At SAWDUST we are ringing in the New Year with three of our favorite interior trends. Forecasting which colors or textures will take center stage may seem like a task reserved for the clairvoyant, but as designers, it’s our responsibility to stay in the know.

This year, our trend predictions are all about meeting ever-growing expectations. We’ve come to expect more out of life–whether due to improvements in general knowledge and know-how, constant changes to technology, or shifts to our ways of life. From our phones to our cars to the food we eat, we’ve come to expect all the bells and whistles. We need the 5G and the 1TB with the three cameras. We want the four-wheel drive with a roomy interior and leather seats. We want all the nutrients with none of the calories.

What about our interiors? 

After a taxing first half decade, 2026 calls for some rest and relaxation. This year, we will see a rise in spas, retreats, and even bathhouses. We’ll also see elements that calm and nurture like soft lighting, sound dampening, air purifiers, and sensory enhancements.

In 2026, interiors are expected to move beyond a singular purpose. Spaces will take on multiple functions–akin to a Swiss Army Knife. Expenses are rising, wallets are tightening, and business owners need to make the most out of their rent and mortgage costs. As a result, we will see more flexible spaces that function differently throughout the day.  Expect an influx of comfy yet durable modular furnishings spaced in versatile layouts.

Lastly, 2026 spaces will need to provide an experience. Interiors will no longer serve merely as backdrops, but be more like immersive playgrounds. Technology will be seamlessly integrated, and interactive social media-focused installations will generate marketing opportunities. Specifically, we will see designs that instill a sense of wonder and lean heavily on nostalgia to create that feel-good experience we are all craving. 

The days when a room only had to look pretty for pretty’s sake are long gone. Interiors in 2026 will have to live up to higher expectations. Why design a space that only looks nice when it can also provide health benefits to its users? Or generate additional revenue through its multiple uses? Or market itself through its immersive sharable experiences?