Exploring the Colours, Materials and Design Shifts Set to Dominate 2026

As we approach the end of 2025 let’s take a look into 2026 and how trends will define interiors for next year. Spoiler: it’s all about balance, personality and creating spaces that simply feel good to live in. Here are some of the trends I’m most excited about and how you might start weaving them into your own home (or client projects).

Warm, Rich Neutrals - But Not the Usual Ones

Stark white and cold industrial greys are stepping aside. In 2026, neutrals are evolving into warmer, more grounded tones: sandy beige, caramel, biscuit, and soft mushroom. These colours don’t read bland, they feel comforting, lived-in, and quietly luxurious. They also make a brilliantly versatile backdrop for more expressive design choices.

Earthy Vibrancy

Alongside these warm neutrals comes a wave of “earthy vibrancy”, nature-inspired yet emotionally rich hues. Think ochre, deep plum, olive green, and muddy blues. These shades strike the perfect balance between grounded and sophisticated, adding personality without overwhelming a room.

Texture, Texture, Texture

Designers are layering materials like stone, clay, terracotta, and woven textiles to build visual and tactile depth. Expect reclaimed-wood furniture, chunky ceramics, and wall finishes, like plaster or rough stone, that feel wonderfully real beneath your fingertips.

Blue Makes a Bold (But Elegant) Return

One of the strongest signals for 2026: blue is back. But not the predictable sky blues. Instead, we’re seeing moody navy, rich teal, and smoky blue-grey. These tones pair beautifully with pale woods and soft neutrals, delivering a serene, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere or a more dramatic, jewel-toned mood depending on how they’re used.

Rich, Chocolatey Browns

Browns are deepening, shifting from lighter biscuit tones into dark, chocolatey hues. These shades bring depth, sophistication, and a cocooning warmth to interiors. They make an incredible backdrop for artwork and textiles, especially in spaces that need a bit more atmosphere or intimacy.

Quiet, Understated Interiors

2026 leans strongly toward quieter interiors: fewer loud patterns, less maximalism, and more tonal calm. Designers are embracing natural fibres, simple upholstery, and an elegant blend of modern pieces with vintage or antique accents.
Design Tip: Layer textures instead of patterns, linen curtains, a velvet cushion, a time-worn wooden table. Let your materials do the talking.

As trends come and go, it’s always best to lean toward what feels right for your home. These 2026 directions offer inspiration, but the magic happens when you interpret them in a way that reflects your own lifestyle, taste, and sense of comfort. After all, the most enduring trend is creating a space that feels truly like you.

What’s Shaping Interiors in 2026: The Trends You Need to Know