How to Illuminate Your Home in 2026 with Lighting Illusions

As we approach the end of the year, we inevitably begin thinking about the interior design trends set to shape 2026. We’ve all seen the TikTok videos debating the ‘big light vs little light’, but what really defines the perfect mood-setter at home? With so many factors to consider in making a space feel uniquely yours, materials play a huge role in building the personality of the home. Not to mention the recent launch of Dulux Colour Forecast 2026, which considers how colour and light are deeply intertwined, influencing how we experience a space. 

So, in 2026, we’re lighting with intention by layering mood, warmth and expression into every corner of the home. From softly glowing alabaster pendants to sculptural forms that double as art, Lighting Illusions shares lighting that isn’t just about seeing better, but feeling better in your space.

Let’s delve into 2026 styling advice from Lighting Illusions, with first-hand inspiration from Shantel White from @_thewhiteshome.

Lighting with Intention and Personality

The secret to a well-lit home isn’t more brightness, but more balance. Overhead lights absolutely have their place (it’s essential in the kitchen, of course), but layering in accent and ambient lighting creates softness, depth and atmosphere. Let’s hear the advice from Shantel White (@_thewhiteshome), who recently installed Lighting Illusions Bower alabaster pendants and wall lights in her ensuite. 

“Lighting can completely change the way a space feels. We were going for a little ‘wow factor’ in that space with our curved wall and floating stone bench, and the pendant just suited it so well. The stunning stone elevated the area.”

Shantel White 

Natural Materials, Soft Glow for the Year Ahead

This year, lighting trends are leaning into nature. Think timber, stone, alabaster and artisan glass. These materials don’t just reflect light beautifully, but they also shape the way it moves through a room.

“The natural alabaster adds such softness to the room and really sets the mood. At night, when the light shines through the stone, it’s so beautiful. I absolutely love the natural variations of the stone. With the light on and off, it’s a completely different look.”

Shantel White 

For 2026, artisan glass is also stepping into the spotlight. Collections like Cardinal, which is a wabi-sabi-inspired bestseller for Lighting Illusions, embrace sculptural, organic shapes that add an edge to minimalist spaces. Meanwhile, the retro orange glass of Ribbon or the paintable Munia pendants channel pure creative freedom.

Bringing the Dulux 2026 Palettes to Life

I’m sure we’ve all been wowed by the Dulux Colour Forecast 2026, picturing how our mood boards can look with a splash of colour from Ethereal, Elemental and Evoke. Well, now there’s some help from Lighting Illusions, who give us advice on how their collections perfectly complement the new expressive palettes. 

Ethereal: Soft, feminine and dreamlike. Pair delicate tones with the Bower alabaster range or timber-accented Aquila and Avocent lights for that airy, cloud-like glow.

Elemental: Calm and grounded. Combine stone-inspired hues with brushed nickel or warm brass finishes in Skua, or add sculptural depth with Cardinal’s organic silhouettes.

Evoke: Maximalist and full of joy. Experiment with coloured glass, mixed materials and playful forms like Ribbon and Munia for a hit of personality.

Set the Mood

Whether it’s the quiet luxury of a dimmed ensuite, the golden hour tones of a living space, or the statement glow over a dining table, the key is to let lighting guide the emotion of each room. You set the mood of a room by placing lights with intention, using colour to define the overall personality of the space, and thoughtfully pairing them with the right materials that suit you. In 2026, our mood boards are about creating homes you can feel. 

“We went for warm lighting in all our smaller lights as it gives the space moody vibes. They’re so easy to clean, which is always a bonus!” 

Shantel White

It’s this combination of warmth, functionality and beauty that defines 2026 lighting, being thoughtful, tactile and deeply personal. With the Calibo collection, Lighting Illusions invites us to design with feeling, exactly in this way.

Lighting Illusions’ 2026 Styling Advice 

From alabaster pendants glowing softly in the ensuite to retro glass making a statement in the dining room, 2026 lighting is all about warmth, artistry and emotion. By lighting with intention and choosing designs that reflect your personal style, you can turn any mood board into something extraordinary.

Ready to light up your 2026 mood board projects? Get inspired for trend-forward, dreamy spaces with the full Calibo collection in our product library and create a mood board to brighten your space. For design professionals, bring your vision to life on Project Studio!