Shoppers across the UK are already planning their January home refresh after budget retail giant Kmart unveiled what is being tipped as the next essential furniture purchase – a softly-distressed lounge chair predicted to dominate Australian living rooms by 2026.
The Star of the Show: The Goldie Lounge Chair
Priced at $155 (approximately £122), the Goldie Lounge Chair is a versatile beige piece designed to be a 'goes-with-everything' centrepiece. Its appeal lies in a textured fabric, a relaxed silhouette, and an ability to blend into almost any interior scheme, from minimalist apartments to cosy family homes. The buzz surrounding this particular item comes as Kmart prepares to launch its most extensive homewares collection to date, the February Living range, which will land in stores and online from January.
With its gently worn-in appearance and warm hue, the chair taps directly into a broader interior design shift towards softer, more grounding spaces, a trend designers believe will define the coming year. Kmart buyer Nicholas Holmes confirmed the retailer is witnessing significant early interest. He referenced last season's success, telling the Daily Mail: "The chair of the season last year was our Chenille Como expandable chair in green, which flew off the shelves and took social media by storm." He added, "This year, we're tipping the Goldie chair to be one of the sellout sensations of the range. Get in quick because this super comfortable and aesthetically pleasing item is sure to be a real crowd pleaser."
A Collection Leaning into Global Trends
The new collection strategically blends neutral foundations with richer, deeper tones like chocolate, muted green, and serene blue to create layered, timeless spaces. Kmart's Merchandise Director Meryn Serong stated the launch responds to a growing consumer demand for affordable, design-led pieces that feel elevated without the luxury price tag. "This might be our most exciting homewares collection yet," she said, "bringing elevated simplicity, natural textures, and versatile styling to every room."
Beyond the headline-grabbing chair, the range introduces several innovative features and trends:
- Modular furniture and compression foam technology for easy customisation.
- Statement pieces like the Trove Compressed Sofa, highlighting a push towards smarter, space-conscious design.
- A strong emphasis on curved forms, sculptural silhouettes, and mixed materials across furniture and decor.
- Popular finishes including marble-look surfaces, walnut-style ribbed furniture, and velvet seating.
- Practical yet stylish kitchen and laundry essentials designed for a cohesive home look on a budget.
Predicted Sell-Outs and Everyday Upgrades
Several items are expected to sell out rapidly. These include a Mediterranean-inspired dining collection starting at just $3.50, new candle ranges in glass and ceramic vessels, and updated colourways of the viral Nico rechargeable lamp in chrome and chocolate. Even everyday household items are receiving a design upgrade, with a multi-head spin mop, reversible striped linen quilt covers, and chic stone-finish bedside tables all featured in the range.
However, it is undoubtedly the Goldie Lounge Chair that has captured the lion's share of attention. With a growing preference for warmer neutrals and tactile textures in home decor, and with 2026 forecast to favour similar palettes, Kmart's latest offering is perfectly positioned to become the defining chair of the upcoming season.
