Materials Matter – trends shaping interior fit-outs in 2026

As part of our Materials Matter campaign, we’re taking a closer look at four materials which we’re increasingly seeing specified by our clients to reflect broader design trends – Rimex metal finishes, stainless steel, fluted wood panelling and terrazzo. Here’s the lowdown and why we think these four materials will be ones to watch as they continue to make their presence felt in offices and commercial spaces this year.

 

Rimex metal finishes

The Rimex Metals Group is a global manufacturer of specialised metal finishes, internationally recognised as a leader in its field of expertise. With over 60 years’ experience of manufacturing surface finishes Rimex Metals uses stainless steel and other metals to create unique surfaces, exploring different patterns to add texture as well as a wide range of colours and tones.

We incorporated Rimex Metals into the office fit-out project at Grafton Street in London’s Mayfair district. The 1980s building has been completely reimaged and refurbished to a high specification throughout, transforming it into an outstanding headquarters office space and choice of material played a key role in the high-quality finish. We installed Rimex stainless steel ceiling and wall panelling in the reception area in two finishes – Quartz Chocolate Mirrored panels installed for the ceiling and Rimex bronze wall panelling in the lift lobby areas which together add warmth and a touch of luxury to the space.

Stainless Steel

Also making its mark on the commercial interiors sector is stainless steel. Whether it’s used to create a fluid, polished look or add depth to an industrial inspired design, stainless steel delivers an elegant finish. It’s also resistant to wear and tear making it ideal for use in a busy commercial setting. Stainless steel’s durability, sustainability benefits including being 100 percent recyclable, combined with its enduring aesthetic appeal makes it easy to see why it’s a popular choice and a trend that’s here to stay.

Stainless steel played a key part in our refurbishment project at the 42 Gloucester Avenue courtyard offices in Camden, North London. Here we installed stainless steel lift wall panelling with secondary doors for access within the panels for a refined futuristic and industrial look. The stainless steel panelling, which we applied an anti-fingerprint coating to maintain the sleek finish, provides the perfect contrast to the Autex wall panelling and subtly reflects light to enhance the space. Like architectural glass, stainless steel offers designers sharp, laser-precise edges and so requires flawless execution to realise the vision.

Fluted wood panelling

Textured wood panelling is having a moment in residential design, so as the resimerical trend, which combines elements of both residential and commercial design, continues to influence office design it is no surprise that fluted wood panelling is often specified. It’s a great way to add texture and soften a space as the repeating vertical ridges create shadows, adding subtle dimension and tactile interest to flat walls. We’ve created spaces which feature fluted wood panelling in a range of different wood finishes on cabinet doors, islands, teapoint areas as well as feature walls.

We were involved in creating the one-of-a-kind interior for the Armada Music Group’s new multi-functional base in London including a fluted MASS concrete reception desk which was inset with Armada record chips. The use of Oak veneer wood panelling throughout the office also added depth to the design. The bar island features oak veneered battens and the banquette seating which we made bespoke for the project includes a stylish fluted wood backrest which elevates the design.

Terrazzo

The perfect combination of timeless sophistication, durability and sustainable credentials has earned Terrazzo its place in contemporary interior design. We’ve seen it used well for flooring, worktops and splashbacks alike thanks to its aesthetic adaptability which means that it can be tailored to suit any project simply by picking out different colours or materials within the surface. On a recent project we collaborated with stone specialists, Diespeker & Co, to create bespoke terrazzo worktops manufactured with waste building materials including recycled sand, crushed bricks and blocks, which were all salvaged from the local area.

At the Goswell Road refurbishment we used Terrazzo to manufacture worktops for the ground floor bar and island. The bespoke Diespeker resin Terrazzo worktops and upstands provide the perfect contrast, with the chips chosen to bring out the Egger rusty red laminate doors to create a cohesive space. And over at Vine Street, Terrazzo was used to great effect for the main reception desk worktop and executive refreshment point. Sourced from the In Opera Group where it is manufactured in factories in Italy, Portugal and The Balkans, the red clay coloured chips of the Terrazzo Resin Merrazzo Mars surface provide a contrast with its white base for the iconic and timeless Terrazzo look.

Take a look at our gallery and follow us on social media to see how these trends continue to evolve and shape our projects this year.