The removal of MaPrimeRénov’ as a gesture for wall insulation in January 2026 has reshuffled project priorities. Technical decisions are changing, budget items are shifting, and the very notion of a unique interior now involves choices that traditional renovation guides do not address.
Decree No. 2026-863 and carbon threshold: what changes for your interior renovation work
Decree No. 2026-863 of September 12, 2026, published in the Official Journal on September 13, sets a threshold of 79 gCO₂eq/kWh for heating and hot water equipment. This threshold will apply from 2027 and effectively excludes conventional gas boilers from replacement projects.
In practical terms, if you are planning an interior renovation that affects the heating network, the choice of generator now dictates the sizing of emitters, the routing of ducts, and sometimes the partitioning of rooms. An aesthetic project (redistribution of spaces, opening up the kitchen-living room) can no longer be considered independently of the thermal aspect.
We recommend finalizing the HVAC lot before locking in the layout plans. Moving a duct after the installation of false ceilings is much more expensive than integrating it during the design phase. The professionals listed on the Imagin’Air Déco website precisely coordinate these technical lots with the decorative project to avoid rework.
Reversible heat pump and interior layout: balancing comfort and aesthetics
Air-to-air heat pumps and reversible air conditioning systems have become the most requested type of work in the first half of 2026. This shift, directly linked to the end of subsidies for interior wall insulation, is changing the landscape of renovation projects.
The integration of indoor units dictates the layout plan. A wall-mounted split unit requires clearance at the upper part of the wall, which limits storage or bookshelf options along the entire length of the room. A low console, on the other hand, frees up the wall but encroaches on the floor space.
Ducted systems remain the most discreet solution for a unique interior. They require a false ceiling of at least 25 cm of free height, which can be problematic in older apartments where ceiling height is already constrained. Three points to check before validating this option:
- The residual ceiling height after the installation of the false ceiling, which must not drop below the comfort threshold (generally around 2.40 m for a living space)
- The routing of ducts between rooms, which requires openings in existing partitions or linings
- The positioning of air outlets in relation to living areas, to avoid direct airflow on occupants
A renovation project that neglects these constraints results in visible decorative compromises: unsightly casings, poorly positioned grilles, or rooms where furniture can no longer occupy certain locations.
Materials and decor trends 2026: dark wood, earth tones, and matte finishes
The decoration trends for 2026-2027 converge towards earth colors, dark wood, and matte finishes. This aesthetic shift has direct technical implications for the choice of renovation materials.
Dark wood (walnut, smoked oak, ebony tones) accentuates the perception of reduced space in poorly lit rooms. Before installing flooring or paneling in these shades, we systematically check the natural light input. A north-facing room with a single standard window struggles with a dark floor without compensation from carefully designed architectural lighting.
Matte finishes reveal every flaw in the substrate. A matte paint on an old wall requires impeccable preparation: smoothing compound, fine sanding, suitable primer. Satin paints mask minor irregularities, while matte ones highlight them. This preparation stage represents a significant portion of the painting budget in renovation, and estimates that omit it lead to disappointments in the final result.
Earth tones (terracotta, ochre, clay) work particularly well in combination with raw materials. Polished concrete, lime plaster, or tadelakt create textured surfaces that anchor these warm colors. However, these decorative plasters require application by trained applicators: poorly compressed tadelakt cracks and loses its waterproofing.
Order of renovation work: the sequence that protects the finish
The technical sequence of an interior renovation project follows a strict logic, and errors in scheduling impact the quality of finishes.
The structural work and demolition come first, followed by the installation of networks (electricity, plumbing, HVAC). Drywall partitions come next, then false ceilings. Floor tiles and coverings are installed before painting the walls, contrary to popular belief. This sequence allows for concealing peripheral joints under baseboards and avoiding glue splashes on freshly painted walls.
- Interior woodwork (doors, cabinets) is installed after painting to avoid touch-ups on edges and frames
- Recessed lighting is wired during the network phase, but fixtures are installed last, after wall finishes
- Sanitary equipment (sinks, faucets, toilets) is connected at the end of the project to limit the risk of scratches or chipping during other interventions
A well-sequenced project reduces rework and protects each lot from subsequent interventions. When multiple trades are involved, the schedule should allow for buffer days between each phase for the drying of plasters, screeds, or adhesives.
The renovation of a unique interior relies as much on execution rigor as on the choice of materials or colors. The regulatory constraints of 2026 add a layer of technical complexity, but they also encourage the design of spaces where thermal comfort and decorative choices no longer oppose each other.
