If you’ve been keeping up with Broke in Tweed recently, you already know that design going forward is about looking back, getting creative and being unique.
In line with the nostalgic, wellness-first design that we have been seeing at the start of this year, British rug-specialist brand Ruggable has captured the mood of the interiors scene with three new collections to kick off 2026.
But perhaps more interesting is their why. Maria O’Brien, Vice President of Design at Ruggable, gave a detailed breakdown of the trend forecasts and what to expect from home design this year.
2026 Design Trends Summarised
“Instead of dramatic transformations, this year’s interior trends are about a quieter reset, moving away from stark colours and harsh lines, and towards warmth, texture and ease.” Maria says. “The focus is on crafting spaces that create a sense of security, where the gentle embrace of the familiar quietly champions the rhythms of your daily life.”
This quiet reset is perhaps why Pantone crowned Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year. It also aligns with the wider socio-economic situation we find ourselves in. People are tired of consumerism for consumerism’s sake and there are growing fears of technofeudalism. It’s a longing for simpler times, be it through nostalgic items or simplification via minimalism.
“For 2026,” she continues, “we’re seeing a clear shift towards softer, more considered interiors. People are moving away from trend-led spaces, and instead looking for warmth, curated textures, and designs that are comfortable to live with.”
Doing Away With The Unnatural
Best footed to speak about furniture and decor, Maria made her own predictions for this area of design. “2026 will see the continuation of organic, soft-edged furniture, like a curved bouclé armchair or a rounded wooden nightstand to the bedroom,” she says. “There will be a move towards keeping surfaces clear of tech and clutter, leaving room only for a candle or a single book to encourage a slower end to the day.”
The move away from clean lines and sharp edges may be a rejection of modernity. I briefly discussed in our trend predictions video on the Broke in Tweed Youtube channel. Design wants to mimic nature this year and nature has no perfect lines.
The same applies to the colourways that are being used this year. Pantone’s Cloud Dancer may be white but it’s warm white—not clinical like design in the early 2020s.
“Rather than starting from scratch, people are warming up existing spaces,” Maria explains. She advises swapping “stark whites for a warm, ‘Cotswold’ palette of sandstone, clay and rust.” This creates “depth by layering textures and colours”. Think a vintage-style rug, paired with natural linen and a chunky hand-knit throw,” she advises.
2026 is also the year for biophilic design. If you’re limited by budget or lease restrictions, plants and wood-toned furniture are the best way to warm up space. Having plants and other natural elements that you have to maintain and care for is the ultimate flex.
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