__________________________________________________________________________________________ Sustainable
Design shift: quality over quantity, with every inch thoughtfully designed.
Even the smallest details can carry weight. Interior doors and hardware, for example, are often overlooked but make an enormous difference. These are tactile elements you interact with every day, and they should be built to last. A solid door with hardware that feels good in your hand elevates the everyday experience of living in a space.
My advice for anyone designing a home right now? Forget about impressing others. Design for yourself. Choose what you love, what supports your lifestyle, and what feels authentic to who you are. If you look back through history, the homes that endure are those built with real materials, quality craftsmanship, and a sense of personal story.
As for color, I’ m excited about the evolution toward rich, muddy tones- earthy shades with depth and subtlety. They bring a sense of grounding while still feeling bold. Minimalism, too, isn’ t going anywhere, but it’ s evolving. It doesn’ t have to feel cold or stark; with the right finishes and textures, minimal spaces can be incredibly warm and inviting.
We’ re also seeing new ways people use their homes. More clients- especially entrepreneurs- are opening their doors to host clients, teams, or events. Homes are becoming hubs for connection and community, not just private sanctuaries. And every room should serve a purpose; gone are the days of formal rooms collecting dust.
On the material front, stone is being pushed in exciting new directions: used for shower walls, baseboards, even trim details traditionally done in wood. Fabrication techniques are opening fresh possibilities, and I expect this will only continue to expand.
Above all, personalization is driving design. Just as people curate their personal brand
through social media, wardrobes, or cars, they want their homes to be an extension of who they are. In 2026, we’ ll see even more spaces that tell a story- homes that feel aligned with their owners’ identities, values, and everyday lives.
For me, that’ s what great design is all about: not just creating a space that looks beautiful, but one that feels like you. ■
▼ Photo credit: Maiso Media
Nicole Roe www. rnicksoninteriors. com
Nicole Roe is Founder of R. Nickson Interiors, a full-service interior design studio rooted in bold vision, intentional living, and deep expertise in both construction and design. The firm exists to design more than just beautiful rooms – it designs spaces that elevate your personal brand, reflect your lifestyle, and work hard behind the scenes. Nicole’ s background in construction and business development gives R. Nickson Interiors a unique edge in the design industry. With over a decade of experience, she understands the full scope of a project- from rough plans to finishing touches. This means less stress for you, better communication across teams, and a smoother path to stunning results.
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