Living with intention: five design movements shaping homes in 2026

As we enter 2026, the focus in interior design has shifted from fleeting trends to enduring principles. The year ahead isn't about chasing the next big thing, but rather about creating spaces that feel deeply personal, purposeful, and built to last. Homes are no longer styled for Instagram perfection but designed for the messy, beautiful reality of daily life, where comfort meets meaning and every choice reflects intention.

The principles shaping our homes today are the same values that have guided good design for generations. What's different now is our collective realisation of their importance, our desire to live more deliberately in spaces that nurture the body and mind.

Soft by design

In a world that often feels sharp and demanding, our homes are becoming sanctuaries of softness. 2026 embraces rounded forms, gentle curves, and generously proportioned seating that invites you to sink in and stay awhile.

Think of a curved sofa that wraps around you like a warm embrace, or an organic coffee table with sculpted edges that bring shape, warmth, and visual interest to the room. These pieces do more than just fill a space; they transform it into a place that fosters slow, meaningful exchanges, and where simply being feels restorative.

Hand of the maker

In an increasingly digital world, we're drawn to objects that bear the unmistakable mark of human hands. Artisanal craftsmanship, with its subtle irregularities, imperfections and variations, tells stories that machines simply cannot. Each handwoven basket carries the rhythm of its maker, and every hand-thrown ceramic vessel bears indentations lovingly shaped by hand.

At TREE, this philosophy is reflected in our collection of globally sourced, locally made accessories. Our meticulously handwoven baskets, crafted from natural fibres, bring texture and warmth to any space while honouring traditional techniques passed down through generations. Our ceramics, lovingly molded by hand, ensure that no two pieces are exactly alike – each one a small celebration of individuality in a world of mass production.

Organic materials

The materials we choose to surround ourselves with speak to our deepest needs for connection to nature and authenticity. From wood that shows its grain, linen that softens with each wash, and stone that grounds us – these honest, naturally stunning materials feel necessary when so much around is synthetic.

A commitment to natural materials runs deep at TREE, where quality, raw materials form the foundation of every piece we offer. Our furniture collections celebrate the inherent beauty of solid wood, the tactile richness of natural fibers, the grounding presence of stone. Thoughtfully sourced and renewable, these materials are built to last, aging gracefully and developing character over time while treading lightly on the planet.

Sustainability as a standard

What was once considered a trend has become a non-negotiable principle. Sustainability in 2026 is all about making responsible choices that honour both our present needs and our future responsibilities. From responsibly sourced materials to quality craftsmanship, every decision becomes an act of care to ensure that your piece is built to last.

Sustainability has always been woven into our DNA, and is a driving force behind every part of our business. Our solid eco-wood furniture celebrates timber that is reclaimed, FSC™-certified, or sustainably sourced. As a B Corp certified company committed to responsible business practices, we plant trees to replenish our beloved forests, offset our carbon footprint, and constantly seek ways to minimise our environmental impact in addition to striving to be the best that we can be. Indeed, it's a fundamental belief that beautiful design and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Collected over time

Perhaps the most profound shift in 2026 is the move away from complete room makeovers toward thoughtful, gradual curation. The most beautiful homes tell stories, be it of travels that changed us, of family pieces that carry memories, or of discoveries that spoke to our hearts. These spaces feel alive because they've been shaped by real experiences rather than those that trend.

This approach honours the pieces that have been a part of our journey. From grandmother's lovingly worn chair, pottery collected from distant markets, to books that have shaped our thinking, these objects create homes that feel authentically ours. Combine your personalised collection with newer pieces, which gives way to a space that is a true reflection of who you are and what you value.

As we embrace these five movements, our individual homes become reflections of our values, who we are and who we’re becoming. In 2026, true beauty lies in homes that feel like sanctuaries: lived-in, personal, and authentically ours.