EXPLORING CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS IN 2026

Use countertop and backsplash material that mimic the look and feel of natural stone in the kitchen, bathroom, and even your work desk – Using quartz countertops that look like marble, like Calacatta or Carrara from companies like Caesarstone or Silestone, is still going to be popular in 2026. Once upon a time designers would specify real marble (or granite) except these materials aren’t as durable as quartz, are more porous, and need to be sealed once or twice a year. They're also more prone to staining, which is why more people have resorted to using quartz as it looks like the real thing but is easier to live with on a day-to-day basis due to its synthetic qualities. And if you want a more luxurious look, make sure to use the same type of Calacatta or Carrara material on the backsplash, range hood, and on both sides of your kitchen island (which we refer to as a ‘waterfall’ countertop) as well if your budget will allow it. And if you want a more luxurious look, make sure to use the same type of quartz material on the backsplash, range hood, and on both sides of your kitchen island (commonly referred to as a ‘waterfall’ countertop) as well if your budget will allow it.

Use lighter shades of wood and complement this with black metal finishes and/or fabrics – Many contemporary interiors in 2026 will continue to use naturally coloured wood in their design schemes. Take this space pictured below with the floors, table, and sideboard all using the same light shade of wood complemented by white painted walls, ceiling and baseboards. Using these lighter finishes can make a space look - and feel - bigger and airier, which is great if you live in a smaller space and want to trick the eye into thinking that you have more square footage than you really have. I typically advise clients to balance out all the light elements with a dark finish, such as painting the window frame black and getting a coordinating black pendant light fixture and dining chair fabric, which is great for concealing those hard-to-remove food stains like ketchup or soy sauce.

Use tactile fabrics like boucle or chenille for your work area task chair and natural linen for the curtains – I like to use sofa and dining chair fabric material that has a nice visual texture and feel to it like boucle (with its springy loops) or chenille (which has a soft and deep pile). Velvet is another luxurious option as it has a plush feel that adds a richness and sophistication to any space. Modern, high-quality synthetic or blended velvets are durable and often stain-resistant, especially if spills are attended to quickly via blotting or calling a specialist technician who knows how to professionally clean fabrics. For the curtains, I would recommend using a natural-fibre fabric like linen. It’s not inherently stain-proof so if you’re going to use this for seating, I recommend using a fabric protector ike ProtectME, which is a water-based, non-flammable, odorless, and non-toxic product that is also people and pet-friendly.

Use a mix of rounded shapes + straight-edged pieces – If you look at the living room pictured below, you’ll notice a nice mix of curvy and straight shapes, like the sofa nicely finished off in an orange fabric sitting opposite two very boxy looking white armchairs. You’ll see this dynamic (curved vs. straight) visual tension being balanced out by the perfectly round coffee table with angular legs to mimic the straight up and down lines of the pair of white accent armchairs. You’ll also see more straight lines in the hanging pendants, the rigid square shaped console table in the corner, geometrically patterned area rug, and brick-pattern ceramic floor tile. And then you’ll see all these straight up and down, left and right lines being offset by the round floor lamp and round end table under the plant for a relaxed & vibrant modern aesthetic.

Use soft organic cotton for your bedding – If the living room and dining room elements are more oriented towards function and standing up to the everyday rigours of life, it’s okay to use more natural and organic materials for the bedding, which doesn’t need as much protection from food or liquid spillage (assuming you don’t eat meals while you're in bed) as much as in the eating and socializing areas. So for the bedding and curtain materials, you can use organic cotton and linen so that it feels soft against your skin. I highly recommend thread counts of between 400 to 600 for bed sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, offering a balance of comfort, breathability, and durability. The lower the thread count, the rougher and less durable bedding fabrics will be, which is why they are generally cheaper in price than higher thread count beddings which can last you for many years and will feel more luxurious. Your bedroom nightstand is also a good place to put greenery, as the leaves give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide which make them healthy to be around and also nice to look at as well as help to soften the hard edges of a room.