As the global design landscape continues to evolve, materiality is taking on renewed significance. Across international fairs including Salone del Mobile in Milan and High Point Market in both North Carolina and Las Vegas, a distinct shift has emerged. Furniture is increasingly defined not only by silhouette, but by what it is made from and how it interacts with light, architecture and movement.
Looking ahead to 2026, materials are being considered earlier in the design process. Rather than responding to a completed interior, surface and substance are shaping proportion, atmosphere and spatial rhythm from the outset.
At Raffine, Emerging Materials is a seasonal exploration of this movement. Through frosted and textured glass, expressive metals and sculptural marble, we are observing how surface has become central to contemporary interiors. Each piece is approached as an intentional object, defined by weight, tactility and craftsmanship, and selected for its ability to anchor a room with quiet authority.
Frosted/Textured Glass
Glass in 2026 moves beyond transparency. Across Milan and High Point, softened and diffused interpretations of glass dominated presentations. Surfaces felt tactile and atmospheric, allowing light to pass through gently while maintaining sculptural integrity.
Rather than sharp clarity, frosted and textured finishes introduce softness. They create visual openness without sacrificing presence. The material feels architectural yet refined, grounding a space while maintaining lightness.
This direction is particularly evident within dining and living spaces where designers are seeking impact without visual heaviness. The Yves Dining Table embodies this balance through its frosted glass surface, diffusing light across the room while retaining structural authority. The Elise Set introduces layered transparency, allowing material to interact thoughtfully with surrounding finishes. The Stellar Coffee Table demonstrates how textured glass can feel contemporary while remaining enduring.
Expressive Metals
The dominance of uniform finishes is softening. At both Salone del Mobile and High Point, metal was presented with depth and character. Brushed, aged and patinated finishes introduced a sense of evolution and dimension.
In 2026, metal is less about shine and more about presence. It introduces weight and rhythm within a space, creating contrast against upholstery, glass and stone. Surfaces feel considered rather than polished to perfection.
Within our collection, Willow demonstrates metal as structure through refined form and deliberate proportion. The Claude Barstool explores contrast through silhouette and finish, balancing visual clarity with material depth. The Ember Console reinforces metal’s ability to anchor transitional spaces, where reflective surfaces interact with natural and artificial light while maintaining restraint.
Sculptural Marble
Marble continues to define contemporary interiors, yet its application is becoming increasingly sculptural. Rather than minimal accents, designers are embracing fuller volumes that allow stone to express mass and permanence.
Across Milan in particular, marble appeared in geometric forms where proportion felt deliberate and edges were intentionally defined. The material was allowed to speak with clarity and confidence.
The Loulou and Brielle pieces reflect this direction. Marble is not treated as embellishment but as foundation. Veining introduces movement while form remains restrained and composed.
A Celebration of Design
One of the most consistent observations across global fairs is that designers are selecting materials earlier in the design process. Furniture is increasingly specified based on how surface will shape mood, reflect light and interact with architecture.
Rather than layering materials at the end, they are chosen to lead the interior from the outset. Emerging Materials captures this evolution. These are pieces defined not only by silhouette but by surface and substance. Furniture is selected for its material authority and its capacity to shape experience.
As the industry moves into 2026, emphasis shifts toward intention. Fewer pieces, stronger materials and a clearer design language.