Top Commercial Interior Design Trends for 2026
As we enter the new year, it reminds me of the Pushmi-Pullyu from Dr. Dolittle. Design will be influenced by a variety of contradictory forces.
• We love the convenience and wonders of technology... but resent its obtrusive nature.
• We love the vast array of choices and information at our fingertips . . . but, at the same time, can be paralyzed by the amount of choice and information that may not always agree.
• The world of ideas, food and culture is open to us . . . but we long for close community in our own neighborhood.
• We experience the fast pace of changing work and routine . . . But worry about what that will mean for us in the years ahead.
In a world that seems slightly off kilter, color and design can provide balance. Four trends for the new year are extensions of old, but will be important nonetheless, moving forward.
Here they are:
RESERVED AND CALMING COLORS
Colors will turn to nature for their color. There is a move away from the cool grays and whites of the recent past and a move toward warmer tones of beige and brown. Grays will now be an accent and decidedly warmer. Color won’t be all gloom, but will reflect the beauty of nature, tinted tones that are earthy and grounding. But just like nature, there will be room for brighter colors. Not artificial like so much of what we see on the screen, but pulled from flowers, birds’ eggs and gemstones.
Colors will turn to nature for their color. There is a move away from the cool grays and whites of the recent past and a move toward warmer tones of beige and brown. Grays will now be an accent and decidedly warmer. Color won’t be all gloom, but will reflect the beauty of nature, tinted tones that are earthy and grounding. But just like nature, there will be room for brighter colors. Not artificial like so much of what we see on the screen, but pulled from flowers, birds’ eggs and gemstones.
The colors will also reflect many natural materials used in commercial interiors. These colors are warm, welcoming and comforting, like a cozy blanket. They might be ‘conservative’, but the color is more amped up; it’s just neutralized and will ‘pop’ against the neutral tones without being assertive. Brights will also be used as accents in signature spaces.
NATURE INSPIRED
Design, like colors, will be inspired by nature. Design will resemble natural forms, structured, yet tonal, simulating light and shadow. There will be a stylized version of botanicals and trees, as well as leaves and the negative spaces between them. It will also include allusions to the flow of water, strata in rock, fractal structures of shells, as well as abstract, water-like imagery.
Design, like colors, will be inspired by nature. Design will resemble natural forms, structured, yet tonal, simulating light and shadow. There will be a stylized version of botanicals and trees, as well as leaves and the negative spaces between them. It will also include allusions to the flow of water, strata in rock, fractal structures of shells, as well as abstract, water-like imagery.
There will be a bit more ornamentation than we’ve seen in the past, but with a modern edge. Detailing will return to create visual interest in larger spaces. Larger-scale tiles will intermingle with smaller ones to create interesting patterning.
Finishes will be pulled from natural elements, such as mycelium for lamps, wall coverings and decorative elements.
INCORPORATION OF TEXTURE
Hand in hand with the inspiration of nature is texture. The tactile quality of ‘things’, simulating the feel of stones, handmade pottery or woven textiles.
Hand in hand with the inspiration of nature is texture. The tactile quality of ‘things’, simulating the feel of stones, handmade pottery or woven textiles.
It will appeal to our sense of touch, which doesn’t involve a screen, mouse or keyboard.
It will draw us to a visceral desire to create something with our own hands and experience it. We’ve seen an uptick in crafting and will continue to see a need to move beyond the screen to the ‘hands-on’; be it gardening, needlework or model making. There is satisfaction in working with one's hands.
Texture also adds depth and shadow, creating tactile and visual interest even with simple solid colors. We learn from our sense of touch: is something hot or cold, coarse or soft, natural or synthetic? It informs our decision on how to engage with something. For some, it can be a source of distraction in a stressful situation or comfort like a soft blanket. For others, it may be off-putting, causing someone to leave a space. That is the design challenge: to determine what makes it appealing and welcoming.
ENVIRONMENTS APPEALING TO THE SENSES
SIGHT with an emphasis on lighting:
• For clarity
• To create a ‘mood.’
• To simulate the circadian rhythm
• Views of nature outside our window and light streaming in
SOUND:
• To create an ‘atmosphere’ in retail and hospitality to reinforce the brand
• Provide distraction in healthcare
• Facilitate focus in the office and schools
• Calm in public spaces
• It’s also about controlling the amount of noise with baffles and sound-absorbing materials.
SMELL is probably the most difficult to tackle:
• Smells can render positive or negative reactions
• They are our strongest triggers of memories, which can be good or bad depending on the individual. There will be more research to determine what the ‘right’ scents are.
• Making scents customizable in personal spaces, such as hotel rooms or assisted living facilities, allows one to create the memories that appeal to them.
TOUCH, We’ve already ‘touched’ upon:
• Tactile elements appeal to our most basic needs. We learn about things by touching them, interacting with them, experiencing them ‘firsthand’.
• They can be a useful design element for the neurodivergent by creating spaces that are interactive and provide a soothing distraction in overwhelming environments.
Things that will continue in the coming year:
• FOCUS ON WELLNESS
• BIOPHILIC INNOVATION
• CIRCULAR DESIGN
Design will continue to drive innovative ideas that work to make our lives better, with spaces that promote well-being, materials that are more resource-conscious and communities that strive to support the human spirit. Design responds to the needs of users, even when the users aren’t completely sure what those needs are. Design will do its best to learn and interpret the needs for dynamic and functional materials and spaces.
Here’s to a year of continuous learning.
Laura is a Senior Product Designer at Construction Specialties, primarily supporting color and trend work within our New Product Delivery team. She is responsible for delivering powerful and moving color palettes, textures, patterns, collections, and designs that resonate with an evolving customer.
Laura also conducts research and drives ideation and development activities. She has an extensive history of designing products for the commercial interiors market, including utilizing various design tools and Voice of Customer research to bring products from concept to commercialization. With her passion for learning new things, she constantly seeks out new information that will help her develop products customers will love.