When it comes to designing spaces that feel both beautiful and deeply personal, Bulelwa Jordan-Tati believes interiors should tell a story.
As the founder and Lead Interior Designer of Urban Blend Interiors, she has built a reputation for creating emotionally resonant spaces that balance beauty, functionality and narrative. With more than a decade of experience in the property and design industry, Jordan-Tati has established herself as a respected voice in South African interiors, with her work featured in publications such as SA Home Owner Magazine.
In this exclusive she shares her 2026 interior design forecast, highlighting the continued rise of maximalism, the evolution of biophilic design, and how homeowners can thoughtfully bring these trends into their own spaces.
Can you give us an insider’s view of Urban Blend Interiors and what sets it apart in the South African design scene?
Urban Blend Interiors offers a turnkey interior design service, managing everything from the initial design concept and sourcing to installation and styling. Our goal is to deliver fully furnished, functional, and stylish spaces that are tailored to each client’s lifestyle. What sets us apart is our focus on creating interiors that feel intentional and personal rather than purely aesthetic.
How does being a South African woman shape the way you see space, storytelling, and ownership?
As a South African woman, the way I see space is less about decoration and more about a rhythmic dialogue between heritage and healing. It becomes a process of reclamation, where storytelling is woven into a room through tactile beadwork, earth-toned pigments, and an intentional refusal to let minimalist trends erase cultural history.
In this context, ownership goes beyond a title deed. It becomes the act of transforming rigid, often colonial structures into spaces that honour Ubuntu, where the grit of the soil and the warmth of the sun are always invited inside.
How do you design for longevity in a time when trends move at the speed of social media?
Longevity starts with authenticity. A home should reflect who you are and the things you genuinely love. Trends come and go, and there’s nothing wrong with incorporating a few current elements, but a space that lasts is one that cannot easily be replicated because it is uniquely yours.
Biophilic design has been gaining popularity. How do you see it evolving beyond greenery and natural light?
Biophilic design is about reconnecting people with nature through thoughtfully designed indoor environments. It goes far beyond simply adding plants to a room.
I see biophilic design evolving into more immersive and sensory experiences. That could include natural soundscapes, textured stone surfaces, subtle nature-inspired scents, and interiors that mimic outdoor seasonal changes. It’s about creating spaces that engage our senses — what we hear, feel, and smell — in ways that ultimately support our wellbeing.
For readers wanting to experiment with maximalism, where should they start without overwhelming their space?
Maximalism is all about bold choices, layered textures, and unapologetic personality. It’s essentially about colouring outside the lines.
A great starting point is a vibrant piece of artwork. From there, you can pull one or two colours from the artwork and incorporate them into the space. Because maximalist interiors often have a lot to visually absorb, it’s important to anchor the room with a focal point — a bold red sofa, for example — so the space feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
How can someone make a rental feel layered and expressive without making structural changes?
When decorating a rental, focus on depth, texture, and atmosphere rather than altering the architecture.
Layer rugs, textiles, and lighting to create warmth and dimension. Lean large artworks or mirrors against walls to add vertical interest, and arrange furniture in a way that feels curated rather than flat. Mixing materials — such as wood, linen, metal, and ceramics — adds richness, while books, personal objects, and collected pieces help build a sense of narrative.
Through thoughtful contrast, scale, and sensory details like soft lighting or scent, even a neutral rental can feel curated and deeply personal without changing the structure.
What’s the key to layering patterns, art, and objects without making a space feel cluttered?
Start with a clear visual hierarchy so the space feels intentional. Choose one dominant pattern or focal artwork, then support it with smaller-scale elements that share a similar colour palette.
Vary scale and texture — mixing large pieces with smaller ones and matte finishes with glossy surfaces — while leaving negative space around groupings so the eye can rest. I also recommend clustering objects in odd numbers and anchoring them with trays, books, or a consistent material to create cohesion.
Most importantly, editing is essential. If every piece competes for attention, remove one until the arrangement feels balanced.
What key interior design trends can we expect to see in 2026?
Interior design in 2026 is leaning toward warmth, personality, and tactile richness. We’re seeing a shift away from stark minimalism toward warm neutrals and earth-inspired palettes — creamy whites, sage greens, terracotta, and jewel tones that bring depth and comfort to a space.
Designers are also embracing curved and organic forms in furniture and architectural details, as well as layered textures such as wood, woven fibres, and handcrafted ceramics that create a more lived-in feel. There’s also a strong resurgence of curated eclecticism and heritage craftsmanship, where vintage pieces are blended with modern design to create interiors that feel collected rather than staged.
Overall, interiors are prioritising comfort, individuality, and sensory experience over cold uniformity.
How can readers thoughtfully implement these trends at home?
Start by warming up your colour palette with earthy tones or rich accents through paint, textiles, or artwork. Introduce curved shapes with pieces like rounded mirrors, sculptural lamps, or soft-edged furniture to counterbalance rigid lines.
Layer natural materials such as wood, linen, wool, stone, and ceramics to add tactile depth, and incorporate vintage or handcrafted pieces to give your space character and history. The key is to make gradual, intentional updates rather than overhauling everything at once. Even small changes can make a space feel more current and inviting.
How does Urban Blend Interiors plan to interpret these trends in 2026?
At Urban Blend Interiors, we’re leaning into what we call sensory design. It’s not just about how a space looks, but how it feels to live in.
This includes layering textures like raw wood, hand-woven fibres, and artisanal ceramics to create spaces that feel expressive and lived-in. We’re also blending eras by pairing vintage pieces with sleek modern craftsmanship to achieve a collected aesthetic.
Most importantly, we prioritise comfort and individuality over rigid design rules. Your home should reflect your story, not simply follow a trend report. Whether it’s a small refresh with earth-inspired accents or a full renovation centred on organic forms, our goal is to help clients create spaces that feel warm, personal, and timeless.
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