As we step into 2026, interior design is evolving beyond aesthetics alone. It’s now about atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional wellbeing. Following the tone of last year’s trends that celebrated texture, individuality, and nature-driven design, next year’s interiors lean into calmness, personality, and tactile richness. Here’s what designers, colour experts, and trend forecasters are telling us you’ll be seeing in homes throughout the year ahead.
1. Calm, Considered Colour Palettes
Colour remains central to interior trends, but the narrative is shifting.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, is a serene, soft white – the first white hue ever chosen for this honour – signalling a widespread desire for calm and visual clarity in interior spaces. According to Pantone, the hue embodies serenity and thoughtful simplicity, creating backgrounds that feel open and restorative rather than stark or clinical.
Meanwhile, Dulux’s Colour Forecast 2026 breaks colour into three thematic palettes: Ethereal (soft pastels), Elemental (grounded neutrals), and Evoke (rich, expressive hues) reflecting how colour can influence mood and daily life. These palettes balance calm and character, with soft botanical greens, warm neutrals, and deeper, emotive hues that layer beautifully in lived-in spaces.
Key colour directions include:
- Soft neutrals and spa-like whites for serene living areas.
- Moody, atmospheric tones like olive smoke, plum dusk, and espresso brown for depth and warmth.
- Nature-inspired colour stories that bring balance and comfort.
2. Texture & Material Depth – Fine Details, Big Impact
2026 encourages layering textures to create tactile richness in interiors.
- Wallpaper makes a strong comeback, going beyond pattern to create immersive, emotional spaces.
- Deep, rich dark woods like walnut and chocolate hues add warmth and permanence, especially when paired with lighter fabrics or soft neutrals
- Upholstery and tactile materials (think boucle, suede, and hand-woven textiles) lend softness and sensory appeal.
These material choices help curate spaces that feel lived-in and luxurious, welcoming touch and attention.
3. Style Fusion – Personal and Intentional
Minimalism isn’t disappearing, but it’s evolving into something warmer and more expressive.
- Japandi and soft minimalism continue to influence spaces with a blend of clean lines, neutral hues, and organic textures.
- Colour drenching – wrapping entire rooms in a single hue is gaining traction for creating immersive, mood-driven spaces.
- Expressive interiors are emerging too, balancing minimalism with personality through meaningful objects, hand-crafted pieces, and curated collections.
In 2026, it’s less about adhering to one style and more about crafting spaces that feel honest to the people who live in them.
4. Personalisation Through Signature Details
According to Architectural Digest’s 2026 forecast, there’s a notable move toward custom, hand-crafted, and story-rich elements. Designers are embracing:
- Hand-painted tiles and layered textiles that reference heritage or personal narratives.
- Decorative detailing like fringe, tassel, and sculptural metalwork to add both texture and personality.
This trend reflects a collective desire to slow down, curate meaning, and build spaces that aren’t just beautiful but authentic and memorable.
If 2024 and 2025 were about establishing fresh foundations and returning to comfort, 2026 is about deepening what we’ve started. Whether you’re renovating, refreshing, or simply looking for inspiration, 2026 promises interiors that are stylish and significant – spaces you’ll want to live in for years to come.
