Top Interior Design Trends for 2026

As another year rolls around, it’s out with the old and in with the new. But what does that mean for your home? Here’s our round-up of the top interior design trends for 2026.

2026 is officially upon us, so what better way to beat those January blues than a home refresh? 

Whether you’re planning a few room updates or a full house redesign, we’ve got the lowdown on what’s in, what’s out and the psychology behind this year’s current trends. In 2026, it’s less about aesthetics and more about designing homes that support our wellbeing and help us feel comfortable, safe and calm.

Here’s our list of the hottest interior design trends for 2026…

1. Moodier palettes & earthy tones

One of the strongest overarching themes for 2026 is a shift towards deeper, moodier colour schemes. Earth-inspired tones such as brown, terracotta and olive are taking centre stage, replacing cooler neutrals with shades that feel grounding and cocooning. These colours add warmth and character, creating spaces that feel inviting rather than stark.

Used across walls, upholstery or cabinetry, these hues work particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms where cosiness is key. Paired with natural materials like wood, stone and linen, you can also create a look that feels more timeless rather than trend-led.

2. Organic shapes & curved details

Another defining trend is a continued move towards curved sofas, sculptural chairs and irregular-shaped furniture. Rounded architectural details, such as arched doorways and windows, are also gaining popularity.

These organic shapes bring a softness to your home that’s harder to achieve with sharp angles and straight lines. They also add visual interest without overwhelming a room, striking a balance between design and comfort.

3. Lived-in luxury

Introducing the newest buzzword of 2026 – ‘Lived-in luxury’. This trend is less about perfection and more about personality, where homes feel elegant and luxurious but avoid looking like a showroom.

Texture plays a major role here. Layered textiles add depth, while antiques and personal items make your house feel like a home.

4. Colour capping

What is colour capping I hear you say? Think of it as colour drenching’s hip younger sister.

Last year, colour drenching was all about committing to one hue across walls, trim, ceilings and radiators. While this trend is still going strong, it’s evolved to include colour capping – which uses subtle tonal variations within the same colour family to create an ombre effect.

Typically, deeper shades are used at the bottom of the room, gradually transitioning to lighter tones towards the ceiling. It can also work in reverse – lighter at the bottom and the richest shade ‘capping’ the room at the ceiling. This technique adds depth and visual interest while maintaining the cocooning effect of colour drenching.

5. Warm neutrals

If neutrals are more your thing, you’re in luck. Following the announcement that Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026 is ‘Cloud Dancer’ – a creamy white – we’ve already seen a move away from stark, clinical whites towards warmer, softer neutrals.

These shades provide a calming backdrop that enhance natural light without feeling cold or flat. It also works beautifully as a base colour, allowing you to experiment with richer tones through décor and soft furnishings.

6. Natural materials

Another key trend for 2026 is the return of natural, authentic materials like wood, stone and linen. Interiors are moving away from synthetic finishes in favour of sustainable materials that are rooted in nature and will stand the test of time.

Expect to see more unfinished wood with visible grain and knots, as well as rattan, bamboo and handmade ceramics.

The psychology behind 2026 interior design trends

These trends are gaining traction because they tap directly into how people want their homes to feel, at a time when comfort and stability matter more than ever. Warmer tones are psychologically grounding and create a feeling of security and cocooning, whilst low-stimulus neutrals are soothing and help to reduce stress.

The same can be said for organic shapes, which subconsciously feel more relaxed and welcoming than straight lines. Natural materials, layered textiles and imperfect furniture also reduce the pressure to be perfect and make homes feel more human.

Ultimately, 2026 is less about aesthetics and more about designing homes that support our wellbeing and help us feel comfortable, safe and calm.

What's out?

Your home should be a reflection of your style and what you love, so don’t let current trends pressure you into redecorating your space if you don’t want to. But if you like to keep up to date with what’s hot and what’s not, here’s a quick summary of the trends that will likely stay in 2025.

• Stark minimalism: All-white or monochromatic schemes that are cold or sterile.
• Horizontal tiles: A classic, but not as popular as trend-led vertical patterns.
• Wavy everything: Wonky décor can still work, but don’t overdo it.
• Dopamine décor: Bright colours and patterns that are too visually stimulating.
• Open-plan living areas: Lacks cosiness – opt for a separate lounge instead.

Which interior design trends are you itching to try in 2026? We’d love to see how you’ve styled any furniture or décor from MFI, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook!