Biggest Interior Design Trends for 2026
Interior Design Trends for 2026 aren’t about chasing the next shiny thing — they’re about designing homes that feel warmer, smarter, and far more personal. After years of fast trends, fast furniture, and overly styled spaces, we’re seeing a clear shift toward longevity, wellbeing, and interiors that actually support how we live day to day.
From sustainability becoming the default, to richer colours, tactile materials, and homes that flex between work, rest, and social life, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of thoughtful design choices rather than dramatic makeovers. These trends aren’t just for designers or new builds either — many can be layered into existing homes in simple, realistic ways.
Whether you’re renovating, building, or just itching to refresh your space, these Interior Design Trends for 2026 offer plenty of inspiration that feels grounded, liveable, and genuinely exciting.
Sustainable, by Default (Not a Selling Point Anymore)
Sustainability isn’t a feature anymore — it’s just expected. One of the biggest Interior Design Trends for 2026 is that eco choices quietly sit in the background, baked into every decision rather than shouted from the rooftops.
Fast furniture? Officially on the out.
Thoughtful, long-lasting pieces? Very much in.
Instead of filling homes with matchy-matchy showroom buys, people are leaning into pieces with history and soul:
- antique or vintage furniture
- reclaimed timber and stone
- locally made finishes
- objects that can be repaired, not replaced
What’s really shifting is how sustainability shows up. It’s less about buying something labelled “eco” and more about asking: Will I still love this in 10 years? Longevity is the new luxury.
Mixing old with new is key here. A vintage sideboard next to a sleek modern sofa. An inherited dining table paired with contemporary chairs. These contrasts make spaces feel layered, lived-in, and personal — not like they were styled in one afternoon.
And honestly? Homes feel warmer for it. Less disposable. More yours.
Custom Tilework & Hand-Painted Tiles Steal the Spotlight
If there’s one surface having a moment in the Interior Design Trends for 2026, it’s tiles — and not the boring, grid-laid kind.
Uniform, factory-perfect tiles are giving way to more expressive, handcrafted looks. Think:
- hand-painted tiles
- subtle colour variation
- uneven edges
- layouts that feel intentionally imperfect
Zellige tiles are a great example. Their hand-cut edges and glossy, light-catching glazes bring softness and movement, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that might otherwise feel flat or overly minimal.
But it’s not just about the tile itself — it’s how it’s laid.
Designers are playing with:
- vertical stacking instead of standard brick patterns
- unexpected shapes
- mixing multiple colours within the same tile run
- using tiles to create feature panels or subtle shapes
Tiles are no longer just a practical backdrop. They’re becoming a design statement — something you notice, touch, and appreciate up close.
This shift reflects a bigger desire for homes that feel personal rather than polished. Slight variations, hand-made details, and creative layouts add character that mass-produced finishes just can’t replicate.
In short? Tiles in 2026 are allowed to have personality — and a bit of attitude.
Glossy Lacquer Finishes Are (Quietly) Back
Matte isn’t disappearing forever, but as part of the Interior Design Trends for 2026, glossy lacquer finishes are definitely having their moment again.
We’re seeing high-shine surfaces pop up on:
- kitchen and bathroom cabinetry
- sideboards and storage furniture
- feature joinery and accent pieces
The key difference this time around? It’s not shiny for the sake of it. Gloss is being used thoughtfully — paired with warmer, grounding materials like timber, stone, or brushed metals so it feels balanced, not flashy.
Instead of screaming “retro”, these finishes feel modern and intentional. They add depth, bounce light around the room, and bring a little bit of drama without tipping into over-the-top territory. Very subtle Art Deco energy, but translated for real homes.
If you’re curious but cautious, this is one trend that works beautifully in small doses. Think a glossy island bench, a lacquered vanity, or even just a single furniture piece rather than committing to a whole room.
Rich, Dark Blues Are Making a Serious Comeback
Black and grey have had a long run — and in the Interior Design Trends for 2026, rich dark blues are stepping in as the new go-to neutral.
