Steal their style
by Metropol | July 8, 2026 8:34 am
From décor to statement details, we deciphered three key trends that came across in winning Canterbury homes from the 2026 New Zealand Architecture Awards.
Award-winning homes are some of the best places to find inspiration for new ways to style or elevate your space. True to their status (each home must first be awarded at a regional level before being shortlisted by the national awards jury), these homes are occupied by those with an eye for detail, creative talent, and inventive styling standards. Take a leaf from their book and consider how different elements could come together in your home.
1. Modern retro
Warm tones and playful interiors with a distinctly contemporary feel is how we would describe the trending modern retro aesthetic. It doesn’t work for every home, but whether through colour or decorative elements, you can easily intertwine that vintage feel into your space.
2. Moody rooms
Cantabrians (including Andy Ellis, see a feature of his home from page 61) are swapping white walls for moody rooms and daring beauty with dark hues. If you want to switch to the dark side, choose a space that lends itself to dramatic tones, like a living room or bedroom, and try doing so with trending navy or charcoal shades.
3. Statement art and lighting
Bold but personal artworks and standout lighting are key themes in winning homes, with tones and materials drawing from the styling decisions that surround them. Beautiful wooden lighting lends itself to timber frames, while art complements the aesthetic of the room it sits in. For your own space, think about how part of your personality or passions can become a statement through art or lighting.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/steal-their-style/