduces movement and architectural interest without overpowering a space. With herringbone now available across engineered timber, Australian species, and hybrid flooring, the look is more achievable than ever.

Embelton Flooring’s Hybrid Herringbone range offers a practical interpretation of this timeless design, combining waterproof construction and scratch resistance with refined aesthetics. Available in both 5.5mm and premium 8mm thicknesses, the range is suitable for use throughout the home, including kitchens and bathrooms.

The Return of Brown Flooring

Brown flooring is firmly back on the design radar. Once overshadowed by lighter oak tones, rich brown hues are being reintroduced as a versatile and expressive base for modern interiors.

Mid-toned browns provide warmth without feeling heavy and pair effortlessly with layered textures, natural fibres, indoor greenery, and contemporary furnishings. Embelton Flooring’s Sorra colourway is an example of this trend, offering depth and warmth while remaining adaptable across a range of design styles.

Renewed Appreciation for Australian Timbers

There is also a growing appreciation for locally sourced timber species. Australian hardwoods such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Tasmanian Oak are being embraced for their distinctive grain patterns, natural colour variation, and unmistakable character.

Expanding on this trend, Embelton Flooring has introduced Tallowwood and Grey Ironbark to its range. These species offer a more consistent appearance while retaining the authenticity of Australian timber. All products are sustainably sourced and certified, allowing homeowners to enjoy native hardwoods with confidence in their environmental impact.

Hybrid Flooring Remains a Practical Favourite

Hybrid flooring continues to dominate as a practical solution for busy households. Its waterproof properties, durability, and realistic timber textures make it well suited to everyday living, particularly in family homes and high-traffic areas.

Wideboard hybrid planks from Embelton Flooring deliver the visual appeal of natural timber while incorporating modern performance features. The result is a flooring option that balances style with resilience, making it a reliable choice for contemporary Australian homes.

Blending Materials and Layering Texture

In 2026, interior styling is increasingly focused on comfort and contrast. Mixing hard flooring in living areas with softer finishes in bedrooms creates a sense of zoning while maintaining visual flow throughout the home.

Rugs also play an important role in this layered approach. Whether bold or understated, rugs add warmth, texture, and personality to a space. Embelton Flooring’s range of natural-fibre rugs is designed to complement timber and hybrid floors, helping to create a relaxed and welcoming finish.

Looking Ahead

With flooring playing a central role in the overall feel of a home, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by warmth, texture, and thoughtful design choices. Homeowners looking to explore these emerging trends can begin by ordering free samples from Embelton Flooring and finding a style that aligns with their vision for the year ahead.

For more information

Embelton Flooring

The post 2026 Flooring Trends to Watch appeared first on Completehome.

When building or renovating a home, it’s natural to focus on the big decisions first. The layout. The kitchen. The finishes that define the overall look and feel. These are the choices that feel exciting and important at the time.

But once you’re living in the space, it’s often the smaller details that shape how your home actually feels day to day.

Light switches and power points are used constantly. First thing in the morning. Last thing at night. In every room, by everyone in the household. Yet they’re usually chosen quickly, late in the process, and with very little thought. Too often, they feel generic or slightly out of place, even in an otherwise well-designed home.

ARIA’s premium range of outlets and switches was created to change that.

Designed to Feel Right

ARIA is designed for homeowners who care about how their home feels to live in, not just how it looks. For people who notice when something feels off, even if they can’t quite explain why. ARIA brings intention to everyday elements, helping spaces feel calm, cohesive, and quietly considered.

In addition, ARIA is designed to sit naturally alongside materials like timber, stone, concrete, and painted surfaces, becoming part of the overall composition of the space.

Function That Fits Modern Living

Homes today are more flexible than ever. Laptops move from room to room. Work happens at kitchen benches, dining tables, and living spaces. Devices are charged everywhere, all the time.

ARIA includes Australia’s market-leading 65W USB-C outlet, the first capable of charging laptops directly. This removes the need for bulky power adapters and reduces visual clutter, making it easier to use spaces the way you want to.

For homeowners, it’s a small change that makes everyday life simpler and more comfortable.

Made to Last in a Home That’s Built for the Long Term

A well-designed home isn’t just about how it looks on day one. It’s about how it holds up over time.

ARIA is backed by a 25-year warranty, offering peace of mind that these everyday elements are built to last. It’s reassurance that the choices you make now won’t become problems or regrets later.

A Natural Fit for Well-Considered Homes

For those working with architects, designers, or builders, ARIA integrates seamlessly into the build process. Its design is restrained and architectural, and its installation is straightforward and familiar.

This helps ensure the finished home stays true to the original vision, without unnecessary compromises along the way.

The Quiet Details That Make a Home Feel Complete

ARIA isn’t the hero of the room. It’s the detail that completes it.