Shades like navy, ink, and midnight blue are being used to ground spaces without making them feel heavy or cold. They bring depth and calm, while still feeling soft enough to live with day to day.
You’ll see these blues showing up on:
- feature walls
- kitchen and bathroom cabinetry
- sofas, armchairs, and soft furnishings
Dark blue works especially well when layered with:
- warm timber tones
- soft, ambient lighting
- textured fabrics like linen or wool
The result is a space that feels cosy, intimate, and quietly confident — not dark for the sake of being moody, but considered and calming.
If you’ve been wanting to move away from white but aren’t ready for bold colour, deep blue is one of the safest (and most stylish) ways to do it in 2026.
Red-Orange Tones Are Warming Things Up
Shop the look below. From top to bottom left to right
- Luxury Velvet Cushion in Mulberry
- Yara Sandy Red Armchair – Russet Brown
- Nesting Bowls – Set of 4 in Merlot
- Riviera Stripe Bath Sheet in Mulberry
- Pems Table Lamp – Plum
- Luxury Velvet Bolster in Mulberry
- Vasuda 48cm Bedside Table – Red
- Salad Servers – Merlot
- Esmora Swivel Armchair – Rustic Red
Among the standout Interior Design Trends for 2026, red-orange tones are quietly taking centre stage. Think terracotta, sun-baked clay, and earthy rust shades — colours that feel warm, grounding, and full of life without being loud.
These tones work beautifully because they sit right in the sweet spot: energising, but not overwhelming.
You’ll see them used in a few different ways:
- small accents like cushions, armchairs, or artwork
- tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways
- feature walls that add warmth to otherwise neutral homes
In more confident spaces, red-orange is even being used more generously to create relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired interiors that feel sun-washed and calm rather than bold or busy.
If your home leans neutral (beige, stone, soft white), adding even a hint of terracotta can instantly bring it to life. It’s one of the easiest colour updates that still feels timeless — not trend-driven.
Wood Panelling & Architectural Timber Make a Return
Wood is stepping back into the spotlight in the Interior Design Trends for 2026, not just as furniture, but as a true architectural feature.
Instead of flat painted walls everywhere, timber is being used to add depth and structure through:
- wall panelling
- timber ceilings
- built-in storage and joinery
- feature zones that visually connect spaces
What’s different this time is the finish. Timber is often left lightly treated or minimally stained so the natural grain and texture can shine. It feels warm, organic, and calm — especially compared to overly polished or synthetic surfaces.
Used well, wood surfaces create continuity throughout the home, tying rooms together rather than making them feel separate. Even in modern spaces, timber softens the overall look and makes homes feel more inviting and liveable.
This is one trend that works across almost every style — contemporary, coastal, Japandi, or even minimalist — and it’s one that tends to age beautifully over time.
Browns Are Getting Deeper (Think Chocolate, Not Beige)
Brown is officially having its glow-up. As part of the Interior Design Trends for 2026, we’re moving away from light, safe browns and leaning into richer chocolate and espresso tones.
This feels like a natural evolution after the popularity of warm neutrals over the past few years. Deeper browns bring:
- warmth without feeling heavy
- depth without the harshness of black
- a sense of quiet, grown-up luxury
You’ll see these shades used on walls, upholstery, and timber finishes — especially when balanced with lighter neutrals like cream, stone, or soft beige to keep spaces feeling open.
The result is sophisticated but still relaxed. Dark brown grounds a room in a way that feels calm and timeless, making it a strong alternative if you’ve been reaching for black or charcoal out of habit.
Sun-Soaked Colour Palettes Feel Optimistic & Lived-In
If 2026 had a colour mood, it would be warm, relaxed, and sun-drenched. Another key part of the Interior Design Trends for 2026 is the rise of sun-soaked palettes featuring olive greens, mustard yellows, and burnt orange tones.
These colours feel especially at home in spaces that connect to nature — think living rooms, kitchens, and areas with good natural light.
