2026 Interiors Are Here: The Trends We’re Excited About

Trends, revivals, and restoration, interior design has become a smorgasbord of influences in recent years. 

For those who love style maxing and playful nods to eras and moods, you’re going to love what 2026 has in store. It’s time to rip up the playbook and head to your local second-hand furniture store to source décor with personality. 

Most importantly, this year is about feeling and energy. Ask yourself: what environment feels like an extension of you? What makes you feel eager to open your front door?

Take a look at what the interior designers are planning for the new year.

1) Go big with blue 

Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201) might be Pantone’s colour of the year in 2026, but we’re anticipating designers to use colours with a bit more punch. 

The versatility of blue has long been unappreciated, and what was once thought of as a cold and uninspired colour is turning heads in 2026. From cool aqua tones that feel reminiscent of the 1970s to rich royal blues that feel decadent and cosy, blue can do it all. 

As interior designer Nicky Percival says, “Pale blue shades are also associated with the sea and sky, often conveying a sense of openness and expansiveness.”

When combined with texture or era-appropriate decor, this colour really comes to life. We anticipate a divided response when it comes to shade and tone, with designers using this colour in very different but equally creative ways. 

2) Thoughtfully revived retro

Retro and vintage interiors have been a staple of designer mood boards for the last decade. While this continues, we think vintage pieces will begin to feel more intentional and curated. 

Whether that looks like mid-century statement chairs being upholstered in modern fabrics or ultra-sleek kitchens dotted with 20th-century enamel dinnerwear, the interior design eras are truly in a melting pot. 

There are no hard and fast rules, which can make it a hard trend to pull off. Instead, think about overall cohesion in the room, so that every item feels like part of a considered whole rather than a collection of random finds. 

It’s about simplicity and paired-back vintage. 

3) Cottagecore brings comfort

Soft, cosy, and unapologetically romantic, cottagecore continues to influence more than social media trends. Designers and homeowners are leaving behind spaces that feel almost clinically presented. 

We want to see wooden furniture with organic grain imperfections and vintage artwork that feels nostalgic, transporting us to a time when the home was all about comfort. 

This quaint version of domestic life takes inspiration from idyllic country living in places like the Cotswolds. Journalist Amelia Hill writes, “The trend has also led to a rise in demand for dado rails and ottomans, butter dishes, tablecloths, water jugs and stacks of firewood.”

As well as all of the above, think about whimsical floral prints, incorporating tactile materials like linen, rattan, and handwoven textiles, layered rugs, and soft throws - sounds comforting, right?

4) The rise of Afrohemian

What is Afrohemian? Classically, Afrohemian blends traditional African craftsmanship with the relaxed and often eclectic spirit of bohemian design.  More than a decor trend, it’s a celebration of African artistry, honouring the skilled designers, artisans, and communities whose work has inspired these vibrant spaces.

While elements like decorative woven plates and sculpted masks have appeared in interiors for several years, the style is becoming increasingly popular. 

In fact, data from Pinterest shows that the term “afrobohemian home decor” has increased by 220% on the platform. 

Related terms like “adire fabric”, “bamboo beaded curtains”, “ethiopian art” and “rattan accent chair” have also been increasingly searched in the latter parts of 2025, showing a real appetite for this style. signalling a real appetite for spaces that honour cultural craftsmanship while embracing eclectic bohemian charm.

These spaces are a celebration of African design and heritage, not simply borrowed aesthetics. We encourage decorators to explore the origins of these decor elements, as utilising this style means respecting and recognising the people and cultures that bring it to life.

5) The panel and wallpaper combo

Both panelling and wallpaper can hold their own as trendy elements in the last 5 years. But have you ever thought of combining the two? 

Panelling adds a huge depth of character to any room, giving the space structure without overwhelming the decorative aspects. With wallpaper, the sky is the limit. The genius, and perhaps less intimidating aspect of this trend is that you can be as bold or classic as you like. 

For a more tame approach, using natural wood panelling feels timeless, and this can be paired with a soft muted wallpaper design. Equally go bold, like they have above (perhaps a blue moment, where you can combine two trends?), and go as wild as you like on the wallpaper.

We recommend starting with the panelling as this is a slightly more permanent fixture in a room. You can explore our full collection here.

6) Mood maxing

Interior design in the home is inherently emotional, these are spaces that we cook in, spend time with family in, escape from the busy world in. 

Of course, functionality is important but you also want a space that helps combat those days just aren’t going your way. They should offer comfort and escape. This ties in nicely with the idea of “mood maxing” a space. It’s not really about keeping up with the Joneses, it’s about building and developing a space that allows you some emotional relief. 

Ask yourself the question: How do I want to feel in this space?

You might want to feel energised through playful colour and expressive patterns, calm through dark palettes and layered textures, or focused and productive through clean lines and simple lighting. Ultimately, this will look differently for everyone, so don’t be afraid to break some design “rules” and experiment. 

7) Mid-century decor

An interior is more than just furniture and fixtures. 

Every element, down to the tiniest decorative item, plays a role in shaping the character of your space.  From sleek teak chairs to vintage ceramic vases or sculptural lighting, the mid-century movement continues to dig its claws into the design space. 

The best places to find these treasures are thrift stores, antique shops, flea markets, estate sales, and online marketplaces. 

Websites like Etsy, eBay, Chairish, and Facebook Marketplace are great for hunting unique finds, while specialty online vintage shops often offer curated collections of rare or collectible items.