2026 interior design trends

Thinking about refreshing your home in 2026? From deeper earthy tones to tactile surfaces and using more expressive lighting, here are the key interior design trends set to shape the year ahead.

 

The return of deep browns

Brown is set to become a popular choice of paint colour in 2026, edging ahead of black as the new go-to neutral. Interior designers are recommending these tones because they feel soothing and quietly refined, giving rooms a calm, grounding quality that suits both modern and traditional homes.

 

Modern homeowners will choose brown for walls, upholstery and wood finishes, and often combine darker tones with gentler beiges or light stone shades for a soothing contrast. Adding deep browns in smaller ways, like a dark timber side table or brown ceramic lamp, can bring this trend to life in a subtle, modern way.

 

New depth in blue tones

Blue will remain a favourite colour across home interiors in the UK. While pale blues have been popular for years, the coming year will be all about using deeper shades, like ink blue, petrol blue and charcoal-infused blues. In fact, Dulux named a collection of soulful indigo blues, including Free Groove™, Mellow Flow™ and Slow Swing™, as its colours of the year.

 

These deeper blues will be a favourite in kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms to create a sophisticated, yet calming feel. On the other hand, icy and cool-toned blues are expected to appear more often in homes, pairing well with lighter woods like ash or oak.

 

Lighting will become a key feature

Lighting will become more expressive in 2026, making it one of the most defining elements of a room. Homeowners and designers will view oversized pendants, sculptural fixtures and thoughtfully designed lamps as pieces that enhance a space in the same way artwork does.

 

People will also pay closer attention to the mood their lighting creates, and as a result, there will be a growing interest in options that feel softer and more layered. Warm bedside lamps, gentle wall lights and cosy pendant lights will all work together to set a tone that encourages calmer routines and a more considered approach to how each room is used.

 

Gallery walls make a comeback

The use of gallery walls will also be one of the top interior design trends for 2026, but in a way that feels more curated and personal than the versions we saw a few years ago.

 

Designers are predicting that, rather than using symmetrical layouts, homeowners will experiment with uneven spacing and layered frames. They will gather a combination of prints, photographs, illustrations and smaller objects to bring personality into a room without using large-scale colour or pattern. This works well in areas that often feel forgotten in a home, like stairwells or hallways.

 

Increased use of mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are firmly returning for kitchens and bathrooms, offering an alternative to the zellige tiles that have been everywhere recently. Tiny square tiles in teal, sky blue, muted green or warm brown are set to be popular ways to bring texture and a nostalgic flair into modern spaces.

 

They work especially well when paired with timber cabinetry or panelling, creating a look with a combination of mid-century design and modern features. Mosaic tiles are ideal for shower walls or splashbacks, and they’re great for adding definition to smaller areas.

 

A more personal approach to decorating

One of the strongest 2026 interior shifts is the move away from co-ordinated furniture sets and towards interiors that feel personal. Statement colours and stylish accessories are gaining popularity as people begin to choose personality over uniform design.

 

This trend encourages using what you already have, shopping for second-hand furniture, and adding a sculptural vase or a vintage mirror.

 

Upcycling will play an even bigger role in home interiors too, with homeowners repainting furniture, restoring older pieces and choosing more natural paints.

 

Looking to refresh your home for 2026?

If you’re planning to refresh your home interior in 2026, starting with a well-designed home with modern interiors makes the whole process easier and more enjoyable.

 

At Crest Nicholson, we offer a range of high-quality new homes that give you a strong foundation for personalisation, making it easier to bring these 2026 trends to life in your own space. You can learn more about our current new build homes for sale here.

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