2026 INTERIORS: COMFORT, COLOUR AND SELF-EXPRESSION

Colour, texture, and wallpaper are helping homeowners create spaces that feel personal, comforting, and timeless. We spoke with Carren Richardson, owner of Guthrie Bowron Warkworth, about how interiors are moving away from fleeting trends and toward self-expression in 2026.

Across interiors, textiles and wallpaper, design is driven by mood and meaning rather than fast-moving fashion, shaped by global uncertainty and a growing desire for comfort, optimism and individuality in the home.

Textiles focus less on following rules and more on creating spaces that feel welcoming and personal. Warm, near-neutral colours are being used as flexible backdrops, making it easy to layer textures and colours over time.
Soft, tactile fabrics add depth and warmth, helping rooms feel cosy without appearing heavy or over-styled.

Deeper tones are being introduced thoughtfully, creating a sense of calm and retreat, while time-worn, heritage-inspired colours add character and a lived-in quality. The overall shift is toward relaxed, confident homes that reflect the people who live in them.

Wallpaper continues to gain momentum as homeowners seek simple ways to personalise their spaces. Custom wallpaper is increasingly popular, allowing people to create something meaningful, whether through a favourite image, artwork or bespoke patterns made specifically for their home. Murals remain a strong choice, with circular designs offering a gentle introduction to wallpaper without the commitment of covering a full wall.

Textural wall coverings remain favourites, adding softness and visual interest that paint alone cannot achieve. Florals and stripes endure as timeless options, refreshed with modern colours and contemporary styling. Looking ahead, the design team at Swedish wallpaper leader Boråstapeter sums it up: “2026 is not about following trends, butabout creating spaces with soul.”

Guthrie Bowron Warkworth, 12 Mill Ln

09 425 8187