Pantone’s ‘colour’ of the year, AI and other forces shaping interiors in 2026
Wellness, work and the urge to cocoon will reshape homes in 2026, according to these experts
For 2026, we invited several of the same interviewees to reflect on those earlier predictions and what they see trending this year. Stand-outs include artificial intelligence, as both creator and destroyer of calm; pandemic-led regrouping; and the colour of the year: white.
Before you start throwing pots of paint at the wall in protest, consider this: much like the most enduring “trends”, the non-colour never truly left us. This year isn’t about revolution, but revelation. It is the amplification of whispers that were already in the room.
Ed Ng
Co-founder, AB Concept
In 2016, I spoke about looks that felt repetitive at the time – mainly, Scandi-minimal and industrial. Those comments reflected a moment when design discussions were strongly style driven. Looking back, I think the design world has certainly moved beyond singular aesthetics, but the more meaningful development has been the shift from style to purpose.
Technology, I believe, will continue to expand our imagination, especially since AI allows almost anyone to translate their ideas into real possibilities with just a few clicks.
For 2026, I envisage homes having a dedicated exercise corner, a quiet workspace or a living area surrounded by greenery to create a feeling of nature. These are not dramatic transformations, more like gentle flexibility that respects how people move through a day.