Top Interior Design Trends for 2026: Warmth, Craftsmanship, and Personal Spaces

Every year, Marcia Margolius, Head of Content for SA Décor & Design and one of the country’s most trusted design experts, shares the looks, materials and ideas that will define the way we live in the year ahead. For 2026, Marcia’s picks are brought to us to reflect a world leaning toward warmth, tactility, craftsmanship and deeply personal spaces, reflecting a shift toward homes that feel restorative, creative and intentionally styled.

2026 isn’t about a single look; it’s about layers, feeling and craft. Here’s what Marcia says will shape the spaces we love next year.

Warm Minimalism Takes Centre Stage

Goodbye stark minimalism; hello soft serenity. 2026 is all about warm minimalism – tonal neutrals, natural textures and a calm, considered approach to decorating. Think cosy linen sofas, warm timber, understated antiques and rooms that feel relaxed rather than rigid.

A Year of Tactility

Rattan, bamboo, stone, linen, and handcrafted ceramics all return with force. This shift toward tactile materials speaks to the desire for authenticity and grounded living. Hand-dyed textiles, woven fabrics and pieces made by artisans bring soul and texture into every corner.

The Rise of the Fifth (and Sixth) Wall

Floors and ceilings become design canvases in their own right. Expect painted ceilings, patterned floors, bold rugs, sculptural lighting and surfaces that reshape the entire room. Marcia notes this as one of the biggest transformations of 2026: “Every plane becomes expressive.”

The Beauty of Imperfection

Handmade, Wabi-sabi-inspired décor leads the movement toward irregular, soulful design. Joinery becomes more relaxed, vintage finds gain prominence, and antique furniture with visible craftsmanship replaces mass-produced perfection.

Colour That Wraps Around You

Colour-drenching continues its rise – immersive, monochromatic palettes layered across walls, ceilings, trims and furniture. Deep blues such as navy, cobalt and teal add moody sophistication, while chocolate and dark browns warm and ground a space. Texture becomes just as important as hue.

Sculptural Softness

Furniture becomes art. Organic curves, soft silhouettes and functional pieces with sculptural presence reshape the living room landscape. These forms add movement without overwhelming the space.

Nature Returns Indoors

Biophilic design evolves into something more intentional. Expect lush greenery, natural fibres, raw finishes and a sharper focus on sustainability. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting become standard, not optional.

Layering With Purpose

The curated home dominates 2026. Interiors mix eras, materials and finishes to create depth and a lived-in elegance. Micro-motifs and subtle patterns add individuality without shouting, while meaningful personal styling becomes essential.

Lighting Becomes the Mood

Adaptive, modular and artistic lighting takes centre stage. Fixtures no longer just illuminate; they sculpt, shift, and emotionally charge a room. Expect reconfigurable systems, sculptural pendants and warm, layered glows.

Spaces That Heal

Wellness-driven design reaches its peak with interiors that prioritise calm, self-expression and comfort. Soft furnishings, restful colours, and whimsical or surreal design moments bring character and joy.

The Return of the Tiny Tile

Mosaics and small-format tiles make a stylish comeback in bathrooms and kitchens. Their retro charm brings pattern, colour and detail without overwhelming the space.

Fabric as Feature

Patterns step back as texture steps forward. Bouclé, slub weaves, raw linen, cotton blends and layered fabrics define upholstery and soft furnishings. The feel of a fabric becomes its own aesthetic.