Interior design trends 2026: Tips for an on-trend home this year
Welcome to 2026, where interior design brings together calming colours and beautiful fabrics to create a space you’ll love all year round.
Whether you're giving one room a facelift or redesigning your entire home, these trends will help you craft spaces that are not only stylish but also uniquely yours. Looking for inspiration for your living room or a chic sitting room? We've got plenty of ideas to get you started!
Key takeaways
- Warm, calming colours: Stone, clay, taupe and soft greige are popular this year
- Comfort-led minimalism: Soft curves, cosy seating and uncluttered spaces make homes easy to live in.
- Mixing old and new: Pair modern furniture with vintage pieces or traditional details for a timeless, personalised look.
- Bringing the outdoors in: Use natural light, greenery, curved furniture and nature-inspired accents to create calm, relaxing rooms.
Interior design 2026 at a glance
In 2026, the focus is on creating spaces that are tranquil and full of character. Homes are embracing serene, layered looks that emphasise well-being and lasting value. Say goodbye to disposable décor and hello to quality pieces that stand the test of time. Think repair, reuse, and timeless styles with these on-trend features:
- Comfort-led minimalism that feels calm, practical and easy to live with
- Natural textures that bring warmth and character to everyday spaces
- A balanced blend of old and new for a timeless, lived-in feel
- Soft curves and cosy seating that create welcoming, relaxed rooms
- Warm neutral tones that make spaces feel light, soothing and versatile
Blend old and new together for a unique look
Mixing old and new is a simple way to give your home more personality. Try pairing a modern sofa with a well-loved cabinet, or adding a piece of artwork above a traditional fireplace for a relaxed, lived-in feel. Stick to a few shared tones, like warm wood, soft metallics and darker accents to keep the look pulled together.
Details such as mouldings or picture rails work just as well with modern furniture, adding a bit of character without making the space feel too formal.
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Colour trends to embrace in 2026
The colours of 2026 are all about warm, welcoming shades that make your home feel comfortable and easy to live in. Soft neutrals like stone, biscuit and clay work well as a base, while taupe, mushroom and gentle greige add a bit of contrast. Off-whites with a hint of green or pink help rooms feel brighter, even on grey days.
Earthy colours continue to be popular, with olive and soft green tones bringing a calm, natural feel to living spaces and bedrooms. Terracotta and warm browns add cosiness to hallways and dining areas, while sandy beiges keep kitchens feeling light and open. If you want to add a bit of impact, deeper shades like midnight blue or plum work well on a feature wall or alcove without overpowering the space.
Bringing nature indoors
Bringing the outdoors in can make your home feel calmer and more relaxing. Let in plenty of natural light with mirrors, light finishes or internal windows, and add touches inspired by nature, like curved furniture, natural materials, or artwork featuring plants and landscapes. Soft colours drawn from the sky, stone and greenery help rooms feel connected and peaceful.
Try an indoor garden (yes, really)
Kitchen herb racks keep flavours fresh, while statement trees like olive or fiddle-leaf figs suit bright corners. For low maintenance, choose snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants, which tolerate varied light and watering needs. Living walls and moss panels add texture and make a great talking point that guests will love.
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Room-by-room 2026 design tips
If you're looking or easy interior design ideas for living room cosiness or kitchen calm, we've got you covered. Let's break it down:
- Living room: Choose a roomy, hard-wearing sofa and add a couple of accent chairs for flexibility. Anchor the space with a large rug and layer lighting with lamps and dimmable ceiling lights. Balance neutrals with a pop of colour or a standout material for interest.
- Kitchen: Keep cabinets simple and add warmth with wood or stone accents. Opt for practical touches like an induction hob, drawer organisers, and a feature pendant light over the island or table.
- Bedroom: Stick to calming neutrals and soft greens. Use blackout curtains, an upholstered headboard, and cosy bedding. Add a dimmable bedside lamp and a small shelf to keep surfaces tidy.
Interior trends 2026 in a nutshell
There's lot to take in when it comes to the ever-changing world of home decor, but the most important thing to remember is that your home should feel perfectly you. If you're more into pastel coloured rugs than greige, it's important to follow your instinct.
FAQs
Focus on high-impact changes: a large pendant light, new cushion covers in earthy tones, a textured rug to define space, and warmer metal hardware. A single accent wall in a bold shade can quickly transform the mood. For living room ideas, consider bold artwork and a pair of layered pastel rugs for added texture.
Use a light, warm base colour and simple window treatments to enhance natural light. Choose compact furniture with legs to show more floor space. Mirrors placed opposite windows increase brightness, and colour-drenching trim and doors create a seamless look, ideal for a cosy sitting room where flow is key.
Absolutely. Mixing adds depth. Stick to two or three finishes and repeat them throughout the space. For example, combine oiled oak with walnut details and pair brushed brass with a hint of blackened steel for balance.
