Top Interior Trends for 2026: What's In, What's Out, and How to Refresh Your Space
- Studio Jeandré
- Mar 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 2
The world of interior design is a dynamic landscape, constantly evolving to reflect our changing lifestyles, values, and aspirations. As we look toward 2026, a clear narrative emerges: our homes are becoming more intentional, personal, and holistic. Staying ahead of the curve with the latest interior design trends is not about chasing fads, but about understanding the shifts that can make your space more beautiful, functional, and aligned with your well-being. Whether you're embarking on a full renovation, seeking bedroom inspiration, or simply refreshing your apartment decorating scheme, this guide to the top interior trends for 2026 will provide you with the valuable insights and interior design inspiration you need to create a home that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The Top 5 Interior Trend Predictions for 2026
1. Biophilic Design 2.0: The Deeper Connection
Biophilic design has moved far beyond a simple potted plant in the corner. In 2026, this trend evolves into a fundamental principle of modern interior design. It’s about creating a profound, multi-sensory connection to nature within our interiors.
What's In: Current trends in interior design now include dedicated indoor green walls, the use of natural materials like uncut stone, reclaimed wood, and cork, and the strategic incorporation of water features for their soothing sounds. Maximising natural light and ensuring air quality are also key components. This trend is a direct response to our increasingly urban lives, offering a restorative sanctuary that actively reduces stress and boosts creativity.
What's Out: Sparse, token greenery. The future is about immersive, integrated natural elements, not just decoration.
How to Implement: If you're into apartment decorating, you can embrace this trend with a vertical herb garden in the kitchen, a large, dramatic fiddle-leaf fig in the living room, or a small tabletop fountain. Choose organic textiles like linen and wool for upholstery and bedding.
2. Earthy, Grounded Colour Palettes
Forget the cool, stark greys of the past decade. The latest interior design trends are embracing warmth and comfort through a rich, earthy colour palette. These hues are inspired by the natural world and create an instant sense of calm and stability.
What's In: Think warm, enveloping shades like terracotta, ochre, olive green, and deep, earthy browns. These colours work beautifully as a backdrop for living room designs and are perfect for creating a cocooning effect in bedrooms. They pair exquisitely with natural materials like wood, leather, and stone, enhancing the overall organic aesthetic.
What's Out: Cool, sterile greys and all-white interiors are being replaced by these more nurturing, personality-filled tones.
How to Implement: You don't have to paint an entire room. Start with an accent wall in a rich terracotta, or incorporate these colours through a large area rug, a velvet sofa, or textured cushions. This is an easy way to infuse bedroom inspiration with a sense of warmth and security.
3. Expressive Maximalism & Personal Curation
Minimalism had its moment, but 2026 is all about curated self-expression. This isn't about clutter; it's about confidence. Maximalism allows personality to take centre stage through the artful layering of colour, pattern, and personal treasures.
What's In: Bold, large-scale patterns, a "more is more" approach to art displays (think salon walls), vibrant colour clashes, and a mix of textures and eras. This trend answers the question of what interior design trends are in for those who see their home as a canvas for their life story. It’s the ultimate antidote to generic, soulless interiors.
What's Out: Sterile, matchy-matchy rooms and the fear of using colour and pattern. Safe is now considered boring.
How to Implement: Start by collecting pieces you genuinely love, not just what's trending. Layer a striped rug with a floral armchair. Display your collection of vintage pottery or books proudly. The key is intentional curation, not random accumulation.
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4. Sustainable & Circular Design as Standard
Sustainability is no longer a niche trend but a non-negotiable standard in modern interior design. The focus in 2026 shifts from simply "green" products to a circular design mindset that prioritises longevity, repairability, and responsible sourcing.
What's In: Investing in high-quality, durable furniture built to last a lifetime. Choosing vintage and antique pieces is a hugely popular and sustainable choice. Supporting brands that use recycled materials and offer repair services is also key. This trend is about making conscious choices that are good for both your home and the planet.
What's Out: Fast furniture, disposable decor, and the constant churn of trendy, low-quality items.
How to Implement: When considering apartment decorating, look for a statement vintage coffee table instead of a flat-pack one. Invest in a well-made sofa from a company that sells replacement covers. Choose lighting made from recycled materials.
5. Truly Multifunctional & Adaptive Spaces
The way we use our homes has fundamentally changed, and current trends in interior design are adapting accordingly. With remote work and flexible living becoming the norm, rooms can no longer afford to have a single purpose.
What's In: Designing spaces that are chameleons. A guest bedroom that seamlessly converts into a productive home office with clever storage. A living room that can host a movie night and a workout session. This is achieved through flexible furniture (like Murphy beds and modular sofas), smart storage solutions, and adaptable layouts that can be easily reconfigured.
What's Out: Rigid, single-purpose rooms like formal dining rooms that are only used a few times a year.
How to Implement: Use room dividers or large bookshelves to zone a large room. Choose a sleek, compact desk that doesn't look out of place in a bedroom. Opt for nesting tables that can be pulled out when guests arrive and tucked away to save space.
The overarching theme for 2026 interior design trends is a move towards authenticity and personal well-being. The goal is no longer to create a picture-perfect show home, but to craft a sanctuary that reflects your personality, values, and the way you truly live. Whether you connect most with the mindful curation of Maximalism, the serene balance of Biophilic Design, or the practical intelligence of Multifunctional Spaces, the most important trend is you.
Use this guide as your interior design inspiration to confidently navigate what interior design trends are in and create a home that is not only stylish but also sustainable, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
