Why Comfort Is the New Luxury in Residential Design
Why comfort now defines luxury
Homeowners are increasingly seeking spaces that support wellbeing, rest and everyday living rather than formal “show homes”. Wellness amenities, soft materials and soothing spaces are now central to luxury properties. Global trend reports highlight a move away from cold minimalism towards warm, lived-in interiors filled with personal touches and layered textures.
Key drivers of this shift include:
Rising focus on mental health and home as sanctuary.
Hybrid working, meaning people spend more hours at home and demand better comfort.
A backlash against hard, sterile interiors in favour of cosy, tactile rooms.
Textiles: where comfort and luxury meet
Textiles are doing more of the “luxury heavy lifting” than ever before—especially in bedrooms and living spaces where softness and warmth matter most. Designers are leaning into rich weaves, natural fibres and layered window treatments to create cocooning, sensory comfort.
For Redgraves clients, that translates to:
Custom curtains and blinds that soften acoustics, control light and add thermal comfort for year-round liveability.
Layered sheers and lined drapes that create hotel-style bedrooms with spa-like ambience.
Upholstery and cushions in tactile, artisan-inspired fabrics that deliver quiet, understated luxury rather than flashy finishes.
Comfort as personal expression
Luxury design in 2026 is highly individual, with personality, memory and meaning woven into every room. Trend forecasts emphasize “comforting chaos” and curated maximalism—homes that feel collected over time, mixing colour, pattern and sentimental pieces.
Designers are using:
Bespoke window treatments to frame views, soften harsh glazing and anchor a room’s mood.
Textiles to introduce colour and pattern in a flexible, low-commitment way (curtains, cushions, throws).
Custom solutions tailored to each client’s lifestyle, from blackout curtains for better sleep to motorised blinds for effortless everyday comfort.
How Redgraves supports comfort‑first luxury
With over 60 years of textile expertise, Redgraves specialises in turning houses into comfortable, luxurious homes through thoughtfully specified fabrics and window treatments. The focus is on craftsmanship, quality linings and precise installation so every curtain, blind and shutter not only looks beautiful but enhances how the space feels to live in.
For Auckland homeowners and designers, this means:
In-home consultations to understand how each room is used, light patterns and comfort needs before recommending fabrics and headings.
Solutions that improve thermal performance and glare control, making living areas and bedrooms more usable and comfortable all year round.
Custom-made curtains, Roman blinds, shutters and upholstery that align with global interior trends while remaining timeless in New Zealand homes.