How to refresh your space with modern heritage design in the new year

Now that the festive decorations have been packed away and we are settling into the rhythm of a brand new year, many of us start to look around our homes with fresh eyes. The new year naturally invites a reset and a chance to refine, rethink and refresh the spaces we spend so much time in.

If you are craving a home update that feels calm, timeless and full of character, modern heritage design might just be the perfect place to start. Blending classic influences with contemporary comfort, this style is all about creating interiors that feel lived-in, personal, and quietly stylish. Thoughtful choices, from furniture finishes to layered fabrics and sofa covers, help strike that balance between old and new. And it is all the rage in 2026. So, with that in mind here’s how to bring modern heritage design into your home this new year, one considered update at a time.

Let character lead the way

One of the foundations of modern heritage design is celebrating character and allowing the existing personality of your home to shine through. Rather than stripping spaces back to feel completely new, this approach encourages you to work with what is already there, whether that is original architectural features or subtle details that hint at tradition and craftsmanship.

If your home has period features, now is the time to let them take centre stage. Elements such as panelled walls, decorative mouldings, fireplaces, exposed beams or timber flooring instantly add depth and interest to a space. These features tell a story and create a sense of permanence that many modern interiors lack. Instead of covering them up or trying to modernise them too heavily, keep them simple and well-maintained so they can form the backdrop of your design.

Create your own heritage style features

Even if your home does not have obvious heritage features, you can still introduce character in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Simple wall panelling, for example, can add architectural interest without overwhelming a room, while textured finishes such as limewash or mineral paint create softness and variation on the walls. These details help a space feel layered and considered, rather than flat or overly polished.

Modern heritage design also embraces imperfection. Unlike ultra-modern interiors that often strive for flawless finishes, this style finds beauty in individuality and signs of age. Slightly uneven floorboards, worn wood, aged stone or patinated metals all add warmth and authenticity. These details make a home feel lived in and welcoming, rather than overly styled or showroom perfect.

Soften your colour palette

Colour plays a big role in setting the tone of a modern heritage interior, often more than furniture or accessories. Instead of crisp whites or cool greys, this look favours warm, grounded shades that feel timeless, calming and easy to live with year-round.

Soft neutrals such as stone, putty and mushroom create a gentle base that works beautifully across walls, woodwork and larger furniture pieces. These shades softly reflect light, helping rooms feel warm and inviting rather than stark or clinical. They also provide the perfect backdrop for layering more expressive tones without overwhelming the space.

Deeper heritage-inspired colours like moss green, oxblood, rust, and inky blue can then be introduced through feature walls, soft furnishings or smaller accents. Used thoughtfully, these richer shades add depth, contrast and a sense of history, helping rooms feel cosy and well-balanced rather than flat.

The overall effect is subtle but impactful. These colours work together to create a sense of calm and continuity as you move from room to room, making your home feel more considered, cohesive and effortlessly put together.

Mix old and new with intention

Modern heritage interiors really come to life when old and new pieces are combined with care. The aim is not to recreate a period look or fill your home with antiques, but to mix eras in a way that feels natural, balanced and personal to you.

An antique or vintage piece, such as a wooden sideboard, or dining table, can instantly add soul and texture to a room. These items often bring craftsmanship and character that newer pieces lack. Pairing them with contemporary furniture helps strike the right balance, adding comfort, clean lines and practicality to the space.

This contrast is what keeps modern heritage interiors feeling fresh rather than overly traditional. The old pieces ground the room, while the newer ones prevent it from feeling heavy or dated.

As a general rule, a couple of characterful items per room is often enough. This allows each piece to stand out and keeps the space feeling curated and intentional, rather than cluttered or overly styled.

Refresh your sofa

Of course, we can’t talk about refreshing your space for the new year without mentioning the sofa covers. As one of the most used pieces of furniture in the home, it has a huge impact on how your living space looks and feels, and even small changes here can make a big difference.

Rather than replacing your sofa entirely, updating what you already have with a bespoke fitted sofa cover can be a much easier and more considered option. Refreshing the fabric, texture or colour lets you bring your space in line with your current style, while still keeping the comfort and familiarity of a piece you already love. It’s a simple way to modernise your room without committing to a full redesign.

For a modern heritage look, softer textures and warmer tones work particularly well. Neutral shades create a calm and timeless base, while deeper colours and subtle textures can add warmth and character that feel right at home in a heritage-inspired space. It helps tie everything together and gives your living space a fresh feel as you settle into the year ahead.

If you’re ready to get started with your modern heritage makeover and need a little help with your sofa, you are in the right place. You can get in touch using the contact form on our website, give us a call on 01772 901507, send an email to [email protected], or order yourself some free samples to see what you love most in person! We will help you find the right fit, fabric and finish to suit your space.