What’s Ahead for 2026: Tactility, Bold Forms & Quiet Luxury
- baderartmetal
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
As we move through 2026, design leaders are calling out a noticeable shift: materials are becoming richer, architectural elements are becoming bolder, and clients are seeking deeper personalization in every detail. Luxe Interiors + Design and Architectural Digest have highlighted these changes, and we’re seeing them unfold across the projects coming through our shop.
Here’s a closer look at the trends shaping the year ahead, and how custom metal and glass can bring them into focus.
ONE
Tactile Materials & Finishes
2026 is elevating “texture” from a decorative layer to a fully architectural one. For us, that means creating tactile interest through metalwork itself—pairing steel with brass accents, mixing matte and polished finishes, and exploring the full potential of powdercoat color, from soft metallics to rich, saturated hues.
Designers are also leaning into materials that add dimensional variation, including woven mesh infill panels, textured or reeded glass, and profiled steel details that create shadow, depth, and visual movement.
These elements turn a simple door or partition into a tactile experience—something that feels crafted, layered, and intentionally designed.
TWO
A Move Toward Maximalism
Maximalism in 2026 isn’t about clutter—it’s about character. We’re seeing designers push scale, geometry, and pattern in thoughtful, architectural ways.
For Bader, that means:
Oversized and oversized-feeling doors that become sculptural moments
Custom mullion patterns that create distinctive lite configurations
Bold geometries, including arches, angled profiles, multi-panel compositions, and expressive line work
Statement partitions that define space while remaining transparent and light
When executed in metal and glass, maximalist expressions feel tailored and refined—never chaotic. They become the anchor points of a room’s design.
THREE
Personal Artistry
At the heart of every project is individuality. Clients seek pieces that feel curated, crafted, and deeply personal—and that’s where our work truly shines.
Every Bader project is:
Handcrafted, not mass-produced
Made domestically, right here at our shop just outside of Chicago
Custom-engineered for its specific opening, use, and architectural intent
Supported from concept to installation, ensuring a seamless process
Designed with a focus on quiet luxury—clean detailing, refined proportions, and a sense of timelessness
This approach transforms metal and glass into something more than a functional element. It becomes a piece of architectural art.
Let's Get Started
If you’re planning projects for 2026, we’d love to collaborate early—whether you’re designing a single statement door or a full interior system of steel and glass.
Start a conversation with our team.
We’re here to support your work from first sketch to final installation.
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