Nicole Roe discusses bringing personality into design to make spaces that truly feel like home
Lately, I’ve noticed a real shift in the way people are approaching their homes. They’re becoming bolder and more intentional, and honestly, I love it. It’s no longer about just one accent wall or a quick pop of color – it’s about creating fully immersive spaces. Clients are wrapping entire rooms in wallpaper, cladding full exterior walls in stone, and painting trim and ceilings the same shade as the walls for a cocooning, atmospheric effect. That commitment to a vision makes a home feel alive.
At R. Nickson Interiors, sustainability isn’t a buzzword – it’s a guiding principle. To me, it means choosing pieces that will stand the test of time, both in craftsmanship and style. A sofa that can be reupholstered and enjoyed for decades is far more sustainable than cheap furniture that ends up in a landfill after just a few years. I always encourage clients to invest in quality over quantity; it’s an investment not just in their home, but in the planet.
When I collaborate with homebuilders, I always stress the importance of having the key conversations up front – who’s sourcing what, how communication flows, and when the client should be involved. Clarity early on prevents surprises later. Just as importantly, builders need to set expectations with their trades about respecting the designer’s role. When that mutual respect is established, the process runs more smoothly for everyone: fewer frantic client calls, clearer decisions, and a project that’s not only seamless but beautiful.
Materially, I’m gravitating toward clean woods like walnut and maple, which have a refined, knot-free look that brings calm and elegance to interiors. I’m also endlessly inspired by natural stone – quartzite, marble, and other unique slabs that can transform everything from walls to furniture to hardware. These materials don’t just look good; they elevate a home in ways that last.
Of course, not everything lasts. Slatted wood treatments are starting to feel overdone, especially when they’re dropped into spaces without a true mid-century influence. Mass-produced patterned tiles are another trend fading fast. And on the exterior, stark black-and-white combinations are beginning to feel harsh. I find myself craving paint colors with nuance – shades that shift with light and feel warm and natural.
Function, though, is just as important as beauty. We call our approach “functional luxury.” A home must work for the people who live in it, or it doesn’t matter how gorgeous it looks. We always start with lifestyle – how a family enters the home, how they entertain, where clutter naturally accumulates. Once we understand the rhythms of daily life, we can layer in finishes and style. That’s how design becomes both practical and luxurious.
Looking ahead to 2026, I believe we’ll see people building smaller but better. Rising material costs are forcing homeowners to be intentional with square footage – opting for fewer, better spaces where they can truly invest in quality finishes. It’s a smart shift: quality over quantity, with every inch thoughtfully designed.
Even the smallest details can carry weight. Interior doors and hardware, for example, are often overlooked but make an enormous difference. These are tactile elements you interact with every day, and they should be built to last. A solid door with hardware that feels good in your hand elevates the everyday experience of living in a space.
My advice for anyone designing a home right now? Forget about impressing others. Design for yourself. Choose what you love, what supports your lifestyle, and what feels authentic to who you are. If you look back through history, the homes that endure are those built with real materials, quality craftsmanship, and a sense of personal story.
As for color, I’m excited about the evolution toward rich, muddy tones – earthy shades with depth and subtlety. They bring a sense of grounding while still feeling bold. Minimalism, too, isn’t going anywhere, but it’s evolving. It doesn’t have to feel cold or stark; with the right finishes and textures, minimal spaces can be incredibly warm and inviting.
We’re also seeing new ways people use their homes. More clients – especially entrepreneurs – are opening their doors to host clients, teams, or events. Homes are becoming hubs for connection and community, not just private sanctuaries. And every room should serve a purpose; gone are the days of formal rooms collecting dust.
On the material front, stone is being pushed in exciting new directions: used for shower walls, baseboards, even trim details traditionally done in wood. Fabrication techniques are opening fresh possibilities, and I expect this will only continue to expand.
Above all, personalization is driving design. Just as people curate their personal brand through social media, wardrobes, or cars, they want their homes to be an extension of who they are. In 2026, we’ll see even more spaces that tell a story – homes that feel aligned with their owners’ identities, values, and everyday lives.
For me, that’s what great design is all about: not just creating a space that looks beautiful, but one that feels like you.
Nicole Roe is Founder of R. Nickson Interiors, a full-service interior design studio rooted in bold vision, intentional living, and deep expertise in both construction and design. The firm exists to design more than just beautiful rooms – it designs spaces that elevate your personal brand, reflect your lifestyle, and work hard behind the scenes.
Nicole’s background in construction and business development gives R. Nickson Interiors a unique edge in the design industry. With over a decade of experience, she understands the full scope of a project – from rough plans to finishing touches. This means less stress for you, better communication across teams, and a smoother path to stunning results.