Last Friday, I attended a press preview of Grand Designs Live 2026 at ExCeL London. As a fan of the TV show, I knew seeing the design inspiration brought to life would be a real treat. Even better, it brings together a brilliant collection of home and design inspiration, from expert talks and live consultations to the latest products and innovations.
My main aim was to explore the Grand House (a stunning show home showcasing real-life interior design ideas), while also keeping an eye out for any exciting innovations along the way.
Here are some of the standout home design trends of 2026 that caught my eye.
Clean Fuel Fireplace
Sero Clean Fuel Fireplace
The clean-fuel fireplace from Sero Fireplace was one of my favourite discoveries at the Grand House. Crafted from steel, the Sero bioethanol fireplace uses a high-performance bioethanol burner with BEV technology to create a real flame (all without the need for a chimney). Pretty revolutionary, right? I also love that it runs on renewable bioethanol fuel and uses advanced vapour-based combustion, so there’s no smoke or ash to worry about. It even features an automatic on-and-off function. Striking and versatile, it would suit almost any room, although I’d absolutely love it in a Nordic sauna cabin (just imagine!)
Curved Furniture
Teak Garden Furniture
I’m all about soft, relaxed silhouettes when it comes to furniture, especially in modern spaces. From wooden chairs to sideboards, those gentle curves add a sense of understated luxury and softness that’s hard to replicate. No better way to do quiet luxury, if you ask me.
Dark wood rattan sideboard by Cult Furniture.
Printed Tiles As Feature Wall
Printed tile with a bamboo pattern.
Tiles are looking more creative than ever. Printed tiles can make a beautiful feature wall in a bathroom, and I’m not talking about marble effects or natural veining. I mean printed tiles in gorgeous foliage designs, of course. I particularly loved the bamboo leaf design. It strikes that perfect balance between bold and serene. Paired with warm metals or natural stone, this design would turn your bathroom into a room you’ll never want to leave.
Statement Lighting
Petal Chandelier by Judit Kollo
We all love a statement light and the large hanging porcelain pendant in the front of the Grand House certainly took my breath away. I first saw the petal chandelier installation by Judit Kollo at Decorex (read about it here) last year. This stunning chandelier, hanging next to a long window, is designed to be admired from both inside and out. The exquisite piece is crafted from recycled porcelain and is entirely custom-made. And it looked even better in real life, if I may say!
Mixing patterns and dark woods
Bathroom design by Roper Rhodes
Mixing different tile patterns in a bathroom can be a really effective way to make a statement and create something a little extra. Boring bathrooms are out (thankfully!). Your bathroom should make you feel just as excited as any other room in the house. Pairing chequered tiles with marble works incredibly well here, balancing the whole look beautifully. It doesn’t feel too busy because the colours are kept similar, and the mix of patterns is actually a lovely way to expect the unexpected. We all like to be surprised, don’t we?
Yakia Saunas
Finally, it wouldn’t be fair to call this a Nordic interiors blog without featuring a sauna every now and then, would it? It is my dream to have a little sauna building at the back of our garden one day, so it would have been rude not to ‘test drive’ this one when I saw it! It’s very spacious inside for four people and the lovely pine smell (the wood comes from Estonia) is just intoxicating. I don’t think people quite realise how important the sauna is in Nordic culture. It’s a place to unwind, spend time with family and celebrate. Basically, most occasions involve a sauna. And I do miss it! And, the great thing about Yakia saunas is that because they are low in height, they don’t usually require planning permission. You don’t have to worry about plumbing either, just electricity and you’re good to go. The black steel frame combined with the light wood puts this firmly in the dream category. One day, I hope!
Well, that was quite the roundup, from lighting to saunas! Grand Designs Live is a dream event for anyone looking for home improvement inspiration or advice. And, the Grand House is a destination in its own right for interior lovers too. Go next year if you can, you won’t be disappointed!
