Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2026
- Hayley Fellows-Prior
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 19
Something interesting is happening in interiors right now. Little by little, rooms are getting bolder again. Chrome is creeping back in. Cherry lacquer is having a moment. Teal - yes, teal - is making a seriously stylish return. And underpinning it all is a renewed desire for homes that feel luxurious in a practical, everyday way.
Interior design is entering a beautifully expressive phase, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year where modernity meets nostalgia in all the right ways. From the return of chrome to the rise of rich, heritage colours, the mood ahead is one of balance: bold accents layered onto calm, grounding foundations.
Here are the key directions set to influence interiors in the coming year.
Chrome and Silver Finishes
Warm metallics have had the spotlight for a long time, but cooler tones are beginning to re-emerge. Chrome and silver add a crisp, modern edge and sit beautifully alongside natural textures, stone and timber. Expect to see these finishes on dining tables, lighting, decorative hardware and accent furniture.
Banquette Dining Nooks
Homes are gradually moving away from completely open-plan layouts, and banquette seating is becoming a clever way to define space. Built-in nooks create an intimate, sociable atmosphere and transform unused corners into the heart of the home. Upholstered backs, curved benches and paired circular tables will start to appear more often.
Cherry Lacquer
High-shine finishes are finding their way back into interiors, and deep cherry lacquer is leading the way. Rich, glossy and slightly retro, it introduces drama without overwhelming a scheme. Used on side tables, cabinetry, trays or sculptural pieces, cherry lacquer pairs well with both warm and cool palettes.
Teal: The Colour to Watch
A key colour quietly making its way back into interiors is teal — not the flat, bright teal of the past, but a deep, opulent version that feels timeless. Its old-school, heritage quality brings instant sophistication, whether used in upholstery, panelling or colour-drenched rooms. Teal also works remarkably well with chrome, walnut, stone and cherry lacquer, making it a versatile choice for both warm and cool schemes.
Designing for Life, Not Trends
One of the biggest shifts for 2026 is a renewed focus on creating homes that genuinely support everyday life. This means practical layouts, comfortable furniture, thoughtful storage and materials that age gracefully. The emphasis is moving away from trend-chasing and toward calm, functional, beautifully lived-in spaces.
Bespoke Craftsmanship
There is growing appreciation for custom-made pieces that bring individuality and longevity into the home. Bespoke joinery, tailored upholstery, artisan ceramics and made-to-measure furniture are becoming key investments. Craftsmanship is increasingly being seen as the marker of modern luxury.
Scandinavian Country
Soft, simple and grounding, Scandinavian country style will continue to rise. Pale woods, linen textures, handmade accessories and muted palettes create homes that feel effortless and calming. This aesthetic forms the perfect backdrop for richer, more dramatic materials like lacquer, metallics and deep heritage colours.
In summary, 2026 is set to bring together expressive materials, thoughtful design and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship. It’s a year defined by contrast: glossy finishes meeting natural textures, heritage colours beside modern metallics, and practical layouts enriched by personal, considered details.
Written by Hayley Fellows-Prior, interior designer in Essex specialising in thoughtful, considered homes.
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