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| by Hannah Richardson

The 2026 Home Trends You Need to Know

The 2026 Home Trends You Need to Know

This year is all about creating spaces that truly feel like yours. 

There’s a quiet shift happening in the way we think about our homes. After years of chasing curated perfection (think the flawless flat lay, clinical white rooms) 2026 is asking something different of us. Whether you’re rethinking a single corner or planning a full transformation, this year’s defining trends share one central idea: your home should serve your life, not the other way around. 

Here’s what we’re loving right now. 

Interiors: Warmth, Texture & The Beauty of Being Home 
Lived-In Interiors 

Perfection is out. Soul is in. The sterile, staged interior is giving way to spaces that feel genuinely inhabited, where a stack of books belongs on the side table, a favourite throw drapes across the sofa, and personal objects tell a story. 

This isn’t an excuse for chaos; it’s an invitation to be intentional about the right kind of imperfection. Gentle layering, meaningful objects, rooms that tell you something about the people who live in them. The result? A home that feels like an embrace the moment you walk through the door. 

Colour Drenching 

If you’ve been holding back from committing to colour, this is your sign! Colour drenching - wrapping an entire room in a single hue, from walls to ceiling to woodwork – is a trend that isn’t just surviving the cycle, it’s thriving. There’s something deeply cocooning about being fully surrounded by one considered tone, whether that’s a dusty sage, a deep teal, or a burnt terracotta. 

The key is choosing a colour that suits the mood of the room, not just the mood board. Bedrooms crave depth. Living rooms carry warmth. Hallways can afford to be dramatic. 

Warm, Dark Tones 

Lighter neutrals are stepping aside for something richer. Deep, moody wood tones bring an immediate sense of sophistication and grounded-ness to interiors, working beautifully alongside colour drenching to amplify warmth and immersion.  

Our InsuSlat™️ range leans naturally into this moment. Its deeper tonal palette pairs effortlessly with the enveloping interiors defining 2026, offering a refined backdrop that feels current without chasing trends. 

Decorative Detailing 

The details are having their moment. Fringing, beading, and intricate embellishments are making a confident return – less about maximalism, more about the considered addition of texture and visual interest. 

Look for these details in soft furnishings, lampshades, cushion trims, and upholstery. A single fringed throw or beaded cushion can shift the entire feeling of a room, adding a layer of artistry that polished minimalism simply can’t replicate. 

Three-Dimensional Framing 

There’s a growing appetite for surfaces and forms with genuine physical presence, not just visual interest, but something you want to reach out and touch. Intentionally sculpted edges and raw, tactile finishes bring artisanal energy to interiors, grounding spaces in something that feels handcrafted and real.  

Our Tramonto and Tessaro mirrors were made for this moment. Their dimensional frames bring exactly that quality of raw artistry, a sense that these are objects with integrity, not just accessories. Hung against a colour-drenched wall or above a richly toned console, they become genuine focal points. 

Spaces for Mental Wellness 

Perhaps the most significant shift of all is the intentional design of spaces that support our mental health. Decompression zones, reading nooks, quiet corners designed for nothing more than stillness.  

Think: a well-placed armchair by a window, a shelf holding only what brings calm, lighting that softens as the evening draws in, and soundproofing that turns a room into a true cocoon. 

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Summer Garden Party Ideas: Creating the Perfect Space for Entertaining

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There’s something special about bringing people together outdoors. Whether it’s a relaxed family barbecue, drinks with friends or a long afternoon that turns into an evening under the lights, summer is the perfect time to make the most of your garden.  The good news is that creating a welcoming space for entertaining doesn’t require a complete garden makeover. A few thoughtful design choices can completely transform how your outdoor space looks, feels and functions.  From creating distinct zones to choosing the right lighting, here’s how to design a garden that’s ready for every summer gathering.  Start by Thinking About How You Entertain Before moving furniture or buying new accessories, think about how you actually use your garden.  Designing around your lifestyle will always lead to a more enjoyable space than simply following the latest trends. 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How Decorative Screens Can Add Privacy Without Blocking Light

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A Simple Way to Transform Your Outdoor Space Sometimes it’s the smallest design decisions that have the biggest impact. Decorative screens offer an elegant solution for homeowners who want greater privacy without sacrificing natural light or making their garden feel enclosed.  Whether you’re creating a secluded seating area, dividing different zones or simply adding a striking design feature, they combine practicality with style in a way few other garden products can.  Thoughtfully places, a decorative screen doesn’t just change how your garden looks, it changes how you use it. And that’s what great garden design is all about. 

