Interior designing is something that emphasises emotional comfort, sustainability, and personalising your home for you. As we step into 2026, we evolve from the previous year’s trends like warm neutrals and multi-functional spaces.
Homes are now prioritising materials that are connected to them personally, have sustainable features, as well as includes artistic craftsmanship that blends Indian maximalism with a touch of western designs.
Here is a comprehensive list of the emerging and continuing trends coming in 2026 -
Trends that made it into 2026 from the previous year
Multi-Purpose Interiors - Sophisticated and adaptable spaces that have foldaway pods, modular dividers, as well as sofa-bed systems that suit hybrid lifestyles.
Curves and Arches - These have transitioned from being just accents to structural elements in homes, like arched walkways and curved islands.
Sustainability - Homes now prefer FSC-certified wood, low-VOC paints, bamboo and passive cooling strategies that are tailored to fight the heat of Kerala.
Layered lights - Layered lights, along with tunable lighting, create an aesthetically pleasing environment that is paired with concealed strips and smart ecosystems.
Utilisation of natural light - Integration of natural light with clerestory windows and translucent partitions reduces the need for artificial light.
New Trends of 2026
Grand millennial style - Refreshed grand millennial styles with clean floral prints, pleated lampshades and vintage upholstery that are paired against modern silhouettes.
Vibrant colours - Colours like citrus green, sunshine yellow and vivid blue make the home look lively and, as backed by psychology, boost dopamine.
Elements that fight urban noise - Carpets that absorb sound, slatted wood baffles and cork tiles help in absorbing noise and help in better focus and sleep.
Japandi Maximalism - It layers neutrals with big ceramics, sculptured vases and woven textures, which fills the place elegantly.
Terracotta - Adding earthy tones to walls, tiles and furniture, and pairing them with colours like sage, mustard and/or indigo creates a cosy and lively atmosphere for your home.
Biophilic furniture - Furniture that is inspired by nature, like sofas that resemble clouds and pebble tables, brings comfort and a softer look.
Climate Responsive designs - Designs that are made to combat the hot and humid climate of Kerala, like jaali screens, deep balconies and insulated glazing helps in reducing heat inside homes.
Indian Maximalism - Incorporating handcrafted block prints, carved panels and terracotta gives your home a look that is deeply rooted in Indian culture while making it look attractive as well as grounded.
Global Trends of 2026
Colour palettes - Incorporation of warm whites, browns that resemble espresso with undertones of charcoal, are now dominating palettes, making the harsh cool lighting seem warm.
Embroidered Fabrics - Sofas made with fabrics such as Mohair and Alpaca that are heavily embroidered, paired with slubby linens and open-weave wovens adds subtle luxury to your home.
Trends that are Fading Out
As we are stepping into a new year, a few things from the previous year are fading out. A few of them are -
Grey Interiors - The monotone grey interiors that make our homes look bleak and dull are out of trend now.
Boho Aesthetics - Overdone Boho aesthetics that make the room feel messy and cluttered are now not being preferred. Glossy Gold Metals - Shiny gold metals around the house, as hangings or near the mirror, are just not preferred now.
Neutral Rugs - Rugs that are in basic colours, covering just the sitting area, are now seen as old-fashioned and just don’t work well with the overall aesthetic of the house.
Excessive Pattern - Mixing too many patterns makes the room look unclean and messy.
White Box rooms - Having white box rooms is the total and extreme opposite of all the ones above, and what people are preferring now is something in between.
Instead of these, people now prefer clean lines and classy maximalism that is more grounded towards our Indian culture and nature-themed colours. Homes are now layered, giving homes their own personality and identity.
Materials and Innovations
Now, preferred materials are those that show their natural flaws, which add a little bit of their personality to the space. Materials like rough stone that have visible texture, woods that are of medium colour, limewash paints and brushed materials make spaces stand out by adding personality to them.
Meanwhile, a new concept of quite luxury has risen, where the focus now lies on items that last, like brushed wool fabrics and artisan lamps
Partner with Lemon Interiors
Lemon Interiors, premier interior designers in Kochi and Kerala, specialises in custom modular kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces, and villas incorporating 2026 trends like sustainable materials, smart features, and artisanal designs. From personalised home interiors to kid-friendly rooms and climate-adaptive solutions, the team delivers premium quality within budget, transforming spaces into functional art.
Contact us to bring these trends to life.