Global Residential & Interior Design Trends | Knight Frank x Taylor Howes

The Art of Luxury Living: Insights from Knight Frank and Taylor Howes

Luxury residential design is about more than space, it’s about storytelling, atmosphere, and creating homes that resonate on an emotional level. Recently, Karen Howes, Founder and CEO of Taylor Howes Design, joined Liam Bailey, Partner and Global Head of Research at Knight Frank, to explore The Residence Report 2025/26: A Global Perspective on Luxury Residential Development in a morning breakfast event at Taylor Howes studio. Their conversation revealed how interior design and market insight come together to shape residences that are not just homes, but experiences.

Understanding the Global Landscape

Knight Frank’s report paints a fascinating picture of the luxury residential market today. Prime properties in global cities continue to attract high-net-worth buyers, while emerging markets offer opportunities for innovative, lifestyle-focused developments. One of the clearest trends? Buyers are seeking purpose. Sustainability, socially responsible design, and thoughtful community planning are no longer optional, they are expected.

Investors, too, are increasingly discerning. They are looking for properties with growth potential, longevity, and the kind of design that elevates a home beyond four walls. Curated communities, bespoke finishes, and a lifestyle-oriented approach are becoming key differentiators in an increasingly competitive market.

Every Home Tells a Story

At the heart of every luxury project is a story. “It could be the story of the client, their passions, lifestyle, family, or the story of the building, its architecture and history,” says Karen Howes. Understanding this story allows designers to create interiors that feel purposeful, layered, and deeply personal. The result? Spaces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

Designing in the luxury sector often means working for a future resident you’ve never met. This requires empathy, imagination, and strategic thinking. Designers must create spaces that accommodate multiple lifestyles, provide versatility, and anticipate future needs, all without losing the sense of intimacy and personal connection that makes a home feel lived-in.

The Dialogue Between Architecture and Interiors

Luxury interiors do not exist in isolation; they are in conversation with their surroundings. Whether working in heritage buildings or culturally rich urban contexts, great design honours architecture while enhancing functionality. A home must feel authentic to its location, yet flexible enough to support modern life.

This is where innovation meets practicality. Buyers expect more than standard offerings; they want homes that adapt with them. From rooms that can evolve into saunas, home offices, or galleries, to built-in infrastructure for art collections, wine, and even cars, thoughtful design anticipates needs that owners may not yet realize.

The Power of Craftsmanship

A standout theme from Taylor Howes’ experience is the growing value of bespoke craftsmanship. Artisan-made pieces imbue a home with story, texture, and soul. They anchor spaces visually and emotionally, offering something unique that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate. For developers, investing in bespoke design is not just about aesthetics, it’s about creating residences that truly resonate with buyers, enhancing both emotional and financial value.

In today’s fast-paced world, preserving and showcasing craftsmanship is a responsibility. These handcrafted works, often created by artisans following techniques passed through generations, bring humanity and timelessness to a home. They connect people to the narrative of the space, creating a sense of belonging and distinction.

Designing Beyond the Present

Luxury residential design is a blend of vision, market insight, and attention to detail. As Knight Frank’s report shows, buyers are looking for more than square footage, they want homes that tell a story, adapt with their lives, and reflect their values. And as Taylor Howes demonstrates, interiors that prioritize narrative, flexibility, architectural context, and craftsmanship are the spaces that truly resonate.

The lesson for developers is clear: the future of luxury living lies at the intersection of market intelligence and design excellence. By combining insight with creativity, developers can craft residences that are not just desirable, but unforgettable, homes that feel personal, purposeful, and alive.