The Renovation Trend Making Modern Homes Feel More Expensive
Details matter
By Kiri Johnston | 22nd June 2026From heritage-inspired finishes to textured metals, homeowners are embracing character over perfection, and it’s changing the way we renovate. If you’ve spent any time scrolling renovation TikTok, Pinterest boards or designer home tours lately, you’ve probably noticed something changing. Bathrooms are becoming moodier, kitchens are feeling warmer, and homes are moving away from ultra-polished perfection in favour of materials that feel more layered, textured and lived-in.
It’s part of a broader shift in interior design, with homeowners increasingly prioritising character over clinical minimalism. Rather than filling spaces with trends that quickly date, renovators are looking for materials and finishes that feel timeless, authentic and rich in texture. One of the easiest ways this trend is showing up is through fixtures and fittings. While tapware, cabinet handles and bathroom accessories might seem like small details, they’re often the finishing touches that determine whether a renovation feels considered or incomplete. Right now, antique-inspired finishes are emerging as one of the most sought-after looks in contemporary homes.
The latest brand embracing the movement is Queensland-based ABI Interiors, which has unveiled its new Antique Collection — a curated range of textured finishes designed to capture the warmth and character of aged metals while delivering the performance expected from modern fixtures. Available in four distinctive finishes — Antique Aurum, Antique Bronze, Antique Slate and Antique Steel — the collection has been designed to introduce depth, warmth and a sense of heritage into contemporary spaces. The appeal lies in the way these finishes instantly soften a room. Where polished chrome can sometimes feel stark, antique finishes bring a more organic quality, pairing effortlessly with natural stone, timber joinery, limewash walls, travertine and textured surfaces. It’s a look that’s becoming increasingly popular across luxury homes, boutique hotels and architecturally designed renovations, particularly as homeowners seek spaces that feel more personal and less showroom-perfect.
According to ABI Interiors Co-Founder Luli Farrell, the shift reflects a growing preference for interiors that feel authentic rather than overly refined. “Our Antique Collection speaks to a clear shift towards interiors that feel authentic rather than overly refined,” she says. “Developed using our bespoke tumbling process, these textural finishes capture the character of aged metals without compromising on performance. They add instant warmth and depth without feeling decorative, making them ideal for interiors that prioritise texture, character and materiality.”
Unlike traditional metallic finishes, the Antique Collection has been developed using ABI Interiors’ first-ever proprietary tumbling process. Combining ceramic and vibrational technology, the three-step technique creates a subtly distressed surface that mimics the appearance of naturally aged metal. The result is a finish that feels collected over time rather than freshly installed — a quality many renovators are now actively seeking. Importantly, the collection isn’t limited to tapware alone. The range extends across many of ABI Interiors‘ most popular product categories, including showers, hardware, sinks, accessories, mirrors and wastes, allowing homeowners to create a consistent aesthetic throughout their home. For renovators, that cohesion can make a significant difference, with the same finish able to flow from kitchens and bathrooms through to laundries and outdoor entertaining spaces, creating a more considered and elevated overall result.
Beyond aesthetics, durability remains a key consideration. Crafted from premium 304 and 316 stainless steel, the collection has been designed to withstand everyday use while maintaining its distinctive appearance. Antique Aurum, Antique Bronze and Antique Slate are finished using ABI Interiors’ HeatShield PVD electro-colouring technology, providing enhanced resistance to corrosion, tarnishing and daily wear, while Antique Steel offers a more industrial aesthetic, delivering the appearance of aged metal without developing a patina over time. The collection also includes ABI Interiors’ popular Tumbled Aged Brass finish, which naturally develops its own unique patina over time, influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity, air quality and touch.
For homeowners planning a renovation in 2026, the appeal is clear. While floorplans, joinery and stone selections often dominate decision-making, it’s frequently the smaller details that leave the biggest impression. As interiors continue to move towards warmth, texture and materiality, antique-inspired finishes are proving that functionality and character don’t need to be mutually exclusive. Sometimes, the most impactful renovation decisions aren’t the biggest ones — they’re the details you interact with every day. Explore the Antique Collection from ABI Interiors and discover how textured finishes can transform your next renovation project.
