On our radar
by Metropol | July 22, 2026 8:33 am
From the insights of local interior designers to takeaways from award-winning Canterbury homes, here are three homestyle features we can’t stop thinking about.
1. The statement sofa
Vogue Living says this might be the piece of furniture to have in 2026. The statement sofa isn’t necessarily the one you sink into for a movie night or after a long day at work, but it is the one that gives you joy in just one glance. Creating an instant focal point through proportion, shape, colour or texture, a statement sofa can anchor your living room (or bedroom if it’s big enough) and require less thought or visual clutter around it – one key couch equals less styling of décor overall. Local interior designer Olivia Kennedy says not to discriminate when sourcing your statement sofa, you might find it in a high-end store or at a second-hand shop.
2. Colour drenching
Painting walls, ceilings, skirting boards, and doors in the same shade, colour drenching removes ‘visual breaks’ and blurs a room’s boundaries. Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper says “Colour drenching can really transform a room. It’s modern, cohesive, and creates a real mood. It’s not the colours themselves – it’s the combinations that make them feel fresh and exciting. Colour drenching is a way to uplift a space and make it feel both interesting and unified.”
3. The timber treatment
As society moves towards a more lived-in lifestyle, an obsession with wood is becoming apparent. Its natural tone blends seamlessly with both minimalist and ‘more is more’ aesthetics, whether vintage or brand new. Experts in the industry say to never match the wood grain in one room, instead choose to layer timber tones to keep the eye entertained. From kitchens to bedheads, flooring to furniture, wood in general is becoming a big player in 2026 interior design decisions.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/on-our-radar/