2026 Interior Design Guide: Trend-Led Ideas to Refresh Any Room

It’s hard to imagine, but we’re in 2026 already and while there’s time to reflect on the year gone by, there are so many exciting trends on the horizon, we had to share our favourite trends, room-by-room. As we’ve said in an earlier blog, 2026 interior design will encourage deeper connection to texture, personality, and architectural storytelling but how does that translate to specific rooms? Well, to help you bring these trends to life, we’re exploring five spaces ready for a refresh in 2026, complete with styling inspiration and panel recommendations so you can create rooms that feel beautifully considered and effortlessly on trend.

1. The Dining Space - Maximum Dimension for a big impact

Dining spaces in 2026 lean into grandeur, drama, and architectural presence. Whether you’re working with an intimate dining nook or a larger open-plan zone, with a maximalist theme, scale is everything.

Full-height panelling instantly elevates the room, while bold, dramatic tones set a mood that feels designed for entertaining. A sculptural centrepiece on the table or large pendant lighting can transform the space with minimal effort. Even panel drenching the ceiling with sculptural forms will add depth and dimension that guests will love and remember. The key is layering with purpose and a touch of drama - even the simplest dining space can feel extraordinary when treated with a potent mixture of texture and expressive scale.

Our top tips

• SlatWall Acoustic Grand Panels in Black, Sapele, or Dark Oak creates immediate impact with its wider, more architectural profiles 

• Fluted Paintable MDF Panels bring sculptural depth, perfect for dramatic tones or cosy colours 

• Pewter Grey Marble-Effect Panels or Marquina Black Marble-Effect Panels offer a sleek, contemporary take ideal for modern dining zones

2. The Home Office - Curated Nostalgia for personal, feel-good spaces

Home working is expected to carry on for many through the new year making it the ideal time to add some decorative charm to your office space with Curated Nostalgia. The home office of 2026 steps away from clinical minimalism, embracing warmth, charm, and personality instead. 

Start by finding meaningful objects. Pictures of loved ones or finger paintings by your little ones alongside desk decorations and a comfy chair to mix both personality and practicality. Opt for warm ambient lighting rather than blinding task lights to instantly soften the room and promote concentration. Don’t be afraid to go bold with wall colours or accessories though; a pop of deep green, claret, navy or warm ochre can bring the entire space to life.

Well chosen wall panelling also brings structure and intentionality to this curated style, especially those that offer either a calming colour, or the freedom to paint any colour you like. 

Our top tips

• Legacy Reeded paintable MDF panels and Legacy Reeded Fine paintable MDF panels let you play freely with colour and finish

• Tongue & Groove paintable MDF panels add classic, comforting charm

• Arborelle Reeded or Fluted Walnut panels offers a sense of movement and energy, while promoting deeper warmth and texture

• SlatWall Acoustic Sappy Walnut Panels offer a beautiful injection of natural texture - the perfect backdrop to your loved possessions

3. The Living Room - Blended Expression takes centre stage

This living room celebrates carefully curated charisma through the delicate blending of eras, tones, and materials - it’s going to be a real hit in 2026! Combined with the Blended Expression trend, a living room suddenly feels warm, expressive, and joyfully cosy - a room where mid-century influences meet lived-in textures and personal treasures in a modern aesthetic.

To make the most of this trend, introduce mid-tone woods and warm upholstery with brass accents, to create a space that’s modern, but inspired by the past. Panelling plays a key role in anchoring this layered look - especially those in natural wooden finish that establishes a refined foundation for the other elements of your theme. If you prefer a polished edge, stone effect wall panels deliver sophisticated contrast with the warmer materials you use.

The result is a room that feels expressive without chaos — a lived-in refuge shaped by character and comfort.

Our top tips

• Tongue & Groove Paintable MDF Panels for timeless architectural detailing and flowing movement
• SlatWall Acoustic Honey Oak, Deep Walnut for a luxurious, organic foundation for the space

• Reeded Waterproof White Marble Panels for a polished edge that captures classical elegance in a contemporary way
  

4. The Bedroom - The rise of Organic Invitation

In 2026, bedrooms are set to be transformed into sanctuaries shaped by nature and calming energies. Soft vertical lines, natural tones, and a variety of tactile materials will set the rhythm of the space, inviting a sense of ease which is ideal for rest and sleep. Think gentle curved silhouettes, flowing drapery, and a palette of buttery neutrals and calming greens that help tune out the day.

Layering is also very important in this room. Soft bedding in rich stone grey hues, warm diffused lighting, and the addition of leafy plants instantly soften the space capturing the essence of the biophilia trend, but in a new and exciting way that's ideal for the bedroom.

Our top tips

• Reeded Walnut Arborelle and Whitewashed Oak Slatwall Panels for organic warmth and rhythmic texture

• Natural Stone Sivara Panels to add gentle tonal movement and a sense of serenity

• Elemence Calacatta White Marble Effect Panels for a clean, spa-led bedroom/bathroom aesthetic with natural stone details

5. The Wildcard Space - Your Signature Room for 2026

One of the key principles running through many of 2026’s trends is personality. Celebrating the unique qualities and love that make us who we are. 

As a result, every home deserves at least a small space that feels completely personal - a space designed purely with you in mind. While you can project your character into any room, from a mindful bedroom to a luxurious living room, even small spaces can be enriched by your own style.

A hallway, utility, reading nook or large bay window can become a sanctuary of self-expression. Whether you want a splash of bold colour, a playful light fitting, a curated shelf of treasures, or soothing wooden panels that anchors the space can all be fitted with ease. Afterall, it’s the small moments that feel the most rewarding and can spark a ripple effect of creativity throughout the home, and shining a light on what you love in life.

Our top tips

• Paintable MDF Panels for complete freedom to experiment with those tones and shades you adore
• Arborelle Panels will add refined warmth - they are perfect for lovers of an organic edge to their decor
• SlatWall Acoustic Panels introduces both style and sound absorption for energetic zones or making a relaxation room more peaceful
• Elemence and Sivara Panels provide durable, design-led solutions ideal for utility or high-traffic spaces while adding the beauty of nature to your walls

Whether you’re reimagining a restful bedroom, layering personality into your living room, or creating a dramatic dining space built for entertaining, Naturewall’s 2026 trends offer endless possibilities. With thoughtful textures, expressive detail, and panels designed to elevate any room, this is the year to make your home unmistakably yours! You can also browse curated wall panel collections for each 2026 trend.