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National Simplicity Day: 5 Ways to Create a Calm, Minimalist Garden Retreat

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By Hannah Richardson
The Ultimate Guide to Creating Mediterranean Gardens in the UK

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Mediterranean Gardens in the UK

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These tones create an immediate sense of warmth and provide the perfect backdrop for both planting and outdoor living.  When choosing hard landscaping or garden features, avoid overly bright colours or highly polished finishes. Instead, focus on materials and textures that feel natural and lived in. Warm neutrals allow planting and statement pieces to take centre stage while creating a cohesive look throughout the month.  Create Distinct Outdoor Living Areas One of the defining features of Mediterranean gardens is their emphasis on outdoor living.   Rather than one large, open space, these gardens often feel like a collection of connected rooms, each designed with a specific purpose.   Consider creating dedicated zones for dining and entertaining, relaxation and reading, cooking or outdoor kitchens, container planting displays, and quiet corners for morning coffee.   Decorative screens can be particularly effective for defining these spaces without making the garden feel enclosed. They provide structure, privacy and visual interest while allowing sunlight and airflow to move freely. The result is a garden than feels intimate, welcoming and full of character.   Choose Plants That Thrive in UK Conditions The good news is that many Mediterranean-inspired plants perform remarkably well in British gardens.   Some popular options include: Olive Trees Nothing says Mediterranean quite like an olive tree. Whether planted in the ground or showcased in large statement planters, they instantly establish the desired aesthetic and provide year-round structure.  Lavender Fragrant, drought-tolerant and loved by pollinators, lavender is a natural choice. Plant it along pathways, borders or around seating areas to create both visual impact and sensory appeal.  Rosemary and Other Herbs Mediterranean gardens often blur the line between ornamental and practical planting. 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They can be used to separate seating areas, disguise less attractive features or create focal points within planting schemes.   The intricate patterns and shadows they create throughout the day add another layer of visual interest, particularly during summer evenings.   Embrace Natural Textures Stone, wood, textured finishes and natural materials all contribute to the relaxed, timeless feel that defines the style.  You don’t need to replicate a Tuscan villa exactly. Instead, focus on incorporating elements that feel organic and understated. Consider gravel pathways, terracotta accessories, textured ceramics, weathered finishes, soft linen furnishings, and timber or natural-look furniture.  These details work together to create an environment that feels comfortable rather than overly designed. Prioritise Outdoor Dining If there’s one thing Mediterranean cultures understand, it’s the importance of eating outdoors. Creating a dedicated entertaining space should therefore sit at the heart of any Mediterranean-inspired garden.  A large dining table, comfortable seating and thoughtful lighting can transform even modest spaces into destinations for gathering with friends and family.   String lights, lanterns and potted herbs help establish an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting long after the sun has gone down. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating somewhere people genuinely want to spend time.   Keep Things Relaxed and Uncluttered Perhaps the most important lesson Mediterranean gardens teach us is simplicity. They aren’t filled with endless accessories or constantly changing trends. Instead, they focus on quality materials, timeless planting and spaces designed for everyday enjoyment.  Choose pieces that will age beautifully, invest in durable garden features, and allow planting to mature naturally.   And remember that some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces are those that feel effortless rather than overly curated.   Bringing Mediterranean Living to British Gardens Creating a Mediterranean garden in the UK isn’t about recreating southern Europe exactly as it is. It’s about capturing a feeling.  A slower pace of life. More time outdoors. Spaces designed for entertaining, relaxing and enjoying nature. By combining drought-tolerant planting, warm natural tones, thoughtful zoning and long-lasting garden features, it’s entirely possible to create an outdoor retreat that feels sun-soaked and welcoming, even on a typical British summer’s day.  Because ultimately, Mediterranean living isn’t defined by the weather. It’s defined by how we choose to use the spaces around us.  

