Trends Editor, Colour & Materials

Colour & Materials

Colourful Paint Insulates & Cools to Reduce Energy Use

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Colour & Materials Team

Fundamental is a practical direction, powered by human industriousness, quiet resilience, and a down-to-earth outlook on life. Grounded in resourcefulness and interconnected principles, it advocates products that are built to last: sturdy, solid and sustaining, created with care. Reassuringly imperfect and unserious, it also celebrates the beauty of wear and tear. This endeavouring spirit is reflected in robust and enduring design. Abundant waste streams are revised into functional new materials and high-tech qualities ensure surfaces can withstand the realities of everyday life. A hardworking colour palette balances bold accents with mineral tones, while other geological touchpoints foster reassurance and a strong connection to earth.

Directions

Colour & Material Directions S/S 2028: Fundamental

Fundamental is a practical direction, powered by human industriousness, quiet resilience, and a down-to-earth outlook on life. Grounded in resourcefulness and interconnected principles, it advocates products that are built to last: sturdy, solid and sustaining, created with care. Reassuringly imperfect and unserious, it...

Human artistry and AI influences converge in Curio, an intriguing and stimulating direction underpinned by a desire for exclusivity, depth and discovery. It champions fresh perspectives in the wake of globalisation, and celebrates art, history and culture in the name of escapism and creativity.
Aesthetics feel progressive yet timeless, straddling physical and digital, old and new worlds. Richly layered materiality is theatrical, bolstered by eclectic detailing inspired by treasured finds. An emphasis on meticulous craft delivers uniqueness and distinction, while a titillating colour palette mixes with curious storytelling for an uncanny edge.

Colour & Material Directions S/S 2028: Curio

Human artistry and AI influences converge in Curio, an intriguing and stimulating direction underpinned by a desire for exclusivity, depth and discovery. It champions fresh perspectives in the wake of globalisation, and celebrates art, history and culture in the name of escapism and creativity.
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Infused with a gentle feminine energy, Elevate is an intentional direction driven by kindness, soft protest and a sense of solidarity. Community action, analogue pursuits and a deep desire for nourishment by learning are supported by joy-giving products, safe technology, and welcoming spaces that protect and nurture. Designing with and for the body, personal and collective wellbeing is a priority. Plump, inviting forms offer cosy, sensorial materiality, and smart active surfaces provide quietly efficient functionality. A light-filled colour palette of fresh pastels, comforting midtones and neutrals is inspired by nature in bloom.

Colour & Material Directions S/S 2028: Elevate

Infused with a gentle feminine energy, Elevate is an intentional direction driven by kindness, soft protest and a sense of solidarity. Community action, analogue pursuits and a deep desire for nourishment by learning are supported by joy-giving products, safe technology, and welcoming spaces that protect and...

Emily Gordon-Smith

Clare Acheson

Alice Leeburn

We highlight the key trends and takeaways from Melbourne International Flower &amp; Garden Show 2026 (<a rel="noopener" href="https://melbflowershow.com.au/" target="_blank">25-29 March</a>), a must-read for all garden and outdoor-living businesses. This year’s theme, ‘Kaleidoscope’, ensures a focus on colour, from dopamine-bright <a rel="noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardscape" target="_blank">hardscaping</a> to neon-tinged orchids and dreamy dahlias. Elsewhere, climate resilience and everyday achievable aesthetics have an optimistic, pragmatic feel.

Event Coverage

Key Garden Trends: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 2026

We highlight the key trends and takeaways from Melbourne International Flower &amp; Garden Show 2026 (<a rel="noopener" href="https://melbflowershow.com.au/" target="_blank">25-29 March</a>), a must-read for all garden and outdoor-living businesses. This year’s theme, ‘Kaleidoscope’, ensures a focus on colour, from...

Fiona Coleman

From mindful resilience to responsive performance, and smart personalisation to plant-based material solutions, the sports and outdoor market is thriving, offering opportunities across multiple categories and consumer demographics. We highlight the key colour, material and finish (CMF) trends and innovations for 2026 and beyond.

CMF Industry View: Sports & Outdoor 26/27

From mindful resilience to responsive performance, and smart personalisation to plant-based material solutions, the sports and outdoor market is thriving, offering opportunities across multiple categories and consumer demographics. We highlight the key colour, material and finish (CMF) trends and innovations for 2026...

Ahead of our upcoming Colour &amp; Material Directions (publishing on April 14), we present a preview of three core themes and nine key hues for S/S 2028.

Key Colours S/S 2028

The Colour Spectrum consists of 42 inspirational yet practical colours for the Spring/Summer 2028 season for application across the design industry. Alongside this comprehensive palette, we pinpoint the primary drivers and key colour stories to know.

Colour Spectrum S/S 2028

The construction industry is undergoing an essential shift towards more thoughtful futureproof design that prioritises environmental resilience. By embracing low-carbon, recycled and locally sourced natural resources like timber and stone, the sector can better root itself in sustainable, regenerative and circular practices. This holistic approach also elevates aesthetics by celebrating authentic materials and textures that harmonise with surrounding landscapes.

Building Better: Materials for Creative & Considerate Construction

The construction industry is undergoing an essential shift towards more thoughtful futureproof design that prioritises environmental resilience. By embracing low-carbon, recycled and locally sourced natural resources like timber and stone, the sector can better root itself in sustainable, regenerative and circular...

Marian Berelowitz

Exhibitions act as global cultural barometers – capturing the zeitgeist, exposing consumers to shifting aesthetic currents, and spotlighting rising creatives and cultural values. In the first instalment of our biannual round-up, we highlight nine exhibition trends set to influence ideas, products, design and fabrication across a host of industries.

Exhibitions act as global cultural barometers – capturing the zeitgeist, exposing consumers to shifting aesthetic currents, and spotlighting rising creatives and cultural values. In the first instalment of our biannual round-up, we highlight nine exhibition trends set to influence ideas, products, design and fabrication...

Global Exhibition Trends 2026: Part One

Chloe Frost

Forming part of our Future Flavours Forecast 26/27, this report comprises three visual themes devised by Stylus’s Colour &amp; Materials team. Building on our <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.stylus.com/colour-materials/colour-material-directions-a-w-26-27" target="_blank" class="Hyperlink SCXW421785 BCX0">A/W 26/27 Directions</a>, it translates the key flavour and taste sensations for 2026 into actionable colour palettes and inspirational aesthetics to inform packaging, products, food styling, kitchen interiors and dining experiences. The <a id="menurihn" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27" target="_blank" title="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" aria-label="Link Future Flavours Forecast 26/27">Future Flavours Forecast 26/27</a> consists of four reports. Also read <a id="menurihp" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-radical-sweetness" target="_blank" title="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-radical-sweetness" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" aria-label="Link Radical Sweetness">Radical Sweetness</a>, <a id="menurihr" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-sharp-savoury" target="_blank" title="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-sharp-savoury" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" aria-label="Link Sharp &amp; Savoury">Sharp &amp; Savoury</a> and <a id="menuriht" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-global-flavour-escapism" target="_blank" title="https://app.stylus.com/food-beverage/future-flavours-forecast-26-27-global-flavour-escapism" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" aria-label="Link Global Flavour Escapism">Global Flavour Escapism</a>.

Food & Beverage

Future Flavours Forecast: 26/27 – Visual Directions

Forming part of our Future Flavours Forecast 26/27, this report comprises three visual themes devised by Stylus’s Colour &amp; Materials team. Building on our <a rel="noreferrer noopener"...

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Colourful Paint Insulates & Cools to Reduce Energy Use