Interior Design Trends for 2026
- Lisa Marie Hindle
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
Predicting 2026 design trends is a little like reading tea leaves, but there’s a lot of good consensus from designers, paint brands, and trend forecasters right now.
Here’s a rundown of what’s expected to be big in 2026, plus some colour predictions, including “Colours of the Year.”
Key Design Trends for 2026
Maximalism & Self‑Expression
The pared-back, ultra-minimalist “blank slate” look is fading. Designers expect a return to more expressive, layered interiors. Think rich textures, layering of patterns, and artisan details like passementerie (decorative fringe), trimmings, and sculptural wall treatments. Personalized, handcrafted elements (tiles, 3D wall art) are coming back strong.
Tactile, Natural Materials
Organic, woven materials: rattan, wicker, bamboo, but also new sustainable materials (e.g., agave fibers, coconut shells). Imperfection is celebrated: handmade craftsmanship, “wabi-sabi” qualities. Floors and ceilings are being used as design canvases: bold rugs, dramatic tiling, sculptural lighting overhead.
Adaptive & Wellness-Driven Design
Homes are becoming more responsive: modular lighting that adapts to circadian rhythms, furniture that evolves with your needs. Integration of wellness: spaces like meditation rooms, home gyms, or even bathhouses are being woven in thoughtfully.
Earthy Vibrancy in Colour
Rather than cold neutrals, 2026 leans into warm, rooted palettes. Designers call this “earthy vibrancy.” Moody jewel tones (deep greens, plums) mixed with sun-baked ochres, clay, and terracotta. Unexpected high-contrast colour pairings: e.g., teal & chocolate, periwinkle & velvet, metallic moss & tangerine.
Colour Drenching & Monochromatic Spaces
“Soft colour drenching” is continuing to be on-trend for the next year - saturating one light or muted colour across walls, ceilings and woodwork, even radiators - to create a cohesive and calm atmosphere.
Announced Color Trends for 2026
Soft Clay & Mineral Neutrals
Think “updated greige but grown up and expensive.”
Tones: warm clay, mushroom, putty, plaster, oat milk
Why 2026: after years of stark white and cool grey, people want softness without going beige-beige.
Use in homes: walls, joinery, limewash finishes
Deep Evergreens & Blue-Greens
Gorgeous in period properties. Proper “curl-up-with-a-book” energy.
Tones: juniper, moss green, petrol teal, blackened green
Why 2026: the trend for calming, forest-adjacent colours continues as people chase serenity.
Burnt Caramel & Warm Rusts
Cosy but modern. Spicy but classy.
Tones: cinnamon, amber, tobacco, baked terracotta
Why 2026: earthy tones keep trending as people want grounding, tactile homes.
Modern Pastels (Chalky, Not Sweet)
Like kids' pastels that went to art school.
Tones: muted lavender-grey, dusty peach, chalky sage
Why 2026: soft dopamine décor without being loud - especially in kitchens & bathrooms.
Stormy Blues & Charcoal Blues
Replacing navy as the cool choice.
Tones: midnight blue, inky charcoal, moody storm blue
Why 2026: stately, heritage, and pairs with copper/bronze fittings .
Aged Brass, Antique Gold & Old-World Metallics
Warm metallics stay strong, but it’s all about patina.
Tones: aged brass, brushed antique gold, bronze
Why 2026: compliments the rise of vintage & reclaimed furnishings.
Botanical Greens & Neo-Mint
Softer and more sophisticated than the 2020 neon mint.
Tones: fresh eucalyptus, milky mint, silver-sage
Why 2026: wellness-inspired interiors + biophilic design.
Blackened Reds & Deep Berry Tones
Not cherry red — think vampire librarian.
Tones: oxblood, berry-black, pomegranate, aubergine
Why 2026: adds luxurious drama without going full gothic.
These colours reflect a move toward emotional richness, groundedness, and a connection to nature.
Specific Paint Colour‑of-the‑Year Picks
Benjamin Moore:
Their 2026 Colour of the Year is Silhouette AF‑655, An elegant colour that weaves rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal.
Farrow & Ball:
Farrow & Ball haven't explicitly released a colour of the year, but have curated a new collection of earthy, warm tones in their new paint collection
Pantone:
Every Year, the Pantone Colour institute has named a colour for the trends for the year ahead. The Colour Of The Year for 2026 has finally been named as PANTONE 11-4201 'Cloud Dancer', a soft neutral white colour.
This gorgeous muted shade pairs beautifully with all palettes - Pantone has curated seven perfectly balanced colour palettes for inspiration for the year ahead.
Materials & Textures
Natural, Tactile Materials: Woven rattan, bamboo, agave fibers, coconut-shell accents - all part of a trend embracing organic textures.
Handmade & Imperfect Craftsmanship: Pottery, ceramics, handcrafted wood - celebrating imperfection and artisanal quality.
Soft Geometry & Curved Forms: Furniture with biomorphic shapes, sculptural sofas, round lamps - giving a feeling of calm and safety.
Expressive Floors & Ceilings: Rugs that look like art, dramatic tiles, sculptural ceiling treatments - the ‘fifth wall’ is having its moment.
Mood & Style
Grounded Vitality: “Grounded vitality” is a big theme - interiors that feel rooted, calm, but also alive.
Adaptive & Wellness-Driven Spaces: Modular lighting (think circadian rhythm), flexible furniture, spaces that support wellbeing.
Comforting Chaos: Mixing rich textures, warm tones, and layered materials — decorating for personality and comfort rather than minimal perfection.
Organic Modernism: Less hard-edge minimalism, more soft curves + natural materials.
Design Applications
Here are some ideas for how you could bring this 2026 vision into a room:
Living Room: Paint walls in a deep espresso‑brown neutral (or smoky jade), pair with a sculptural curved sofa in a warm terracotta velvet, and add a rattan coffee table + textured rug.
Bedroom: Use soft jade or silvered green for walls, linen bedding in muted blush, and ceramics / handcrafted bedside lamps.
Kitchen/Dining: Introduce clay-toned cabinetry or terracotta tiles, warm brass hardware, and curved, organic-shaped dining chairs.
Wellness Nook: Create a meditation corner with a pale blue or icy lavender plaster wall, woven cushion mats, and a low wooden stool or sculptural seat.
Big Picture: What’s Driving These Trends
A desire for authenticity and connection: the move toward earthy, natural materials and colors suggests people want spaces that feel rooted and genuine.
Wellness-focused living: adaptive environments + calming colour palettes = homes that support wellbeing.
Rejection of minimalism fatigue: after years of white walls and stark spaces, designers and homeowners are craving personality, richness, and tactile luxury.
We are excited to see how these predictions come alive over the next 12 months!
If you have a design in mind for your home in 2026, give us a call and we'd be thrilled to work with you to make your vision come to life!
Phone: 01305 584459
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