Interior Design in the Richmond Borough: What Locals Are Asking For in 2026
Richmond Borough is one of South West London’s most desirable areas, known for its period homes, riverside properties and strong sense of character. As a result, interior design in Richmond isn’t about following generic trends, it’s about adapting design to the way local homeowners actually live.
At Design & Refine Interiors, we work closely with clients across Richmond, Strawberry Hill and SW London, and these are the key interior design requests we’re seeing more and more of in 2026.
1. Modernising Period Homes Without Losing Character
Homeowners across the local area often live in Victorian, Edwardian or Georgian properties, and one of the biggest questions we’re asked is “How do we update our home without stripping away its charm?”.
Popular solutions include:
Retaining original features such as fireplaces, cornicing and sash windows
Introducing contemporary lighting to modernise darker spaces
Using neutral, layered colour palettes that complement period architecture
Designing bespoke joinery that feels timeless rather than trend-led
The goal is balance — creating interiors that feel fresh and functional while respecting the building’s history.
2. Family-Friendly Interiors That Still Feel Grown-Up
The area attracts many families who want homes that work hard, but still look beautiful.
Homeowners are increasingly asking for:
Open-plan kitchen-diners with clearly defined zones
Durable, stain-resistant fabrics that don’t compromise on style
Clever storage solutions to reduce everyday clutter
Flexible spaces that can evolve as children grow
Designing for real life is key — especially in busy family homes.
3. Making Better Use of Space in Townhouses
Many properties across the borough are tall, narrow townhouses, which can feel disjointed without careful planning.
Our clients often ask for:
Improving flow between floors
Enhancing natural light in hallways and staircases
Creating built-in storage to maximise usable space
Designing cohesive schemes that work throughout the entire home
Thoughtful layout planning often makes just as much impact as decorative changes.
4. Calm, Nature-Inspired Colour Schemes
With Richmond Park and the River Thames on the doorstep, it’s no surprise that homeowners are drawn to calm, natural interiors.
We’re seeing a strong move towards:
Soft greens, warm neutrals and earthy tones
Natural materials such as wood, stone and linen
Subtle texture rather than bold pattern
Interiors that feel restful and timeless
These schemes work particularly well in period homes and riverside properties.
5. Sustainable & Long-Term Design Choices
Sustainability is becoming a priority for many Richmond homeowners. Rather than fast trends, clients want:
High-quality furniture that lasts
Timeless colour palettes
Energy-efficient lighting and layouts
Thoughtful design decisions that won’t need replacing in a few years
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Want to discuss how to add some of these features into your home? Follow us @designandrefineinteriors for ideas, inspiration and a closer look at how we design real homes for real life. Or book your free consultation to chat through your space and see how we can help.