Inside the 2026 Interior Trends: Pantone’s Colour of the Year Meets Pinterest Predicts
From Pantone’s Colour of The Year to Pinterest Predicts, interior experts reveal the trends that are set to be big for 2026.
2026 is officially in full swing – and we’re hungry for a brand-new set of design trends showcasing contemporary style in the new year. Especially since the (slightly disappointing) confirmation that Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year is the underwhelming ‘Cloud Dancer’.
This calming colour is said to symbolise peace and tranquillity in our busy world. A nice message, but when it comes down to it, it is just white. A clean slate. A neutral background. So, how to know what to pair with white in 2026?
The style-savvy among us turn to Pinterest Predicts, the future trends handbook that has been right in 88% of its predictions over the past six years. However, with 21 iconic trends to choose from, which one is right for you?
The Sliding Door Wardrobe Company, a bespoke fitted wardrobes specialist serving Newcastle and the North East, chats all things 2026 with a collection of interiors and home experts, bringing you the top trends to try now.
Biophilic design
Kicking off with so much more than a passing trend, biophilic design – the concept of bringing greenery and natural elements inside our homes – has proved its versatility in recent years and now looks set to stay.
It’s clear why biophilic design is so popular, especially when it comes to our hyper-busy, always-on world. It’s an established trend that encourages calm and connection by bringing the outdoors in, creating a natural and restorative atmosphere.
Whether it’s greenery, natural lighting or organic textures, 2026 is the year to prioritise elements of nature within your interior design.
Art deco returns
No longer heavy on the minimalism, art deco design returns to the trend landscape for 2026 by dialling up the glamour and adding just a sprinkle of eccentric style.
Think geometric detailing, smooth, rounded edges and deep, moody colour palettes that both look and feel effortlessly chic. Plus, enjoy the nod to the 1920s styling of old with bold, brass accent pieces; indeed, searches for ‘brass aesthetic’ are up 35%.
Dip a toe into the trend with a statement, brass-toned ‘pendant lamp’ (+40%) or ‘antique bar cart’ (+100%), or go full art deco obsessive with a ‘leather banquette’ (+35%) in every room or an entire ‘red marble bathroom’ (80%)!
Opulence & drama
Bold fabrics, dramatic colour schemes and the feeling that you might be entering a posh restaurant or even attending the opera is the goal for 2026. The vintage theatre aesthetic is trending in all its glory – especially when it comes to parties! But who says we can’t give our interiors the same treatment year-round? That dark, moody colour palette from the art deco trend is raised to the max, with every detail on point and sparkles set to enter the chat.
Mysterious opulence – best achieved with rich fabrics, such as velvet and lace – plays right into the trending terms of ‘masquerade décor’ (+40%) and ‘opera theatre’ (+35%). Plus, embrace your dark side with ‘midnight masquerade’ (+95%) style, featuring a truly theatrical feel.
Cosy comfort
Wave goodbye to the statement walls of exposed brickwork and the overly sculptural chairs that only look good on Instagram. 2026 is all about cultivating comfort, with an air of cosy practicality taking over every room.
Robin Edwards, a buying agent at Curetons Property Finders, always has his finger on the style pulse. “2026 interiors are all about comfort and warmth,” he confirms.
“While the ultra-industrial style has had its moment over the last few years, it can make a home feel stark and cold. Buyers are increasingly on the lookout for that sense of cosy warmth.
“Furniture still needs to look stylish, but it also has to fulfil its function to a T.” This means cosy, squishy sofas, warm-toned lights and plenty of comfy cushions, creating an interior style that truly says ‘welcome home.’
Maximalists rejoice!
A well-known design trend that screams positivity, maximalism is back but maybe not quite as we know it. Jess Power, Interiors Expert at MFI, explains “Bold spaces are wonderful, but the version of maximalism we’re seeing a lot online now features far too much ‘stuff’.
“It’s a deeply personal and intentional trend that has unfortunately become overhyped, with loud patterns, clashing colour palettes and quirky ‘things’ added purely for shock value. Maximalism done right is highly curated, full of meaningful additions that have been collected over time.”
Those curated collections are set to be brighter than ever with maximalist-influenced trends on the up for 2026, including primary, gummy bear colour palettes and circus-inspired interior décor.
Search terms ‘jelly candy aesthetic’ and ‘gummy bears aesthetic’ are both up 100% and 50% respectively, while searches for ‘stripey ceiling’ have increased by 40% and interest in a ‘circus interior’ has increased by a huge 130%. Embrace maximalism the 2026 way with bold brights and quirky, circus-core stripes throughout your home.
With a huge wealth of 2026 interior trends to choose from, you won’t be stuck for style choice! Whether you’re a maximalist, focused on comfort or looking to bring some more nature into your life, the 2026 style rules have you covered.
Written by Millie Bradbury