The switch you touch without thinking. The outlet that quietly supports your routine. The small decisions that help your home feel finished, comfortable, and genuinely considered.

Because the homes that feel best to live in are often the ones where even the smallest details have been given the care they deserve.

For more information

Voltex Australia

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Over the years, Dan has seen that the most iconic homes aren’t necessarily the biggest or the boldest—they’re the ones designed with purpose. They respond to their surroundings, they flow effortlessly, and they feel just right to live in.

3 Key Principles for Designing an Iconic Home

1. Respond to the site. Context is everything!

Work with your environment, not against it. Analyse your site carefully, look at how the sun moves throughout the day, where the wind comes from, the views you want to showcase or shield. A home that respects its context, whether coastal, urban, or rural, feels grounded and connected.

Hot Tip: Learn & implement passive design principles for optimal comfort & energy savings

2. Create a journey.

A great home isn’t just seen, it’s experienced. Use layout, sightlines, compression,
and expansion to create a rhythm as you move from one space to another. Frame key
views both inside and out, small glimpses of greenery, wide horizon lines, or even
moments of surprise

“Great design isn’t just about how a space looks; it’s about how it moves you. The journey through a home — the way light shifts, the moments of stillness and surprise. The best spaces don’t demand attention, they invite you in”. – Dan Sparks

3. Honour materials – Texture, tone & touch

Material choice goes deeper than aesthetics; it’s about how a space feels. Use
natural materials with honesty and intention. Think of the tactile nature of surfaces
underfoot, the warmth of timber, or the way light interacts with stone or brushed
metal. Prioritise durability, locality, and timelessness. The more authentic the
materials, the more enduring the impression and comfort they create.

The Finishing Stages – Styling

“Iconic Design Is About harmony – every detail working together.
Big Ass Fans are a feature, elevating both comfort and design with quiet confidence”. – Dan Sparks

Investing in features & appliances where it matters most helps to not only boost the aesthetic of your space, but make you live more comfortably throughout all seasons. Dan’s best tip? Invest in fixtures that are not just beautiful but are smart. From energy efficient lighting to quality ceiling fans designed to compliment architectural forms, the best design elements elevate both form and function.

The Haiku ceiling fan range from Big Ass Fans epitomises quiet luxury, with a whisper-quiet breeze expertly crafted for transeasonal comfort. Equipped with award winning smart-home technology, the Haiku series allows for comfort at your convenience without having to compromise on style and design. And the best part? The indoor Big Ass Fans range is accompanied by an industry-leading 5-year warranty meaning your investment keeps spinning, for years to come.

Shop the full Big Ass Fans range at bigassfans.com/au/residential/buynow/

The post Building an Iconic home with Dan Sparks and Big Ass Fans appeared first on Completehome.

The introduction of motorised patterned Total Blockout Roller Blinds reflects this philosophy. Bringing together expressive fabric design, true blockout performance and seamless motorisation, the range offers a refined evolution of a classic roller blind, and responds to how homes are used today.

A Thoughtful Approach to Design

For Tuiss, design begins with understanding how people live in their homes. Window furnishings play a central role in this, influencing light, privacy, comfort and atmosphere. While blockout blinds have traditionally prioritised performance, Tuiss has focused on refining their aesthetic potential as well.

The patterned Total Blockout range introduces fabrics that bring visual interest without overpowering a space. Subtle organic motifs and statement designs have been carefully selected from Tuiss’ most popular fabric collections, ensuring each pattern feels timeless rather than trend-driven.

From soft florals and calming natural forms to bolder graphic styles, the range allows homeowners to express personality through pattern, while maintaining the versatility required for everyday spaces. The result is a collection that complements contemporary interiors and adds depth and warmth through considered detail.

Pattern with Purpose

In modern homes, pattern is often used sparingly, introduced through elements that can anchor a room without dominating it. Window furnishings are uniquely placed to do just that. When closed, they become a key visual feature; when open, they frame light and views.

Tuiss’ patterned blockout fabrics are designed with this dual role in mind. Each pattern enhances a room when the blind is drawn, while remaining calm and cohesive when raised. This balance makes them well suited to living rooms, bedrooms and shared spaces where design needs to adapt throughout the day.

By offering pattern within a functional blockout solution, Tuiss bridges the gap between decorative styling and practical performance, allowing homeowners to achieve both, without compromise.

Total Blockout, Redefined

At the core of the range is Tuiss’ commitment to performance. Behind the patterned aesthetic sits a high-quality blockout design that helps rooms stay naturally darker and more comfortable.

