Let’s look at where the interior design world is heading in 2026! I’ve been sitting back for the past month or so and slowly taking in what I’m seeing and hearing regarding paint colours, hardware, patterns and more. And this blog post is a complete summary of what you can expect to see more of in 2026 and ways in which you can strategically incorporate these trends into your own home.
First things first, I want to remind you that following trends to the letter is never the best idea when it comes to doing a build, renovation, or re-design of your home. It’s very important to be aware of trends, both so you can take what you like, but also so you can avoid being sucked into the trend, and in doing so losing sight of your own tastes and plans.
Elevated design always has a balanced mix of contemporary tastes, mixed with timeless style. This will ensure your project lasts the test of time, but also echoes the era in which we live. This can be extra important if you are a planning a reno to flip and sell – buyers (many not as keen eyed as a designer) often want what they feel is on trend and incorporating current design trends into your renovation can add a lot of extra perceived value to your home. Overall, I find trends a wonderful way to reignite interest in your home design and keep things fresh. Your environment impacts you more than you might realise and it’s so good for the soul to keep your home space true to you, your aspirations, and your dreams.
Let’s dive into colour!
Benjamin Moore
I’m starting us off with Silhouette AF-655 by Benjamin Moore. They describe this colour as a burnt umber meets charcoal. It’s dark and clean, a nod to tailored suits and refined elegance. It has been paired with a complimentary mix of both warm earthy colours and dusty muted pastels. These selections continue our voyage through the warmer palettes of colours we’ve seen since the great post Covid rebellion against cool greys. However, I am taking note of how this Silhouette tone is cooled down with charcoal, it’s teetering on that border between warm and cool…
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color-of-the-year-2026
And this leads me to Pantone.
Pantone threw us all a curve ball when they announced Cloud Dancer as their 2026 colour of the year. This one, although surprising, I’m reading as a similar sentiment to what Benjamin Moore has given us with Silhouette. It’s hinting towards a return to refinement. Less colour drenching, less maximalist mixing of strong colours and a return to more measured and polished interiors. I think however, we really aren’t ready for a return to clean lines and neutrals, hence the outpouring of disappointment when this colour was announced!
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams and HGTV teamed up this year to release Universal Khaki. Nothing too surprising here with this neutral beige. It continues the theme of warmth, earthy roots, and natural comforts. I am a little reminded with this colour though of the ‘Hog’s Bristle’ era here in Australia. One I really think we can leave in the past! For what I think are more beautiful colours selected from Sherwin Williams check out their full Colormix Forecast for inspiration.
Switching from the neutrals now, let’s take a look at some of the more colourful colours of the year.
I think there are really three other star colour groups we’ve seen growing in popularity this year and featuring in colour predictions for interior trends in 2026 and that is eucalyptus greens, rich deep reds/browns, and dusty pastels.
Devine Damson is Graham & Brown’s 2026 colour of the year and I must say it’s deliciously appealing. It’s of course dramatic, but also grounding. These rich and warm jewel tones seem to last the test of time, in both interiors and fashion and I’m interested to see how these deep, rich red and purples with red undertones, continue to be used over the next year.
https://www.grahambrown.com/au/product/divine-damson/142735-master/
And last but not least is Dulux. Dulux often release a whole smorgasbord of colours for us to delve into and this year was no different. They too have stayed with the warmer, earthy colours especially with their Elemental Palette that is a great go to if you are looking for warm neutrals for your project. They have offered us also an Etheral Palette full of dusty pastels – all beautiful but I’d personally keep them for a children’s room. Elevated design this year will remain with warm neutrals and deeper, darker tones for colour drenching.
https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2026-forecast/
In summary for colour in 2026, the design world is still reflecting our need as a society to return to our earthy roots. To take comfort in looking back at brighter times gone by, to appreciate craftsmanship and slowness, and to value thrifted finds, antique treasures and handmade products in our revolt against mass production and commercialism. We will continue to see colour drenching and bolder choices in interiors which I am always excited about. Refined maximalism is here for a while longer yet!
Hardware
The jewellery of interiors is our taps, handles, faucets, and trims. In 2025 we started to see a move from bronze and antique brass to nickel and this will continue through 2026. Nickel has warm undertones, and this keeps it within the general trend we are seeing of warmer toned interiors – don’t confuse it with chrome! In many ways nickel is easier for the DIY’ers amongst us as it can more seamlessly be mixed with your white or neutral cabinetry.
Looking specifically at handle design, I think we will see more detailed work and finishes. This echoes our love for antiques and vintage pieces that bring character to a space, and this same sentiment can be achieved with hardware finishes. Think reeding, unique shapes and craftsmanship detail.
Kitchens & Bathrooms
This leads us nicely into kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchen’s will continue to see more character throughout 2026, with shaker style or inset cabinetry, two tones within the kitchen – think warm painted cupboards and a wooden island for example, and stately ovens and hoods. For bathrooms, we will continue to trend toward more personalised designs and bolder choices. This will be done by mixing two different tile choices, or a tile with a natural stone, incorporating rich, deeper tones and also the influx of pattern, whether through wallpaper or patterned tile.
https://amberinteriordesign.com/project/charmed-i-am-sure/
https://studio-mcgee.com/valley-vistas-project-reveal
https://www.instagram.com/magnolia/?hl=en
Patterns
As a surface pattern designer, this is my area of interest and I’m happy to report the pattern loving era is still here and thriving. I think pattern is still featuring so predominantly in interior design as it continues our exploration of antiques, grand-millennial comfort, and personalisation of our homes. Following covid we all gained a profound understanding of the importance of home and the effect our living environment can have on us and this led us to really embrace items we love. In the pattern space we will see elements of design from the Victorian era continue to feature heavily – think opulent florals, intricate details and deep colours. We will also see the continuation of what I’m thinking of as countryside horseman – patchwork and plaid, textured browns and leather accents, ducks and horses. We will also see the continued appearance alongside these more stately patterns, of block printed motifs in neutral tones, and the classic stripe.
https://wovenwood.com.au/collections/cushions
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kendall-jenner-mountain-home
Pattern doesn’t have to be scary – in fact not having it will mean your space feels flat. Just remember to incorporate texture and vary the scales of your patterns so they can co-exist without competing for attention.
In Conclusion
2026 will continue to show us some of the most beautiful interiors of the decade. In summary, as you look towards ways to incorporate these trends in your own home, put it through the filter of elegance and timelessness. If you want to bring colour to your home go for it! Just explore the timeless quality of the colour and whether you think you will still love it in 2 years time. Choose natural materials and nature inspired finishes wherever possible – nature never goes out of style. This can be true even when including bold pattern, if you anchor each choice in nature and nature’s palette you really can’t go wrong.
I hope this summary of interior trends for 2026 has helped clarify where to place your attention as you make decisions for your home renovation or decorating projects this year. If in doubt, just follow your heart. I always say it to friends and family when they feel stuck choosing artwork for their homes – at the end of the day, if you look at it and it makes you happy, that’s all that matters!
