As the end of the year draws to a close it's natural to find yourself in a reflective mood whilst simultaneously planning for the new year ahead. And for the home design obsessed amongst us this can mean only one thing; planning which interior trends we intend on tackling in the coming months. But in this economy you'd be remiss not to consider longevity when deciding your next home project so which of 2026's most desired home trends are truly worth investing in and which are a more risky proposition?...
Wood Feature Walls vs Wood Layering
Credit: Nina Farmer Interiors by David Mitchell
Yes, wood feature walls are all over your 'For You' page and yes, they do make a room look soulful and refined…for now, but this trend is not only expensive to install but unless you’re absolutely dedicated to a mid century modern home aesthetic you could end up regretting making such a bold interior choice if/when you want to move away from the vibe.
A less costly and future-proof choice to incorporate wood detailing without betting the house (literally) is Wood Layering. Try using a variety of wood décor pieces of varying tones and textures throughout the space to create interest and depth without breaking the bank. Think pairing a rustic French sideboard with a more ornate Georgian side table for a subtle juxtaposition.
Lacquered Décor vs Organic Textures
Credit: Martha Mulholland by Shade Degges
I’ll be the first to admit it, I love a bit of novelty. So when I first saw the lacquered design trend I was totally bought in. However, there’s a very real chance that the high shine accessories that look so fresh and modern now will look cheap and tacky in years to come. There's also the risk of wear and tear as lacquered items fall victim scratches and scuffs, especially if you choose a piece to use in a high traffic area like a side table or chair.
If you want to play with unusual textures look at using organic materials. Whilst pieces made using natural fabrics are often more expensive than man-made, they will forever be a smart investment as the quality level and craftsmanship included with these products never goes out of style. Look for sculptural stone pieces (like our Fratelli Mannelli vide poche), wool or linen throws and rugs or hand forged iron accessories that won’t leave you remorseful when trends inevitably change.
Maximalism vs Warm Minimalism
Credit: Banda Property by Michael Sinclair
To pull off the Maximalist trend you have to really lean in, both visually and financially, but what happens when you’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the process and fall out of love with the finished effect? Going overboard may be fun in the moment but it could just as easily be a costly and overwhelming mistake to rectify if you get bored or outgrow the trend.
Instead, indulge in the Warm Minimalism. This look combines elements seen in more eclectic interior design such as using understated print clashing, colour drenching or colour capping and curved shapes to convey a sense of comfort and sensuality whilst retaining a clean, elegant feel to create something a little more personalised and characterful than traditional minimalism.
Perfectionism vs Considered Curation
Credit: Sean Anderson by Haris Kenjar
We’ve all been there, trying to curate a space that is Pinterest perfect but feeling that we're failing miserably to meet up to the unattainable visual goals served up by our algorithms, spending a small fortune doing so and often ending up with a space that can feel devoid of personality, or rather, of our own personality.
In 2026 it’s time to give ourselves a break and not take highly edited inspo pics and trend rundowns (yes, even this one) too seriously. Lean into what you love regardless of what’s ‘In' or 'Out’, look for one of a kind, vintage and hand crafted pieces to give your space a unique edge and don't worry too much about whether everything fits together or into a specific trend. You'll never regret taking the time to collect pieces that have sentimental value and the satisfaction that comes with slowly building a space that feels deeply like you.