By Hannah Richardson
How to Choose the Right Driveway Gate: A Complete Guide

How to Choose the Right Driveway Gate: A Complete Guide

A driveway gate does far more than mark the entrance to your property.   It’s one of the first things visitors notice, a key element of your home’s kerb appeal, and an important investment in both privacy and security. The right gate should feel like a natural extension of your home, complementing its architecture while meeting the practical needs of everyday life.  But with so many styles, materials and configurations available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.  Whether you’re replacing an existing gate or choosing one for a brand-new project, here’s everything you need to consider before making your decision.   Start With the Purpose of Your Gate Before looking at colours or styles, it’s worth asking a simple question: what do you want your driveway gate to achieve? For some homeowners, security is the priority. Others are looking to create more privacy, keep children or pets safely enclosed, or simply elevate the appearance of their property. In many cases, it’s a combination of all four.  Understanding your priorities from the outset will help narrow down the options and ensure you choose a gate that works both practically and aesthetically.   Consider the Style of Your Home  Your driveway gate should complement your property’s character rather than compete with it.  A sleek, contemporary home often suits clean lines, minimalist detailing and horizontal slats, while period properties may benefit from more traditional designs and softer architectural features.  The goal isn’t necessarily to match every detail exactly, but to create harmony between your home and its entrance.  Think about:  Existing fencing and boundary treatments  The colour palette of your property The style of your front door and windows The overall character of the surrounding landscape  A well-chosen gate feels intentional, almost as though it has always belonged there.   Swing Gates or Sliding Gates?  One of the most important practical decisions is choosing between a swing gate and a sliding gate.  Swing gates remain the most common option for residential properties. They can open inwards or outwards and create a classic, elegant entrance. They're particularly well suited to driveways with ample space and relatively level ground.  They have a traditional appearance and simpler installation, with lower maintenance requirements.   Meanwhile, sliding gates are ideal for homes where space is limited or where steep driveways make traditional swing mechanisms impractical. Rather than opening into the driveway, they move horizontally along a track or cantilever system.  They offer excellent space efficiency and suit modern aesthetics. They’re more secure and can have smooth automated operation.  The right choice ultimately depends on your property’s layout and how you use the space on a daily basis.   Choosing the Right Material  The material you select will significantly impact both the appearance and maintenance requirements of your gate. While aesthetics are important, it’s equally important to consider maintenance, longevity and how much upkeep you’re realistically prepared to take on.   Aluminium  Aluminium has become one of the most popular choices for modern homes, and it’s easy to see why.  Lightweight yet incredibly durable, aluminium, won’t rust, warp or rot, making it perfectly suited to the British climate. It requires very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and retains its appearance for years without the need for sanding, staining or repainting.  Available in a wide range of colours and contemporary styles, aluminium offers a clean, timeless finish that works beautifully with both traditional and modern properties.   For homeowners looking for a long-term investment with minimal upkeep, it’s an increasingly attractive option.   Composite  Composite gates combine the appearance of natural timber with the practical benefits of modern materials.  They provide warmth and texture while being far more resistant to weathering and moisture damage than traditional wood. Composite boards don’t require annual treatment and maintain a consistent appearance throughout the seasons.  For those who love the look of timber but want a low-maintenance solution, composite offers an excellent middle ground.   Timber  Timber remains a classic choice and can bring character and charm to certain properties, particularly period homes and rural settings.  However, it does require significantly more maintenance than modern alternatives.   Wood is naturally affected by changing weather conditions. Over time, gates can warp, swell, crack or fade if not regularly treated and protected. Painting, staining and ongoing maintenance become an essential part of preserving both appearance and structural integrity.  While many homeowners still love the natural beauty of timber, others are increasingly opting for aluminium or composite options that deliver a similar sense of style without the long-term upkeep.   When choosing a material, it’s worth considering not just how your gate will look on installation day, but how it will perform five or ten years down the line.   Manual or Automated?  Automation has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to understand why.  An automated gate offers convenience, particularly during poor weather or busy mornings when getting in and out of the car multiple times is less than ideal.  Modern systems can be operated using remote controls, keypads, smartphone applications, and intercom systems.  While automation involves greater upfront investment, many homeowners find the added convenience and security well worth considering. If you’re planning to automate your gate in the future, it’s wise to account for this during the initial design and installation process.   Choosing the Right Colour  Colour can dramatically influence the overall appearance of your entrance.  Classic shades such as black, anthracite grey and muted neutrals continue to dominate modern exterior design, offering versatility and timeless appeal.   When selecting a colour, consider existing features around your property, including window frames, front doors, garage doors, fencing, and exterior cladding or brickwork. Creating consistency across these elements help establish a cohesive, considered look.  Think Long Term  A driveway gate isn’t something most homeowners replace frequently. It's worth thinking beyond immediate trends and focusing on choices that will continue to work for your home in years to come.  Ask yourself: Will I still love this design in ten years? How much maintenance am I realistically prepares to undertake? Does the gate suit potential future improvements to the property? Is durability more important than initial cost savings? Investing in quality materials and timeless design often proves more cost-effective in the long run.   The Right Gate Should Feel Like It Belongs  Ultimately, the best driveway gate is one that feels entirely at home on your property.  It should enhance security without feeling imposing, complement your home’s architecture and provide practical benefits that make everyday life easier.   Whether you prefer contemporary aluminium designs, traditional craftsmanship or something uniquely tailored to your space, taking the time to consider both style and function will ensure your investment stands the test of time.  After all, a driveway gate isn’t simply an entrance, it’s the first impression your home makes, and one you’ll see every single day.  

By Hannah Richardson

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