Colourful cabinetry is still out front but so is the humble wooden kitchen, replacing the ubiquitous fitted kitchen with freestanding one-of-a-kind units that feel as though they’ve been unfolding organically over time.
Kumba bespoke kitchen by woodworksbrighton.co.uk
2. Craftsmanship
Craft is the new luxury. Hand-thrown ceramics, bespoke joinery and visible maker’s marks bring soul to interiors increasingly weary of uniformity. In 2026, craftsmanship isn’t decorative, it’s grounded, prioritising integrity, longevity and the quiet confidence of things well made.
Ceramic bowl by Toast
3. Pattern on pattern
Florals meet stripes, geometrics and heritage prints, all anchored by a disciplined palette. The result feels curated rather than chaotic – a confident rejection of minimalism in favour of layered, expressive interiors.
Amara patterns
4. Tiles
We’ve seen the colour drench and the pattern drench, and now expect to see a good dose of tile drenching as tiles step out of their functional roles and into a decorative statement spotlight. Expect handmade finishes, irregular edges and richly pigmented glazes that celebrate texture, tactility and imperfection.
Tile drenching (stock image)
5. Wallpaper
It’s been around for centuries and is still very much ‘in’ for this year – and designers are stepping it up a notch with 3D effects, tactile textures, murals and plenty of pattern play.
Wallpaper by Coordonne
6. Fat furniture
The move from slick, minimalist furniture to soft, generous silhouettes has been happening gradually over the last few years and 2026 is about to get even comfier with deep sofas, rounded armchairs and low-slung forms bringing a reassuring, loungeable weight to contemporary interiors.
Sofa by Cult Furniture
7. Textile wall hangings
Off the back of creating homes that feel ‘lived in’ is the textile art trend creating depth and tactility to interiors, whether modern or antique. It doesn’t need to be an expensive rug or ornate tapestry; it could be as simple as a vintage tea towel or favourite fabric hung in a frame.
Oliver Bonas wall hanging
8. Book nooks
Bookscaping, reading nooks… we’re all about surrounding ourselves with our favourite reads and it’s having an influence on how we design and style our spaces, however small. The key is keeping it cosy and getting lost in your favourite tome.
Get cosy in a book nook (stock image)
9. Wood panelling
Wood panelling returns with restraint. Think slatted details, painted finishes and warm veneers which add architectural rhythm without heaviness and grounding rooms with texture and warmth while nodding to both tradition and modernity.
10. Heirloom pieces
As we move away from homogenised and disposable design, inherited furniture, vintage finds and timeworn objects are becoming increasingly important in shaping our homes, not only as accents but as anchors, bringing a sense of craftsmanship and personality to our spaces.
Annie Sloan
11. Flexible spaces
Since Covid-19, our rooms are working harder and smarter and that’s here to stay this year as we look for flexible layouts to accommodate our busy lives. The focus is fluidity with spaces evolving throughout the day while retaining coherence.
12. Modern nostalgia
Old meets new with intent. Think antique tables with modern sofas, vintage lighting alongside contemporary art; it’s all about mixing old with new with a look that’s rooted in balance while thriving on contrast.
HK Living
13. Circus-inspired decor
We’re leaning into playful maximalism for 2026 with “bold stripes, sculptural silhouettes and a wink of clownish charm”, according to Pinterest’s trend report for 2026 which they’ve dubbed ‘FunHaus’. No jugglers or elephant motifs in sight, just a good dose of pattern and play.
Rockett St George
14. Poetcore
The tormented poet is seemingly on trend for 2026. But how does this lend itself to interiors? Think soft palettes, vintage desks, layered textiles and a literary sensibility. Spaces feel introspective and gently nostalgic, designed for writing, reading and reflection – a counterpoint to the relentless pace of modern life.
15. Fluted glass
Fluted glass continues its ascent as a refined divider. Used in doors, cabinetry and partitions, it balances privacy with light, adding subtle texture without visual weight. In 2026, its appeal lies in its timelessness and understated architectural elegance.
Ferm Living
16. Mirror blocks
Once an interior staple of the 1980s, mirror blocks are back but with sculptural glamour. Used as side tables, plinths or accent pieces, they reflect light while adding sharp, architectural presence. The effect is bold yet controlled – statement-making without excess, and quietly luxurious.
17. Accent doors
This year’s answer to the outdated accent wall, accent doors are deliberate design statements painted in saturated hues, panelling and decorative motifs adding personality and visual interest to any room in your home.
18. Nineties nostalgia
The 1990s are back, but they’re better dressed with rich, deep colours, chunky furniture, glass and chrome accents and plenty of tactile surfaces from boucle to warm wood.
19. Fifth and sixth walls
Design goes beyond the vertical this year, treating every surface as an opportunity for expression with ceilings and floors taking on starring roles. Painted and patterned floors and ceilings are the easiest way to transform a room without changing the layout.
Kaleidoscope Living
20. Lava lamps
Granted, it’s not for everyone but the lava lamp is making a nostalgic comeback. “Everybody has a lava lamp story,” says Cressida Granger, managing director of Mathmos, designers of some of the world’s most iconic lava lamps including collaborations with Duran Duran and Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis. According to Marcelis, the lava lamp is “timeless, as all design should be”.
Mathmos lava lamp
21. Statement stone
Stone goes bold with dramatic veining, saturated hues and expressive slabs turning surfaces into focal points. From kitchens to bathrooms, statement stone in 2026 celebrates nature’s artistry, bringing weight, permanence and undeniable presence to interiors.
Cullifords
22. Pattern drenching
Go big or go home. Pattern drenching is the maximalist version of the colour drenching trend and is making some noise. It’s all about having fun and embracing bold patterns…. everywhere.
23. Lived-in interiors
A little clutter, imperfection and interiors that are not overly styled feel especially resonant right now as we decorate around a growing mood to create interiors that feel genuinely ‘lived in’.
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Annie Sloan
24. Small moments
Gone is the open plan in favour of intimacy with smaller rooms, nooks and moments of enclosure creating atmosphere and comfort. This shift recognises the emotional value of boundaries, favouring spaces designed for connection, quiet and everyday rituals.
25. Neo Deco
Art Deco dominated 2025 and this year it evolves into Neo Deco – a sleeker, sharper version with deep burgundies, navy and chocolate hues and chrome and brass adding precision. Graphic chevrons and fan motifs are layered selectively, creating interiors that feel bold, moody and glam.