Creating a home that truly reflects you is about more than choosing colours and cushions — it’s about shaping a space that supports your lifestyle from day one. In this guest blog for Thirteen Homes, the team at Interhouse Design share their 2026 interior design insights to help you personalise your new space with confidence. Whether you’ve just moved into your shared ownership home or you’re looking to refresh a room, these practical tips will help you balance style, comfort and clever use of space to make your house feel unmistakably yours.

TH: What interior design trends do you see coming up this season?

In 2026, warmth is defining our interiors—from colour and texture to timber finishes and artwork. Cool, icy tones are giving way to earthy, nurturing hues, creating spaces that feel more welcoming and lived-in. Instead of sticking to one colour palette, we’re embracing a layered mix of terracotta, browns, and olives, combined with tactile textures and patterns to create interiors that feel like cosy, comforting sanctuaries.

TH: What’s one piece of advice you would give to new home buyers wanting to decorate their home?

Let your home reflect your individuality. Trends come and go, but personal style endures. Choose a palette you’re drawn to, then thoughtfully layer colour, texture, and pattern. An interior that reflects your personality is one you’ll never tire of—and one you’ll always be happy to return to.

TH: Is there a room that you would always advise people to start with when decorating/designing their new home?

While many people start with the living room or main bedroom, a considered interior begins with the bigger picture. I always start by developing a paint palette of five or six colours to run throughout the home, before sourcing wallpapers and fabrics that sit comfortably within it. This sense of continuity creates flow and ultimately results in a more cohesive interior.

TH: What are your go to high street home wear brands that would help people design/decorate their home on a budget?

We’re big fans of the high street — and it just keeps getting better. Today’s brands are incredibly good at capturing the look of high-end interiors at a fraction of the price. Stores like Marks & Spencer, H&M, Zara Home, The Range and Homesense are go-to favourites for stylish, affordable finds. It’s also worth dipping into interior magazines, which regularly feature “get the look for less” guides packed with clever ways to recreate designer style on a budget.

TH: Similarly, what brands/ideas would you recommends to those wanting to decorate their home sustainably or as best for the environment as possible? And are you seeing a shift in people wanting to be more conscious and sustainable in their interior designing?

There has been a noticeable shift in consumer demand towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly home products. Many smaller brands, such as Nkuku and Made, now offer ethical, eco-friendly furnishings, while larger high-street retailers like Zara Home and H&M have also introduced sustainable interior ranges. At the same time, consumers are increasingly prioritising longevity and quality, favouring timeless, well-made pieces over disposable, fast-fashion homeware.

TH: What do you find is the best way to utilise space in a home, especially for smaller homes with less storage?

Many furniture items come with built-in storage, such as ottoman beds, coffee and side tables, and wall-hung shelving units. Choosing multi-functional pieces allows your furniture to work harder for you while keeping your home clutter-free. These solutions are especially useful in smaller spaces, as are extending dining tables and stackable dining chairs.

Built-in wardrobes are an excellent way to use space far more efficiently than freestanding furniture. Mounting your TV on the wall instead of placing it on a media unit can also help free up valuable floor space in your living area.

Make the most of every inch by incorporating built-in storage wherever possible — such as a desk in an under-stairs nook, a wall-mounted shelf desk, or floor-to-ceiling storage that takes full advantage of ceiling height.

TH: Bold or neutral?

Our top piece of advice? Do what you love, try not to follow high-fashion interior trends too closely—your space can quickly start to feel dated. If you’re obsessed with a trend, focus on soft furnishings and accessories instead, as these are easier to swap out over time.

TH: What colours do you think work well in smaller rooms?

A small room can work just as well with a dark paint colour as it can with a light one. What’s more important is the room’s orientation—whether it faces north or south. Once you know this, you may need to adjust the tone of your chosen colour. For example, if you want to paint a room green and it faces north, opt for a warmer green with yellow undertones; otherwise, the space may feel cold. In a south-facing room that receives plenty of natural light, cooler greens work beautifully.

Based in Harrogate, Interhouse Design have a team of designers who are responsible for taking your interior designs needs from conception to completion and we have had the pleasure of working with them on our Howards Green marketing suite, Bishops Vale Show homes and are currently planning our show homes at Harefield Gardens, Ormesby which we can’t wait to welcome you to soon!