2026 Design In’s
Bold, Personal, and Intentionally Unpolished
2026 is shaping up to be the year interiors truly find their personality again. We’re moving away from safe, mass-produced spaces and into homes that feel collected, expressive, and deeply personal. Here’s what’s defining design right now, and what we’re excited to see more of.
Fun Handles Are Having a Moment
Handles are no longer an afterthought. In 2026, they’re becoming miniature design statements. Think abstract shapes, playful silhouettes, bright colours, and tactile finishes. Handmade pieces are leading the way such as stars, shells, and sculptural forms that are often mixed rather than matched. The charm is in the contrast. A simple cabinet instantly feels custom and considered with the right handle choice.
Unexpected Pops of Colour
Hello, personality. Goodbye to the millennial urge to paint everything white. This year is all about using colour strategically and unexpectedly. Rather than overwhelming a space, designers are choosing one standout moment, like a contrasting cabinet, a bold artwork, a coloured ceiling, or a saturated door. Warm, earthy interiors are being elevated with cool-toned statement pieces, creating tension that feels intentional and modern.
Fine Details That Don’t Feel Mass-Produced
Luxury in 2026 is subtle and it’s in the details. Custom cabinetry finishes, quilted bedding, embroidery, custom artwork, handmade ceramics, custom light switches, and curtains finished with refined trimmings all contribute to a space that feels layered and lived-in. These are the elements that quietly signal quality and care. If it looks like it came straight out of a box, it’s probably not the elevated lux feel you want in your home.
Colour Drenching, Reimagined
We’ve seen colour drenching rise in 2024 and 2025, but in 2026 it’s being embraced with more confidence. Walls, ceilings, trims, and even cabinetry are wrapped in the same hue for a cocooning, immersive effect. As homeowners become bolder and more informed, we’re seeing richer colours and less hesitation—and the results feel elevated, not overpowering.
Custom Built-In Cabinetry
The “show home” look is out. In its place: spaces designed to be lived in. Custom built-ins are taking centre stage, from floor-to-ceiling bookcases and window bench seats to bespoke storage and cabinetry. These pieces anchor a home, making it feel expensive, functional, and deeply personal. It’s about setting roots and designing with longevity in mind.
Vintage Finds & Restored Pieces
Sustainability meets style with the rise of vintage and restored furniture. Instead of buying mass-produced furnishings, people are hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces with history and character. Reupholstered vintage chairs, restored timber pieces, and antique accents bring soul into modern spaces—and ensure no two homes ever look the same.
Playing It Safe Is Out
Bold is in. Confident design choices are defining 2026. This is the year of trusting your instincts, leaning into what you love, and designing spaces that feel expressive rather than perfect. Whether it’s colour, texture, scale, or contrast—safe choices are being replaced by intentional, fearless design.
Homes in 2026 aren’t about trends for trend’s sake. They’re about individuality, craftsmanship, and creating spaces that feel unmistakably yours.