Design Trends for 2026
My predictions for the new year and why Bouclé is out!
HNY team!
Well, I have well and truly consumed enough sweets and alcohol to last me until spring (booking multiple gym classes, stat!). I don’t know about you, but I have this wonderful habit that if something sweet is in the house, you best believe, I will eat it. And in my mind, nothing counts in December - so with the best intentions of starting January on a healthy note, I’ve made my husband hide the left over sweets because I simply cannot be trusted. Completely normal behaviour, surely.
That said, it’s been such a lovely few weeks with family and friends, and now I’m ready for the January reset.
The Type A in me loves this time of year. A fresh diary (this year I’ve gone for the navy Moleskine weekly), new goals written down, because if they’re not written down, they simply won’t happen. And now that I’ve declared that here, I’m officially accountable.
But this post isn’t about self-improvement (I think there’s enough of those out there right now). I wanted to start the year by sharing my thoughts and predictions for design, colours and styles for 2026. Think moody, rich, layered and full of character.
And absolutely no Bouclé in sight.
Enjoy x
Darker, moodier tones - This year is going to be all about those earthy shades. Think terracotta, clay, olive, stone and taupe - warm, cosy colours that feel grounding and a little bit moody (in a good way). Brown isn’t going anywhere either. I also think we’ll see a lot more colour drenching, especially in smaller spaces like home offices and powder rooms.
Less minimalist and more lived in - This is something I’ve really eased into over the years. My style used to be very minimalist, but I’m finding myself much more drawn to lived-in spaces now, the kind that feel a bit collected and even slightly mismatched. Pieces gathered over time just make a space feel warmer, more personal, and honestly, so much more inviting.
Artwork as the focal point — We’re definitely moving away from neutral, abstract pieces that quietly blend into the background and leaning more into tonal artwork that really stands out. I also think we’ll see oversized pieces becoming the main focal point in a room, and wall tapestries (rugs). The ones that take up space where a sideboard or chest of drawers might usually go.
