The Key Trends Shaping Interiors for 2026

What’s Driving 2026 Trends?

Cultural shifts, wellness priorities, and tech integration are shaping interiors globally. Homes are becoming sanctuaries - personal, layered, and intelligent. According to industry forecasts, expect warm, earthy tones, organic textures, and immersive smart environments to dominate design narratives.

Decorex Event Director Sam Fisher sums it up:

“2026 is about pushing boundaries, and Decorex will continue to lead the conversation. We curate craftsmanship, innovation, and future-thinking design to form a creative hub for the design community.”

Sustainable Luxury – Beauty with Purpose

Luxury in 2026 is layered, tactile, and importantly, responsible. Designers are prioritising sustainable and renewable materials, low-VOC finishes, and circular design principles. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s embedded in every decision.

Sam Fisher continues: “We know from the designers we collaborate with on our sustainability initiatives that sustainability is integral to interior design today. It’s about creating interiors that reflect quiet luxury, exquisite yet ethical.”

Natural materials, warmth & tactile design lead the design agenda.

There’s a clear move away from slick, high-gloss or ultra-minimal surfaces — instead, organic materials like wood, cork and stone are coming back in. These natural, timeless materials ground us in uncertain times.

Textural, handcrafted finishes are key. Think woven fabrics, natural fibres, lime-wash or plaster walls, and artisan ceramics — reflecting a desire for authenticity over mass-produced decor. The broader ambition is for homes that feel grounded, warm, and lived-in.

Biophilic design remains important, bringing nature inside via real plants, natural light, wood and stone textures, offering calm and connection to the outdoors. Interiors are designed with wellbeing in mind and an emphasis on calm, restorative spaces.

More homeowners are valuing sustainability, durability and “living well”, opting for materials and furniture that age gracefully and tell a story. The appeal is longevity, character and ethical choice: interiors built to last, that reflect personality, and support a values-led lifestyle.

Maximalist Revival – Bold, Layered, and Curvaceous

After years of minimalism, maximalism is back - but curated, not chaotic. Think jewel tones, pattern drenching, and eclectic collections that tell a story. Designers are embracing individuality through layered textures and statement pieces.

This was a highlight at Decorex 2025, where exhibitors such as Haberdashery’s sculptural lighting and Hyde House’s bespoke statement furniture celebrated bold design narratives. Maximalism today is about confidence and character, where every piece tells a story.

Furniture is becoming more expressive: oversized, plush, sculptural seating - “art as furniture” is trending. Statement armchairs, curvy sofas, rounded dining tables or console cupboards - pieces that double as design anchors.

Architectural ‘softness’, seen in curved lines, arches and organic shapes help to make interiors feel more inviting and human.

The Tech Revolution

AI is transforming interiors from concept to completion. In 2026, expect AI-powered mood boards, space planning and predictive trend analytics. Tools now optimise layouts, suggest materials, and even create immersive virtual environments.

At Decorex 2025, we offered a glimpse into the future of the intelligent home. Homeplay’s Serengeti Living experience, designed by Hill House Interiors, showcased how integrated tech and intelligent lighting can create multisensory environments without visual clutter.

The conversation around technology is shifting from gadgets to more meaningful experiences, enhancing the experience of the people using the spaces. Think circadian lighting schemes that prioritise wellness. Designers want solutions that improve their lifestyle while preserving aesthetic integrity.

Warm, grounded colours - neutrals with depth, accent tones

Goodbye stark whites and cool greys — the trending palette for 2026 is embracing warm neutrals like sand, vanilla and clay with earthy tones. Think Pantone’s Colour of the Year, ‘Cloud Dancer’, a gentle, billowy, vanilla-tinged off-white which represents “a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.”

Softer accent colours are also rising — gentle sage greens, blush or dusty pinks, muted blues — adding subtle personality without overwhelming a space. Colour layering and depth are key: the goal is a background that feels restful and sophisticated, but still expressive enough to show character.

Layered design: walls, ceilings, floors as design canvases

Interiors are becoming richer and more intentional: walls, ceilings and floors are no longer afterthoughts, but integral to the design scheme. Expect colour drenching, feature walls, textured finishes (plaster, limewash), painted or statement ceilings, and bold flooring or rugs.

This layering — mixing finishes, textiles, surface treatments — adds depth, personality and character, even in simpler or smaller rooms.

It’s a reaction against overly “flat” or one-dimensional interiors: instead, the home becomes immersive, expressive and warm.

What’s next for Decorex 2026

Looking ahead, expect Decorex 2026 to amplify these themes with exciting launches and thought-provoking talks. Our curated programme will explore how sustainability, craftsmanship, and technology intersect to shape tomorrow’s interiors. From the latest interiors collections to the most innovative craft makers, the show promises to be a trendsetting hub for the global design community.

Sam Fisher concludes: “Decorex is where ideas become reality. It’s about inspiration, connection, and shaping the future of interior design.”

Join the Conversation

Follow us on social media for more design news, exhibitor highlights and trend insights, and save the date from 11 to 14 October for Decorex 2026 at Olympia London.