What makes them work is how they’re layered:
- soft, slightly faded finishes rather than bold blocks of colour
- warm neutrals to ground the palette
- natural textures like linen, timber, and stone
When used together, these shades create interiors that feel gently weathered — like they’ve evolved over time rather than being styled all at once. The vibe is easy, optimistic, and very liveable.
This palette suits homes that want warmth and personality without leaning too modern or too polished. It’s relaxed, familiar, and full of quiet confidence.
Wellness Spaces Become a Core Part of the Home
Design your Home Gym with Technogym
Wellness in the home isn’t new — but in the Interior Design Trends for 2026, it’s being treated as a core design principle, not a bonus feature.
A steam shower or basic gym used to feel luxurious. Now? That’s just the starting point.
Homeowners with the space (and budget) are asking for fully considered wellness zones that feel on par with boutique spas — and importantly, they want them seamlessly integrated into the home, not tucked away as an afterthought.
We’re seeing dedicated wellness suites that include:
- dual-mode saunas with dry heat and infrared
- red-light therapy zones
- horizontal or multi-sensory shower experiences
- cold plunges
- built-in massage or treatment tables
What’s driving this shift is the way wellness is now part of daily life. These spaces are designed around real routines — morning recovery, evening wind-downs, circadian lighting, and tech-enabled therapies that support energy, longevity, and performance.
Privacy is key. Convenience is everything. The luxury is in having it at home, ready whenever you need it — not booking appointments or driving across town.
Because of that, traditional “extras” like home cinemas or basement bars are slowly being replaced by:
- gyms with Pilates reformer beds
- meditation and quiet rooms
- full spa-style wellness suites
Most of these spaces are now incorporated into the primary bedroom zone, making wellness part of everyday living rather than a separate destination.
Material choices play a big role too. Soft plaster finishes, handmade tiles, and limestone slabs don’t just look beautiful — they feel good underfoot and age gracefully over time. This is the new definition of luxury: quieter, more intentional, and deeply connected to wellbeing.
The 70s Are Back (Yes, Really)
Design trends love a comeback — and the Interior Design Trends for 2026 are officially welcoming a 1970s revival.
Before anyone panics: this isn’t shag carpet overload or full retro time travel. It’s a refined, modern take on the era’s confidence and glamour.
One of the biggest shifts is the return of polished finishes. After years dominated by brushed metals and soft bronzes, materials like polished chrome and nickel are stepping back into the spotlight.
Along with that comes a renewed love for:
- high-gloss finishes
- reflective surfaces
- lacquered timber
- shine on walls, ceilings, doors, and cabinetry
When used thoughtfully, these finishes feel bold and intentional rather than dated. Paired with modern layouts, warm materials, and contemporary lighting, the 70s influence reads confident and playful — not nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake.
It’s a reminder that interiors don’t always have to whisper. In 2026, a little shine and personality are officially welcome again.
Hybrid Living Is the New Normal
Hybrid living is one of the most practical Interior Design Trends for 2026, reflecting how most of us now balance working from home and the office, socialising and staying in.
Homes are no longer designed around single-purpose rooms. Instead, clients want spaces that adapt easily throughout the day — working from kitchen tables, sofas, or quiet corners when focus is needed. This shift has made thoughtful planning essential, especially for charging points, printers, strong Wi-Fi, and flexible work zones.
Comfort and versatility matter more than a perfectly styled home. Multipurpose rooms, acoustic treatments, and modular furniture are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in homes with guests or multigenerational living. The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to support real, everyday life.
When you look at the Interior Design Trends for 2026 as a whole, one thing is clear: homes are becoming more human. Less about perfection, more about comfort. Less about trends for trends’ sake, more about materials, colours, and layouts that stand the test of time.
We’re seeing a move toward sustainable choices by default, richer and warmer colour palettes, expressive surfaces, wellness-focused spaces, and homes designed to adapt to real life. It’s a quieter, more intentional kind of luxury — one that values wellbeing, craftsmanship, and everyday ease over excess.
If you’re enjoying these design ideas, you’ll find more interior inspiration, real-life renovation insights, and practical styling tips over on the home page.
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