With a new year just around the corner, what better time to look at what future trends are set to take centre stage over the coming 12 months… and with interior design, it’s looking like 2026 is going to be a particularly interesting one, with all sorts of new ideas and styles coming to the fore.
1. Layering
One of the biggest looks for 2026 is layering, where homes are carefully curated in unique and individual ways, playing with a range of different textures and materials to create intriguing contrast throughout.
Take care not to go too overboard as you’ll likely find the end result to be a little overwhelming. Less is generally more, so aim to feature one statement colour, two finishes and three different textures for a beautifully layered look that has minimalism at its core.
2. Architectural interest
God is in the detail, so they say, and this is certainly true for 2026, where architectural features will be the focus in homes the length and breadth of the country.
Some homeowners will already be lucky enough to have period features like crown moulding, chair rails, picture rails, coving, ceiling roses and so on – but don’t be afraid to add your own if your home is somewhat lacking in this regard.
3. Beautiful blues
If you’re mulling over colours for your next decorating project, what about bringing in a few blues here and there? This is tipped to be the hot shade for 2026, but make sure you go for darker tones if you’re keen to get the look just right.
We’re big fans of Dulux’s colours of the year – Slow Sing, Mellow FLow and Free Groove – which it’s described as calming, fluid and creative… “the perfect antidote to today’s frenetic world”.
The brand has come up with a few ways in which these shades could be used in various rooms of the house, as well as suggesting what colourways to pair with them… including warm beige, off-white and blue-greys.
Take a look for a bit of inspiration – particularly if you’re not as confident in your home styling capabilities as you would like.
4. Small-scale pattern
While neutral colour palettes have been popular over the last few years, there’s a really intriguing shift in attitude on the horizon, where pattern can actually be used to create soothing interiors instead of prioritising plain designs.
The key here is to introduce subtle small-scale micro patterns that work in much the same way as neutral paints do, adding depth and visual interest to your living spaces without overwhelming the senses.
It can be a little scary to consider this as a design option, but never forget that fortune favours the bold! Keep the colour and contrast understated where possible, while ensuring that the patterns are characterful and tactile to help bring your rooms to life.
Still not sure where to start? Get in touch with the AJS Decorating team to discuss all your painting and decorating needs.