Mix. Match. Make It Yours: 2026 Design Forecast

As we head into 2026, design continues its shift toward a new classicism that celebrates architectural detailing, unapologetic color, and the delights that come with the unexpected. This revival of traditional interior design is being seen through a modern lens, offering an irresistible mix of refinement, whimsy, and comfort.

Here are a few interior design trends we are seeing for the year ahead.

Architectural Details Meet Modern Living

The attention to craftsmanship is profound when it comes to architectural details. From intricate crown moldings to shiplap kitchens to arched doorways with Pugin style peaks, the bones of a space deserve as much attention as its furnishings. These structural elements add thoughtful elements that feel like artistic touches throughout. (Color: C2 Argyle)

C2 Paint’s En Terre palette captures this spirit perfectly. Inspired by the muted tones of weathered facades, sun-warmed linen, and timeworn garden walls, it reflects a growing desire to reconnect with design that feels authentic, soulful, and sustainable.

The Joy of Color: Bold, Layered, and Perfectly Imperfect

Color is returning as a confident form of self-expression. Palettes in 2026 embrace emotion and imperfection, moving away from sterile neutrality toward warmth, mood, and bold color -- and most of all, personal. A focus on high quality ingredients and formulas is taking over (rather than cheaper, mass market brands) because of their unique ability to transform walls into ”living backdrops.”

For a touch of delight, paint hidden spaces like the interior of a cabinet, drawer, or bookshelf, in bold, uplifting tones like C2 Fandango or C2 Churchill. Bring a quiet reading nook to life with C2 Raku. These secret color moments add personality and playfulness, turning the everyday into something memorable.

“As always, we view trends as a source of inspiration, giving us ideas from which to create our own story. It’s never a dictation; instead it’s an idea-starter that allows us to view fresh perspectives and see if it suits our style or simply a jumping point for a totally new idea.” - Philippa Radon, Interior Designer & Color Specialist.

The Eclectic Mix: Comfort Meets Character

The pendulum has swung away from minimalism toward a layered, collected aesthetic that values personality over perfection. 2026 interiors embrace English-inspired eclecticism – a joyful mix of eras, textures, and prints that celebrate a certain freedom and eclecticism – layering prints on prints like large florals and plaids, mixing eras we just used the word era again so how about generations and finishes, and letting that slightly frayed armchair or wobbly table tell its unique story of the beauty that often lives in imperfection. (Featured color C2 Bel Ange Rose + C2 Stout)

“As an English-born designer, we tend to embrace the odd, prefer the peculiar and covet the eclectic. It’s not about everything being new and perfect but more about mixing and matching things that we love…that tell a story. A good design scheme feels lived in and loved.”

*Read more about English Eclecticism here

Details That Delight

In design, small gestures make the greatest impact. The fringe of a cushion, the tassel on a drapery, or a touch of brass against painted trim all elevate a room’s character.

Fringing, piping, and bold trim colors are back—small details with big personality.
Kitchen and bath tiles are being mixed, matched, and playfully placed to create one-of-a-kind patterns.
"Double Drenching" (painting walls, trim, and ceilings in the same color but in different tones) continues to dominate, with colored ceilings replacing traditional white.

For a unique color combination, try C2 Berry Brown on paneled walls, C2 Posh for the trim, and C2 Wasabi overhead for an unexpectedly cohesive look that feels both confident and put together.

Rustic Revolution

Forget the dark, heavy “cabin chic” of decades past. The Rustic Renewal movement reimagines rural living for the modern era, highlighting interiors that are warm, sustainable, and quietly luxurious. (featured color: C2 Russian Olive)

“It is like the yin and yang of styles giving an impression of stylish rustic on the exterior and then u walk inside and are WOW’d with a very stylish contemporary interior - the simpler the design the more challenging it is to assemble.”

This trend celebrates organic textures, nature-inspired palettes, and high end custom craftsmanship, but with a refined, contemporary touch. Picture a mountain cabin or lakeside retreat where clean architectural lines meet materials like raw oak, tumbled stone, handwoven textiles, and brushed brass. The result is a space that feels earthy yet elevated, rustic yet artfully restrained.

Trend Insight: The Rustic Renewal movement underscores a shift toward luxury rooted in authenticity. Expect to see more reclaimed materials, handcrafted finishes, and layered neutrals that bring the outdoors in…proof that nature remains the ultimate muse.

Mindful Moments

In 2026, home becomes a retreat for reflection. Design is slowing down, focusing on well-being, creativity, and emotional connection.

Take time to enjoy small rituals. Sit with a cup of tea, clip flowers from the garden, or repaint a piece of furniture in a color that brings you joy. These quiet gestures remind us that great design begins not with trends, but with intention.