Another year, another evolution in the world of interior design. If 2025 was all about cosy mocha tones, statement pieces and biophilia, 2026 is feeling a little more soulful and intentional.
This year, we’re moving away from the mass-produced and leaning into a look that feels curated over time. Our homes will act as an ode to the people who live in it, where warm whites provide a backdrop for collected treasures.
From hanging reliefs to textured ceramics, 2026 is all about celebrating the handmade. Which is convenient, because this is what Artfinder has always championed — homes with a soul. And, it feels like this year, the rest of the world is finally catching up. Join us in discovering Artfinder’s interior design trends for 2026.
The human touch
This year, we’ll be seeing more of a ‘human touch’ to styling. When designing the interior of the home, features such as wood with visible grain, raw stone and fabrics evoke a more sensory experience, stimulating emotion and grounding.
In the art world, it’s all about handthrown ceramics with visible thumbprints, paintings with bold brushstrokes and woven textiles with irregularities in the weave. It’s a shift toward 'slow' design, where the story behind an object far outweighs its symmetry. These handmade elements bring a grounding, tactile energy to our homes, reminding us that there is true luxury in uniqueness.
Complementing slow design — and while not a new idea by any means — are organic shapes and curves. Rounded edges that became a trend in 2025 interior design have continued into this year. By replacing sharp, rigid lines with flowing silhouettes, designers are able to bring a sense of ‘flow’ to interior spaces.
With all this said, 2026 will be about creating spaces that feel less like a showroom and more like a living and breathing reflection of authentic craftsmanship.
Walls that talk
Textiles are stepping off the loom and onto our walls. Woven hangings, intricate tapestries, and fabric panels are replacing traditional glazing, offering warmth and a connection to heritage. These pieces do more than just decorate; they inject soul into minimalist rooms, proving that fabric can be just as powerful as paint.
An easy way to incorporate this trend into your home is by turning toward sculptural reliefs. Italian artists Milena Paladino and Susanna Costantini use natural materials, like Milena’s alpaca and cotton yarns, which offers a sensory quality above and beyond standard wall art. When describing her technique, Susanna says, “the approach I follow aims to highlight the exceptional value that comes from the interaction between hands and materials,” demonstrating the magic of handmade.
Warm whites
Following the announcement of PANTONE’s 2026 Color of the Year as Cloud Dancer, we’re seeing designers move from chocolatey tones (although browns still have their place in 2026) to warm whites — what Rob Abrahams of paint brand, COAT, describes as the “paint colour of the next decade”.
However, as we all know, there are a million shades of white. In 2026, we’re moving away from cool, blue-based tones in favour of yellow or brown-based whites (see, browns still have their place!) that creates an inviting, ‘lived-in’ atmosphere. To discover more, explore our specially curated collection, inspired by PANTONE’s Cloud Dancer.
This warmth is further complemented by tonal decorating, which involves layering a single hue across an entire space. Think a combination of greens in soft sage to deep olive, or rusty reds transitioning into blush pinks. Considered and clever tonal layering makes for a space that has depth and substance.
Gentle clutter
Ultimately, 2026 is about homes that serve as personal journals. Minimalism is well and truly a thing of the past and we’re now embracing ‘gentle clutter’ — the intentional accumulation of travel treasures, sentimental keepsakes and original art gathered over time. These aren't just for aesthetic purposes; we are creating sanctuaries that reflect our true identities. It’s authentic and relays a story only you can tell.
This year, when it comes to buying art, it’s all about connecting with the piece. Does it inspire you? Does it remind you of a happy time? Will it become a keepsake? If yes to all three, then you’re onto something truly special.
Image credit: Dimitris Pavlopoulos
