According to idd cologne, interior design in 2026 reflects a growing desire for permanence, emotional comfort and cultural continuity in an increasingly unstable world. The platform identifies three key trends shaping the year ahead.
© François Halard © ClassiCon.
1. Eternal Interiors: Designing for Longevity
Longevity culture is influencing how people think about their homes. Rather than short-term trends, interiors are increasingly conceived as spaces designed to last — conceptually and materially. Matte surfaces, soft textiles and non-reflective finishes dominate, offering calm and visual restraint. Modular furniture systems gain relevance for their ability to adapt over time, supporting evolving lifestyles without constant replacement. The emphasis is on durability, flexibility and understated aesthetics rather than overt self-expression.
2. The Return of Overlooked Classics
2026 signals a renewed interest in early postmodern design, particularly works from the 1960s that predate the more flamboyant Memphis era. Reissued and rediscovered pieces by designers such as Verner Panton, Wolfgang Laubersheimer and Le Corbusier are positioned as future classics. These objects combine conceptual clarity with strong graphic identities, appealing to collectors and design-savvy consumers seeking cultural depth and long-term relevance.
3. Cocooning Reimagined
The ongoing cocooning trend evolves toward exaggerated, immersive forms. Oversized furniture, inflated proportions and enveloping shapes dominate, blurring the line between furniture and shelter. This desire for protection and retreat is reflected both in speculative, AI-generated concepts and in established icons such as Gaetano Pesce's UP 50 armchair, which combines comfort with social commentary. The home becomes a refuge — emotionally charged, expressive and physically embracing.
© François Halard © ClassiCon.Matte surfaces for a calming effect. On the left, the St. Tropez Rug by Eileen Gray for ClassiCon. Photo: Mark Seelen © Manufacturer ClassiCon authorised by The World Licence Holder Aram Designs Ltd. / ClassiCon. On the right, the Mars Chair by Konstantin Grcic for ClassiCon.
Outlook for 2026
Together, these trends suggest a shift away from fast aesthetics toward meaningful, emotionally resonant interiors. Whether through timeless materials, revived design icons or protective, cocoon-like forms, interiors in 2026 respond to uncertainty with depth, longevity and a renewed sense of home.
More information:
idd cologne
www.idd-cologne.com
