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Interior design for expats who want a timeless, personal home

For expats, a home is never just a house.
It is a place of balance between cultures, habits and identities. This is why interior design should go beyond trends and create spaces that feel authentic, welcoming and personal.

Just like fashion, interiors reflect who we are. Sometimes refined and composed, sometimes relaxed and expressive. The challenge is not choosing between elegant or bold, but designing a home that truly fits the way you live.

Interior design starts with the project, not only with trends

A distinctive interior is not defined by colours or materials alone, but by a clear architectural vision. Functionality, visual continuity, connection with the outdoors and the rhythm of spaces come first. Only then do materials, furniture, art, family pieces and personal objects complete the story.

For expats, this approach is essential to avoid beautiful but generic interiors that could belong anywhere and to anyone.

Key interior design trends 2026

Illuminated marble and translucent surfaces
Marble and engineered stone continue to dominate kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Beige remains timeless, while deeper tones such as burgundy and wine red add warmth and character.
The real novelty is light: backlit marble used in lamps, walls, room dividers and kitchen islands creates a soft, sensual atmosphere. Balance is key. Marble should always be paired with warmer, matte materials such as wood or metal accents.

Leather and suede as wall finishes
Leather and suede are increasingly used as wall coverings, wardrobe fronts and headboards, often with acoustic benefits. These materials add depth and tactility, but should always be designed with everyday use in mind.

Beyond beige

Texture and subtle colour
Neutral interiors remain popular, especially among high-end expat homes. However, texture makes the difference. Ribbed wood, raw finishes, heavy fabrics and three-dimensional surfaces bring personality to minimalist spaces.
Warm terracotta, burgundy accents and soft blues are reintroduced to give character without overwhelming the space.

Parisian elegance meets contemporary design
Classic elements such as mouldings and parquet floors are combined with bold colours, modern furniture and graphic floors. Arches, curves and colour volumes become architectural elements, creating interiors that feel joyful, layered and unique.

Softer lines, more comfort
After years of industrial aesthetics, interior design is moving towards organic shapes, pastel tones, velvet textures and warmer neutrals. Homes are becoming more fluid, enveloping and calming. Especially important for expats seeking comfort and a sense of belonging.

A home that feels like you

Trends can inspire, but they should never define your home.
A well-designed interior is timeless, personal and deeply connected to the way you live. Especially when home is also your anchor in a new country.

If you are planning a renovation or interior project in the Netherlands and want a home with character, elegance and soul, thoughtful design makes all the difference.

What about…

Planning to renovate your home in the Netherlands?
Discover how a tailored interior design approach can transform your space into a home that truly reflects who you are.

Get in touch to discuss your project.

Maria Elena Fauci from MEF architect

I am an architect + interior designer, specialized in villas, interiors and renovations.

Elegance, functionality, bringing together different colours and materials are the core brands of my projects. I don’t have a fixed style and I don’t want to have one. Each design is a story of different elements that reveal something unique about my clients. 

I like to design iconic furniture for a home. This is where my Italian origins come to the fore.

Would you like to follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration?
Maria Elena Fauci MEF architect

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