Spring Reflections: Interiors 2026

Reading the Spring editions of Homes & Gardens, World of Interiors, Elle Decoration, Living etc. and House & Garden, one of the main interior trends is about celebrating all things craft.

Crafts, antiques & personal collections (& not necessarily expensive ones) highlight the need to feel more connected to our environment in 2026. A new trend is 'Modern Maximalism' where what we value is thoughtfully displayed in a 'real home' way. Personal collections in comfortable & cosy homes, instead of an AI generated image of soulless perfection.

Who would have thought that Papier Mache as a craft would be a trend in 2026? Thankfully it is, and its hand-formed imperfection is becoming popular in homeware along with ceramics and embroidery. Maybe it's the 'Wuthering Heights' effect, but whimsical and folklore are no longer in the shadows and I love to read about local places in my area who celebrate 'making' (Clothkits, Loam, West Dean College etc.) and in London unique shops like Maude & Mable and A New Tribe.

Hand & Lock make the most beautiful embroidered framed wall art and who also feature the very talented Kara Douwma from her brand Uncommon Ancestor. Kara's view is that furniture is not just an object but described instead as 'a keeper of stories'. I work with an exceptional upholsterer who shares this philosophy, carefully giving new life to old chairs and antique sofas.

The Spring editions of the magazines all covered our love of green paint choices (Celery, Olive, Atichoke, Sage, Celadon) but also Tobacco, Muscavado , Earth & Caramel which compliment one another as they share the same undertone. These colours are deeply comforting because of their connection to nature.

I also love how both Homes & Gardens and House & Garden always celebrate craft through showcasing seriously bold & beautiful wallpapers, tapestries & painted antiques. I noted the resurgence of decorative plate walls (hooray!) & Etsy is a great place to start a new obsession. A friend recommended these easy stick on hook attachments which makes wall plates really simple to hang.

There is a movement towards creating 'detox zones' or a relaxation spaces where you can just simply read or listen to music. These spaces should ideally not have a TV & should be styled for unwinding. Even a little corner with a window seat could be just enough to read, journal or draw. You could also treat yourself to an inexpensive record player and have fun building a vinyl collection just for you.

I hope timber detailing is not just a passing trend, as it improves with age and provides warmth where paint cannot. I love cleverly detailed timber joinery with hand-cut dovetail joints. We are lucky in West Sussex (& across the UK) to have talented cabinet makers and joinery companies who all excel at their craft. I recently found a local company called Pilgrim Furniture who specialise in uncomplicated bespoke furniture and accessories that I'm sure will be passed down through future generations.

There is a feeling of wanting a few interior pieces to feel like they were found in Grannies attic, like an heirloom. Even if in reality, you were lucky enough to find it at a car boot sale or an antiques fair. Pieces with a lovely patina, or some kind of unique history that makes it slightly wonky, scuffed or imperfect. If blended well with new sculptural furniture and soft layered fabrics, these elements all combine to create a sense of a lived-in, more relaxed home.

'Romantic minimalism', fringing, soft leathers and frills are all on the rise and 'I'm here for it' as my kids would say. I love a sense of playfulness and fun in interiors (one of my favourite items is our 'Fox in a Ruff' which is actually a tray I bought in Boston) and is now proudly displayed in our boot room/utility much to our dogs disapproval. I also love our huge terracotta serving plates I lugged back from Marrakesh, wrapped badly in the market & then stuffed in the aeroplanes overhead locker.

Speaking to clients, often their most loved pieces are usually collected from their travels or made by friends (or children) and then artfully and thoughtfully displayed. One client of mine told me recently that she has very sweetly bought an ornament for their family Christmas tree every year of their boys life. She has done this so when they do (eventually :)) leave home, they will have their own collections.

In Summary, the February & March editions of the magazines wrote about:

• Richly layered colours - shades of green, tobacco, rust and chocolate

• Celebrate craft and all things unique to you

• Darker woods for authenticity

• Natural tactile surfaces

• Soft shapes, arches & curves

• Vintage or antique finds

• Statement stonework

• Nostalgic interiors - think 'Granny chic'

• Detox zones, areas in the home for reading and/or listening to music

I'm glad there is a movement to the return of the handmade and a celebration of individuality over AI perfection. Homes need to feel uniquely us in 2026. If you love crafts and antiques, why not book your tickets for the June Craft Festival in Devon or visit the IACF for dates for their upcoming antique fairs and bag yourself an heirloom!