01. 2026 feels slightly off-kilter, and interiors can ground us
What struck me first is the mood. We’re being influenced by contradictory forces: technology opens everything up, but it can also feel intrusive. We have a vast array of choice, but too much choice can create anxiety and confusion. Work routines are changing fast, and while AI and new tech are exciting, there’s also a real sense of ‘what does this actually mean for us?’ Interiors are responding by creating warm, cosy, resimercial, nurturing spaces that help people feel grounded.
02. People are looking for the human touch
Design is naturally ‘people-first’, but what’s different now is how widely the terminology is being used. I’m seeing human-led, people-first, human-centred language coming through in education, workplaces, recruitment and other sectors. For architects and specifiers, that’s useful, because it gives you shared language to talk with clients about comfort, wellbeing and experience, and why finishes matter in making spaces feel good to be in.
03. Calming, natural aesthetics are still leading
Natural and neutral aesthetics are still a big force. The tones are soft, palettes are continuing to warm up, and fabrics are textured. I’m seeing more layering, more nature-inspired colour, and a slightly worn, pre-loved look rather than anything too sharp or glossy. It’s about creating spaces that feel inviting and lived-in, and finishes do a lot of the heavy lifting here. As part of this trend towards a gentle, almost home-like interior, acoustic comfort created by the right ceiling, wall and floor finishes is also a focus.
04. Flexible, zoned spaces
Working from home is still happening, and businesses are trying to bring people back by making offices more appealing and more collaborative. That means a real pull away from rows of desks, towards zoned spaces where people can gather and collaborate in different ways, from two people right up to twenty. I’m also seeing space division happening through the floor plane and furniture, using finishes to define zones while future-proofing how the office can adapt over time.
05. Responsibility and longevity
Sustainability is now a given. What clients are increasingly asking about is responsible, honest suppliers, not just the sustainability attributes of a product, but also how it’s made, how it’s sourced, and what the company stands for. The other big shift is longevity. Clients are investing in great design and beautiful colour schemes, and they want to know they’ll get the most out of them. So, the conversation I’m hearing most often is, ‘how durable is this?’ and ‘how long will it last?’
At Advance, we’re seeing these needs play out in real projects, and our flooring range is curated to support warmer aesthetics, acoustic comfort, longevity and responsible sourcing.