Unhinged Design Predictions For 2026

Predictions are only fun when they’re a little risky, so we’re putting our names to a future that feels warmer, braver, and far more liveable. We share the moves we’re already testing with clients—laminate countertops that look sharp and wear hard, wide-blade Venetian blinds in fresh powder-coated colours, and coloured stained glass that solves privacy without killing natural light. The goal isn’t shock value; it’s designing homes that work for real life and still make your heart skip when the sun hits just right.We dig into how the shift to home hangouts is changing the brief: bigger, deeper sofas for sprawling chats, modular layouts that flex, and conversation pits for the bold. Comfort beats perfection, which flows straight into our stance on lighting—no more default downlight grids. Instead, we advocate layered ambience with wall washing, table and floor lamps, and targeted accents that flatter texture and art. If you’ve ever wondered why your room feels harsh at night, this is the fix.Texture and detail are back with a wink. Tassels, trims, and fringing add personality to drapes, cushions, and lampshades without tipping into fuss, while mirrored walls return when treated as architecture—full-height, neatly gridded, reflecting views and borrowing light in narrow halls or entries. We also unpack colour with a hot take on avocado green: pair it with warm timbers, mustard, brass, or even cobalt blue for a striking balance that dodges the 70s hangover.Threaded through it all is a mindset shift: design slow, source with intent, and let spaces evolve. We talk about resisting the fast before-and-after cycle, chasing the right vintage mirror for months, and staying open as a scheme grows. If you’re ready to host more, stress less, and build a home that feels collected instead of completed, this one’s for you.Love the conversation? Follow, share with a design-obsessed friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.Bree is now offering a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open -  Book nowLauren also offers design consultations, so if you're needing expert guidance & inspiration for your project, please reach out  @sisalla_interior_designWould you love to be part of a small group of 8 designers joining Lauren & Bree on The Design Anatomy Tour of Paris & Milan Design Week in 2027?Please reach out to us via DM @design.anatomy.podcast, or @sisalla_interior_design & @bree.banfield