Every year brings a new list of "interior trends", but not all of them suit a 4–5 m wide townhouse or a 70 m² apartment in Hai Phong, where the humid "nồm" season lasts for weeks and the summer west sun is harsh. These are the directions in interior design for 2026 that the HICONIQUE × PQT team considers most durable, with practical ways to apply them.
Warm minimalism replaces cold minimalism
Minimalism remains the base, but pure white, cold grey and glossy surfaces are giving way to warm minimalism: few objects and clean lines, with warmer colours and materials.
- Palette: cream, beige, sand, earth brown, soft moss and olive green.
- Finishes: matt or satin rather than high gloss; they hide fingerprints and water marks better.
- Fewer, better pieces: one good lamp, one artwork, one wool rug instead of many small decorations.
Beige and light brown walls also show yellowing and damp marks less than bright white during humid weeks.
Natural, textured materials
Wood, stone, ceramics, rattan and linen remain popular, with more texture: visible grain, natural veining, handmade tiles. In northern Vietnam's climate:
- Use moisture-resistant engineered wood (green-core MDF or HDF) for kitchens and vanities, protected by melamine, laminate or acrylic.
- Solid wood must be properly dried and sealed on all faces to limit warping.
- Sintered stone or quartz worktops absorb less and stain less than porous natural stone.
- Choose removable, washable upholstery covers.
Soft curves
Curved sofas, round tables, arched mirrors and doorways, rounded cabinet corners soften long, narrow townhouses and are safer for children and older family members. A round table 1.0–1.2 m across seats 4–6 and leaves more circulation space in a tight kitchen.
Bespoke, floor-to-ceiling storage
Small homes need hidden storage: made-to-measure wardrobes, shoe cabinets and kitchens built to the ceiling, with flat or handle-less doors that blend into the wall. Use the space under stairs and wall recesses. Joinery made in a workshop from drawings gives better fit and finish than building on site, which is how HICONIQUE × PQT produces joinery for its interiors.
Layered, warm lighting
Combine ambient light (downlights, ceiling lights), task light (under-cabinet, reading, desk lamps) and accent light (LED coves, picture lights, pendants). Living rooms and bedrooms usually suit 2700–3000K; kitchens and work areas 3500–4000K. Try our lighting calculator to estimate how many fittings each room needs.
Nature, ventilation and shading
Skylights, vents, balcony plants and sun-shading louvres make homes cooler, brighter and less damp. Shade west façades with vertical louvres, double curtains or insulated glass; give deep townhouses a central light well for cross-ventilation. During humid spells, close windows and run a dehumidifier or the air conditioner's dry mode.
How to apply trends that last
Keep fixed elements (floors, walls, built-in cabinets, tiling) neutral and durable, and express trends through easy-to-change items such as cushions, curtains, rugs, art and decorative lamps.
Curious what an interior like this costs for your flat? Try the apartment interior estimate, browse our projects, then contact HICONIQUE × PQT to discuss a design for your home and budget.