Featuring Tuiss’ innovative no-drill, full-frame design, light gaps around the edges of the blind are eliminated, delivering a true blockout effect. This detail is particularly valuable in bedrooms, where early morning light can disrupt rest, as well as in nurseries, media rooms and shift-worker spaces where light control is essential.

Beyond light reduction, total blockout contributes to a more comfortable home environment overall. By limiting glare and UV exposure, blockout blinds help protect interiors from heat and fading, supporting more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year.

Designed for Easy Living

Ease of use is a defining principle at Tuiss Blinds Online. The no-drill installation system reflects the brand’s belief that well-designed products should feel accessible, not intimidating.

Whether renovating an entire home or updating a single room, homeowners can install these blinds without specialist tools or professional installers. This approach not only simplifies the process, but also empowers customers to take control of their home improvements with confidence.

It’s a design philosophy that aligns with the way many people approach their homes today, favouring solutions that are flexible, adaptable and easy to integrate into everyday life.

Motorisation That Fits Modern Homes

Motorisation adds another layer of functionality to the range, bringing both convenience and refinement. Tuiss motorised blinds operate quietly and smoothly, allowing blinds to be adjusted individually or across an entire room with ease.

Control is available via a handheld remote or through Tuiss’ SmartView system, which connects to a free app. This allows users to set timers, create automated scenes and manage their blinds in line with daily routines.

Morning light can be gently filtered in, evenings can transition to privacy automatically, and rooms can remain protected from heat during peak sunlight hours, all without manual adjustment. Over time, these small moments of ease contribute to a more comfortable and considered living environment.

Supporting Comfort and Efficiency

Motorised blockout blinds do more than simplify daily routines. By helping regulate light and heat, they play a role in improving the overall efficiency of a home.

In warmer months, automated blinds can reduce heat gain during the hottest parts of the day, helping interiors stay cooler. It’s a practical benefit that aligns with Tuiss’ broader focus on creating products that support how homes function, season after season.

A Brand Built on Considered Solutions

Tuiss Blinds Online draws on decades of expertise in window furnishings while offering a distinctly modern, digital-first experience. The brand’s focus is on making high-quality, made-to-measure window solutions accessible, without compromising on design, performance or service.

From fabric selection to motorisation and installation, each detail is developed with the end user in mind. The motorised patterned Total Blockout Roller Blind range reflects this holistic approach combining aesthetic appeal, technical performance and everyday usability in a single solution.

Effortless by Design

In today’s homes, the most successful design choices are those that quietly support daily life. Tuiss’ motorised patterned blockout blinds are designed to do exactly that. They offer expressive style, reliable comfort and intuitive control in equal measure.

The result is a refined window furnishing solution that feels effortless to live with, while bringing a thoughtful design presence to the home.

Learn more about Tuiss Blinds Online’s motorised patterned Total Blockout Roller Blinds at https://www.blindsonline.com.au/full-bo-roller-blinds/

The post Tuiss Redefines the Blockout Blind appeared first on Completehome.

In a climate where winter mornings can feel uncomfortably crisp, especially in older, poorly insulated Australian homes, stepping onto warm tiles is no longer just a luxury. It’s a daily comfort many Australians are discovering they don’t want to live without.

Elevated Day-to-Day Lifestyle

Australians are increasingly investing in small comforts that elevate day-to-day living. We’re spending more time at home, and homeowners want spaces that feel calming, indulgent, and personal. Heated bathroom floors deliver that boutique-hotel feeling every single morning. Floor heating is emerging as one of the most accessible everyday luxuries in home design.

Spa inspired Wellness

Stream showers, in-home saunas, and intelligent floor heating systems are set to become the future of home wellness.

As people continue prioritising mental health, recovery, and daily rituals that promote calm, homeowners are transforming their bathrooms into personal sanctuary spaces.

Technology is seamlessly blending with design: steam showers now offer aromatherapy and chromotherapy options, while compact saunas fit into modern layouts without sacrificing style. Smart floor heating creates a consistently warm, luxurious atmosphere that feels like stepping into a boutique spa every morning. Wellness at home isn’t just a luxury, it’s an intentional lifestyle upgrade focused on comfort, balance, and restorative living.

Technology and Smart Design

Floor heating is more affordable and efficient than ever. Advances in Comfort Heat Australia electric underfloor heating technology have made systems easier to control with smart thermostats, faster to install and suitable for a wide range of floor finishes

When paired with good design choices and smart control, they can operate at relatively low running cost, making them accessible to mainstream renovators rather than only the luxury market.

Comfort Heat Australia is committed to care, expertise and long-term support so you can enjoy this luxury with complete confidence.

Because the best homes aren’t just heated, they’re loved. And we’re here to help you love every moment in yours.

For more information

Comfort Heat

The post Everyday Luxury at Home – Heated Floors Are Going Mainstream appeared first on Completehome.