When building a new home, design choices can be overwhelming. Decision fatigue is real!
As a custom new home builder servicing Brisbane, Lilywood and the Sunshine Coast, we work closely with our clients to ease the colour selection process and to create homes that feel warm, liveable and beautifully considered.
Many of the selections below are featured in our Lilywood display home and are proving to be firm favourites with clients right now.
Paint That Performs: Our Trusted System with Wattyl
Paint sets the foundation for the entire home, so both colour and application matter.
We use a three-coat paint system with Wattyl, paired with their Wattyl ID and Solar Guard ranges. This ensures:
One of our most-loved paint colours right now is Confetti Shower.
It sits perfectly in the sweet spot of being warm but not yellow, soft, neutral and incredibly versatile.
Our preferred application:
This approach allows the home to feel cohesive inside and out, while responding properly to different lighting conditions.
Colour Changes with Light
Paint colour is heavily influenced by light, orientation and application.
The same colour can look completely different:
External light tends to wash colours out, which is why full strength often works best outside. Indoors, artificial lighting and shadowing can deepen tones, making half strength a more balanced and timeless choice.
Kitchens: Heart of the Home
Kitchens have always been the heart of the home and they’re the most important internal design feature.
Gone are the days of all-white kitchens being the default. In 2026 kitchens are warmer, more inviting and full of character & still timeless.
Timber-Look Cabinetry from Polytec
Timber-look cabinetry continues to be incredibly popular, and for good reason. It adds warmth, texture and depth without overpowering the space.
Paired with soft stone and warm paint tones, timber kitchens feel welcoming and enduring.
Stone That Elevates the Space (Without Breaking the Budget)
We work closely with YDL Stone, and many clients are surprised to learn that upgrading to their Deluxe range of 20mm engineered stone often doesn’t significantly impact the overall build budget.
Current Favourite: Misty Dusk
Misty Dusk, featured in our Lilywood display home, is a standout choice. It’s a warm, elegant neutral that works beautifully across kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, offering depth without dominating the space.
Tiles: Travertine-Look Leading Into 2026
Travertine-look tiles from Tile Collective are emerging as one of the most popular choices heading into 2026.
They’re loved for their:
These tiles work particularly well in bathrooms, showers, alfresco areas and feature spaces.
Where We Recommend Adding Colour
A neutral home doesn’t mean a boring home.
We always suggest adding colour in elements that are easy to update over time, such as:
This keeps the base of the home timeless, while allowing personality and colour to evolve as styles change.
The Kiba Built Design Philosophy
As a Brisbane and Sunshine Coast builder, our design philosophy is simple:
By combining quality suppliers, thoughtful colour application and cohesive material choices, we help our clients create homes that feel calm, liveable and truly considered.
Whether you’re visiting our Lilywood display home or planning your own new home build, our team is here to guide you through every design decision with clarity and confidence.
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