As Indian homes adapt to changing lifestyles, interior design is shifting away from short-lived trends toward enduring principles. In a detailed conversation, architect Jamshed Banaji outlines how residential interiors in 2026 will be shaped by thoughtful planning, material integrity, and long-term comfort. Speaking with Asma Rafat, Senior Correspondent, Realty+, Banaji reflects on the growing emphasis on flexibility, craftsmanship, and discreet technology in contemporary homes. The discussion examines how muted palettes, adaptable layouts, and refined use of natural materials are redefining luxury, placing everyday usability and longevity at the centre of design decisions.
Design trends often cycle quickly, but homes are lived in for decades. Which 2026 trends do you believe have real staying power?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: B&A is rooted in strong basic fundamentals good planning, use of natural materials, timeless proportions, and quality craftsmanship. These are not trend-led ideas but design principles that age well and remain relevant over time.
How do you see luxury interiors in 2026 balancing comfort, technology, and craftsmanship rather than prioritising one over the others?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Beautiful homes balance all three. Technology becomes discreet and easy to use, craftsmanship brings warmth and personality, and comfort remains central to how spaces are designed and lived in.
Colour trends change every year. For 2026, what role will muted palettes and material textures play in shaping contemporary homes?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Muted colour palettes will continue to stay, acting as a calm backdrop for texture and materiality. Lime plaster walls, stone finishes, natural wood, and layered fabrics add depth without relying on strong colours.
With homes increasingly doubling as work and retreat spaces, how is spatial planning evolving in residential interiors?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: As homes now serve multiple purposes work, relaxation, and entertaining spatial planning is becoming more flexible. Sliding partitions, multifunctional spaces, and adaptable furniture allow homes to change through the day without permanent structural alterations.
What mindset should homeowners adopt when transforming their homes so they are responding to trends without becoming trend-driven?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: At B&A we always encourage clients to maintain timeless design trends. Trends should inform design decisions, not dictate them. A well-designed home reflects the lifestyle, climate, and long-term needs of its occupants rather than what is momentarily popular.
How is the idea of “everyday luxury” redefining residential interiors in the coming year?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Everyday luxury is shifting away from visual opulence towards how a space feels and functions on a daily basis. Thoughtful layouts, tactile materials, natural light, and considered details elevate everyday living, making homes feel refined yet effortless.
In 2026, what shifts do you foresee in furniture design, particularly in terms of scale, flexibility, and craftsmanship?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Furniture is becoming softer in scale and more adaptable. Modular and multifunctional pieces are increasingly preferred, allowing spaces to evolve over time. At the same time, craftsmanship is gaining importance, with attention to material quality, joinery, and longevity.
Natural materials are returning to prominence. How are architects using them in more contemporary, less rustic ways?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Natural materials are being used with greater restraint and refinement. Clean detailing, subtle textures, and modern finishes allow materials like stone, wood, and plaster to feel contemporary rather than rustic, while still retaining warmth and authenticity.
How do lighting and layered illumination influence the way interiors are being designed for modern Indian homes?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Lighting is now integral to interior planning. Layered lighting combining ambient, task, and accent illumination helps spaces transition seamlessly throughout the day. In Indian homes, this approach enhances functionality while also creating warmth and mood.
Looking ahead, how can homeowners future-proof their interiors so they remain relevant as lifestyles continue to evolve?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: Future-proofing lies in flexibility and timeless choices. Adaptable layouts, neutral base palettes, and quality materials ensure homes can evolve with changing lifestyles. Rather than chasing trends, investing in good planning and enduring design values creates longevity.
