Future of Australian Home Design: Neale Whitaker Unveils Eight Key Trends
As the demand for flexible, resilient, and wellness-focused homes continues to rise, design expert Neale Whitaker has unveiled eight home styles set to shape the future of Australian home design and architecture in 2025.
Presented as part of the annual James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast, the trends highlight the evolving priorities of homeowners in response to social and environmental factors.
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Now in its second year, the Forecast draws on research blending global and local lifestyle influences, AI-driven home design analytics, and expert insights from leading architects and designers. The report is complemented by eight new Design Handbooks, slated for release in late March, which will offer practical guidance for homeowners, designers, and builders looking to bring these emerging styles to life.
The Eight Home Design Styles Defining 2025
Box Modern | A bold and geometric approach to modular design, emphasising sharp lines and striking simplicity.
Modern Farmhouse | A fusion of rustic charm and modern convenience, featuring pitched roofs and expansive windows to connect with the landscape.
Modern Heritage | A renovation-led style that blends historical elements with contemporary aesthetics, using colour, shape, and materials to contrast old and new.
Japandi | A harmonious combination of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese rustic minimalism, fostering comfort and a connection to nature.
Barn | Offering high ceilings, open floor plans, and a strong link to outdoor spaces, this style adapts rural charm for urban living.
Modern Coastal | A sleek reinterpretation of classic coastal homes, balancing indoor-outdoor living with resilience against Australia’s climate.
Mid-Century Modern | Timeless in its practicality and simplicity, this style merges modernist ideals with nostalgic architectural elements.
Modern Classical | A contemporary take on neoclassical elegance, blending traditional grandeur with whimsical details.
Beyond aesthetics, the Modern Homes Forecast highlights key drivers of change in Australian home design. Wellbeing is taking centre stage, with Australians prioritising spaces that foster connection, creativity, and comfort. Research indicates that one-third of Australians experience loneliness often, leading to a renewed focus on homes that promote wellness through outdoor integration, thermal performance, and advanced filtration systems.
Environmental resilience is another major influence, as rising energy costs and extreme weather events reshape building priorities. Sustainable materials, fire and moisture-resistant construction, and smarter design solutions are becoming essential rather than optional.
“In 2025, homes need to deliver more for less,” says Neil Hipwell, Founder of Futureflip. “We’re helping Australians create smaller, smarter homes that maximise space while keeping costs manageable. This year is all about innovation—using sustainable materials, adapting to climate challenges, and designing for long-term flexibility.”
As Australian homeowners look to the future, the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast serves as a valuable guide, offering expert-backed insights into how to build homes that are not only stylish but also practical, resilient, and forward-thinking.
Images via James Hardie
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