In design, everything good comes back around. From catwalk clothing to interiors, things that make us feel good don’t stay out of style for long – and in 2026, that’s evident in the way we’re furnishing our homes.
Six years post-pandemic, the mood across interiors has shifted away from uniform minimalism toward spaces that feel expressive, layered and grounded in material authenticity.
For wood in particular, this presents an exciting moment. Flooring, wall treatments and millwork are no longer just the backdrop, they’re the story. Here are five design trends we’re loving right now:
1. Floors as the sixth wall
For decades, floors have mostly been regarded as neutral foundations, designed to recede while furniture and architecture shine. In 2026, that thinking is shifting, with designers increasingly treating the floor as a ‘sixth wall’, on an equal footing with walls and ceilings.
Painted and patterned wood floors
Once loved by the Victorians, painted floors are making a comeback, adding color, geometry and graphic impact where carpet or tile once dominated. Inlaid and patterned wood floors are also growing in popularity, with chevrons and parquetry bringing detail, movement and old-world prestige.
Textured and reclaimed wood floors
Of course, floors that shout aren’t for everybody. But even in more subtle applications, there’s a strong trend towards flooring that brings something extra to a space, whether it’s rich texture in the form of reclaimed and hand-finished materials, or depth of tone – think handmade terracotta tiles, or rich-toned walnut flooring.
Often, these materials are used to ground a space that’s otherwise light-filled and neutral, taking it away from the contemporary and Scandi vibes that have been so popular in recent decades, towards something with more material presence.
2. Brown is having a moment
Those of us who remember the 70s may never be able to embrace it – but love it or hate it, brown is back in style. From soft cocoa and camel to deep espresso and chestnut, its grounding, comforting tones are a counterpoint to the cool minimalism of the past decade.
Wood naturally plays a central role in this shift. Its inherent tonal variation introduces richness that other finishes struggle to replicate. Light oak brings warmth without heaviness, while darker species create intimacy, depth and architectural gravity.
Brown also pairs beautifully with a wide spectrum of complementary materials, including stone, leather, brass, linen and wool, creating spaces that feel composed yet inviting, refined yet human.
3. The rise of lived-in interiors
Highly styled, hyper-curated interiors have dominated social media for years. Perfectly beige palettes, immaculate staging and trend-driven styling have created beautiful imagery, but often at the expense of personality and warmth.
In 2026, the pendulum is swinging back toward spaces that feel lived-in, curated and individual. Designers and homeowners are embracing eccentricity and visual imperfection – real spaces, that tell real stories.
Reclaimed wood fits seamlessly into this movement. Its patina, variation and visible history introduce layers of narrative into a space, lending depth that can’t be manufactured.
4. Old is the new new
Complementing the rise of lived-in interiors is a renewed appreciation for vintage and antique furniture that helps to build these layered, curated environments.
From antique and mid-century finds to quirky salvaged and repurposed pieces, designers are turning away from mass-produced furnishings in search of something more idiosyncratic.
This choice also has roots in sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Older furniture typically boasts better craftsmanship and materials than new fabrication, especially at the mid-to-low end of the market, so choosing unbranded mid-century pieces can often be more affordable than buying the new equivalent.
Heirloom furnishings introduce narrative variety, for personal, meaningful interiors that can easily evolve over time, rather than being frozen in a single design moment.
5. Patina is desirable again
We’ve had decades of flawless, predictable finishes across almost every aspect of our interior spaces. Pale wood with subtle, straight grain. Pristinely painted surfaces. Marble and stone with veining so delicate, it’s invisible.
But the natural world in particular is not uniform or flawless – and it’s these imperfections that design is embracing again in 2026.
Think dramatic Calacatta marble worktops, pitted flagstone or reclaimed wood floors, burled wood furnishings that lay bare a tree’s survival story, aged bronze that bears the marks of time and touch. And alongside these structural materials, soft furnishings with sensory appeal – rich velvets, chunky knits and bold prints that celebrate the human urge to make art, and seek joy.
The next chapter of interior design
In 2026, the design landscape is defined by variety and depth. Our homes are becoming more expressive, and surfaces are no longer passive backdrops, but actively shaping how a space feels and functions.
For architects and designers, this presents an opportunity to reengage with materiality in meaningful ways. Flooring becomes a design statement. Color carries warmth and emotion. Texture and patina invite interaction and longevity. Wood becomes not just a finish, but a storytelling medium.
As trends continue to evolve, the underlying direction is clear. Authentic materials, thoughtful craftsmanship and layered expression are shaping the next chapter of interior design. If you’d like to explore the possibilities with wood flooring, get in touch – we have a vast library of unusual species and characterful reclaimed wood to choose from.