Every project starts on a materials board long before it starts on site — the tiles, the hardware, the fabric samples pinned next to a paint chip. Here's what's been showing up on ours lately, and what it says about where interiors are headed.
Fluted wood and MDF panelling has moved from feature walls into wardrobes, kitchen islands, and even ceiling coves. It adds texture and shadow-play to a surface that would otherwise be flat, without needing a bold color or pattern to do the work.
Polished, high-shine marble is giving way to a honed matte finish on countertops and flooring. It hides fingerprints and water marks far better in daily use, and it reads as quieter and more contemporary than a glossy surface.
Cabinet handles, tap fittings, and door hardware in matte black or brushed brass continue to replace chrome as the default. Both finishes age well, show fewer fingerprints than polished metal, and pair easily with the warmer wall colors we're also seeing more of.
Reclaimed wood, recycled glass surfaces, and low-VOC finishes are being requested more often, not just by clients who ask for them by name but as a default preference once we mention the option. It's a shift we expect to keep growing.
Walls and cabinetry are trending toward warm off-whites, soft greiges, and muted earth tones rather than the cool, stark white that dominated the last decade. It's a small shift on paper that changes the entire mood of a room.
Curious how any of these would look in your own home? Share a few photos of your space with our team and we'll suggest materials and finishes that fit both your style and your budget.
