PuRe Design Insights 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the interior design landscape is evolving beyond traditional boundaries, embracing a more nuanced understanding of comfort, luxury and personal expression. 2026 marks a decisive shift towards spaces that don't just look beautiful, but also feel profoundly meaningful. 

To explore these shifts, we spoke with our leading design clients, gaining a first look at the trends and inspirations shaping 2026’s interiors.

CHOCOLATE BROWN: A NEW NEUTRAL CLASSIC

Tom Howley, Creative Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company, says: “We’re seeing a shift in how people use colour at home. There’s more confidence, more individuality, and a growing desire to make bold but considered choices. Among these, chocolate brown is emerging as a standout shade. Chocolate brown has impact, but never feels overpowering in a room, despite being a dark colour. It is an earthy colour, so it pairs nicely with lighter neutral tones, timber finishes and soft metallics - perfect for creating spaces that feel calm and inviting.”

WALLS WITH A VIEW

David Harris, Design Director at global design house Andrew Martin, says: “Mural wallpapers have really come back into their own - we’re seeing a big shift as people look for ways to make bolder, more expressive choices at home. Far from the one-dimensional feature walls of the past, today’s murals feel immersive and creative, with scenic landscapes, painterly panoramas and art-inspired designs that bring real character to a space. At Andrew Martin, mural sales are up 32% year-on-year, which says a lot about where the mood is headed. People want interiors that tell a story - something that feels personal and a little bit unexpected. What’s also appealing is how easy mural wallpapers are to install. You get all the impact of a statement piece without needing to commit to anything structural - it’s a quick, transformative change. And while they give the look and feel of hand-painted artwork, they’re much more cost-effective.”

CUES FROM NATURE

Lizzie Mosley, Creative Director at Hug Rug, pioneers of the washable rug, says: “I love to take inspiration from the outdoors when designing interiors, and the transition from summer to autumn is one of my favourite colour palettes. The great thing about rugs is they are easy to store away and switch to make easy, seasonal decor upgrades - our Washable doormats and rugs are perfect for this, because they can be easily washed and stored away at the end of each season or to suit your mood.”

LUSTROUS LIVING

Interior Designer, Rebecca Hughes, says: “We’re seeing a renewed love for antiqued mirrored finishes and it’s easy to understand why. Their gently weathered patina is more than just a surface detail – it’s a narrative, a visual story that connects past and present. Each imperfection catches the light differently, adding depth and movement while softening reflections with a romantic haze.” She continues: “Lacquer finishes are also having a moment. They’re a brilliant way to brighten up a dark or compact space, such as a dressing room. The glossy look reflects light, creates an illusion of spaciousness, and adds a sense of sophistication – transforming an ordinary surface into a luxurious, eye-catching detail.”

STATEMENT SURFACES

Statement worktops have become the new focal point in kitchen design, with bold, heavy veining and a move away from predictable whites and greys. Homeowners are embracing colour and personality in their surfaces, and premium surface brand Caesarstone’s new 8477 Ocean Sage is already a standout favourite. Its deep-sea base, layered with creamy foams and dark seaweed veins dissolving into smoky grey, perfectly captures this appetite for expressive, characterful worktops that go beyond cabinetry to define the whole space.

TROPICAL MAXIMALISM

Ahead of Frida Kahlo’s exhibition at the Tate in 2026, ‘tropical maximalism’ will be a trend that will take the interior and fashion world by storm. Martin Waller, Founder of global design house Andrew Martin, says: “More is always more. Layer texture and pattern to create excitement in a home. More rugs, more art, more objects.”

DREAM ECONOMY

In 2026, the ‘Dream Economy’ will redefine sleep as the ultimate luxury. Moving beyond ‘sleepmaxxing’, this trend prioritises elevated sleep quality and experience. Clare Schifano, Global Marketing Director at Vispring says: “Your bed is arguably the most important piece of furniture you will buy as it affects your quality of sleep and, in turn, your overall health and wellness. Statistically, the average person spends a third of their life asleep, so it’s worth investing in the best bed you can afford.”

BEYOND THE FRAME

Stefano Seletti, Artistic Director of Italian design house Seletti, says: “The art as objects movement blurs the lines between utility and beauty, where lighting fixtures become installations, furniture transforms into galleries, and everyday items transcend their intended purpose to inspire wonder. Each piece captures our attention not for its function, but for the feelings it evokes. A chair becomes a sculpture you inhabit, a vase evolves into an architectural statement, and storage solutions turn into curated exhibitions of form and space. This represents design as an emotional experience, where functionality serves as the foundation for artistic expression, and our homes transform into living museums.”