What’s Next for Interiors? Arighi Bianchi Unveils its Trend Forecast

Here’s five new directional interiors movements that the trend forecasters at Arighi Bianchi have identified as the one’s to watch in 2026. 

Summarising 2026 trends, Lucy Mather says: “For 2026 interiors are undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. The fixation on fast décor and transient ‘trend’ is giving way to something slower, more soulful, and deeply considered. 

“Across materials, shapes and palettes, the focus is shifting towards intention - design that nurtures, lasts and means something. This new era of interiors isn’t about perfection or ‘for show’; it’s about creating spaces that hold emotion and purpose. From sculptural comfort and tactile layering to nostalgic prints and subtle metal accents, every detail reflects a collective craving for depth, warmth, and authenticity in the way we live.” 

Interiors driven by the ‘Age of Intention’

“We’re increasingly choosing design with purpose rather than just following trends; the mix of new and meaningful has more soul,” Lucy highlights. 

“The last decade has been heavily dominated by fast décor - in-particular ‘Instagram-driven aesthetics’, but a shift is happening. The future is about slowing down, choosing consciously, and investing in what truly matters.

 

“This isn’t about stripping interiors back to minimalistic, but about layering spaces with meaning: pieces that hold value, colours that nurture, and layouts that support the way we actually live.

 

“Design is becoming more thoughtful, with every choice reflecting wellbeing, sustainability, and personal meaning. Earthy palettes are overtaking high-shine finishes, limited-production finds are favoured over mass-produced furniture, and curved silhouettes are softening spaces. It’s less about trend-chasing, more about creating sanctuaries where materials, layouts, and colours feel deliberate and nurturing.” 

 

Voluptuous Sculptural Furniture

“Bulky, oversized seating is taking centre stage as we move into 2026; comfort is king and exaggerated forms are spanning both furniture and accessories,” says Lucy.   

“From bubble sofas to bold, rounded armchairs, ‘fat furniture’ is both a comfort haven and a statement piece. This sculptural look adds softness and drama to a room, moving away from hard-edged minimalism towards playful, exaggerated forms that invite you to sink in. This trend answers both sides of what we want from our homes right now: softness that soothes, and style that sparks joy. These oversized, sculptural pieces act like modern hearths — places to gather, to lounge, to curl up without formality.

“The move towards oversized design isn’t limited to furniture — it’s influencing accessories too. We’re seeing everything scale up, from sculptural vases and statement lamps to chunky ceramics and generous cushions. It’s about creating visual weight and presence, adding comfort through proportion. These exaggerated forms bring a sense of playfulness and confidence to interiors, softening the mood while making everyday objects feel like art pieces in their own right.”

Drenching beyond just colour

“Tactility-led drenching is taking over from ‘colour drenching’ as a key design influence in our homes in 2026,” says Lucy. 

“In terms of texture, bouclé remains a front-runner, alongside nostalgic, touchable fabrics that bring cosiness and heritage charm. Raw finishes such as plaster walls, concrete, grainy oak, and wood drenching keep spaces grounded. Layering rugs, throws, and tactile materials is the key to building intimacy and warmth.

“Within the texture-led trend we see ‘drenching’ beyond just colour. No longer is this aesthetic just about saturating walls in a single bold hue, this season it’s evolving into a full sensory experience. Designers are carrying the idea across textures and finishes – wrapping rooms in raw plaster, enveloping kitchens in veined marble, or layering oak across floors, cabinetry and ceilings. It’s immersive and cocooning, almost architectural in feel, creating spaces that are less about highlights and more about total atmosphere. Rooms don’t just look considered, they feel like complete environments.”

Metal moments (chrome & polished steel) as punctuation

“The chrome resurgence that bubbled last season is sticking - used as crisp accents against warm tactiles,” says Lucy. 

“Using chrome, polished steel or aluminium accents juxtaposed with warm tactiles, balances comfort with sophistication. Silver and chrome - cool-toned finishes - are returning after a period where warmer metals (brass, bronze) ruled. 

“These finishes are being applied more widely, beyond bathrooms & kitchens, as a finish that’s clean, reflective and modern. Chrome accents are best when not overdone: think small easy wins (side table legs, cabinet handles, lighting), used where they’ll catch light or contrast against warmer or more matte surfaces.”

Freehand Artistry & Heritage Prints

“Pattern in 2026 is a blend of old and new: retro + modern, heritage + luxe. It isn’t about minimalism; it’s about richness,” says Lucy. 

“As a counterpoint to sterile perfection, freehand brushstroke motifs and artisanal details are on the rise. From carpets to ceramics and wallpaper, interiors are celebrating imperfection and heritage design. This includes bold botanical prints and traditional florals, especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms, where pattern brings personality without overwhelming.

“Florals are back, but with a dramatic twist. Inspired by vintage interiors, oversized botanical prints are making their way onto wallpaper, fabrics, and accent pieces. Whether embraced boldly on curtains or subtly in accessories, these patterns add richness and nostalgic flair, blending modern living with timeless character.”

2026 marks a turning point in design - a move towards authenticity, feeling, and purpose. The future of interiors isn’t fast, it’s thoughtful.