Natural influences and architectural detailing are two of the interior trends set to dominate in 2026, according to Interior Design Masters’ finalist Jack Kinsey.
In partnership with wall panelling specialists Naturewall, Jack shares his thoughts on the looks that will redefine home design in 2026.
Curated Nostalgia
Spaces shaped by memories, character and customisation have given birth to the Curated Nostalgia movement, and according to Jack, it’s going to be big news in 2026.
This trend, which doesn’t encompass specific colour palettes, shapes or materials, is built on personality and our own, unique, nostalgic feelings.
Jack said: “After years of ultra-minimal, ‘show-home’ sameness, people are craving interiors filled with meaning and rooted in their own history, utilising a mix of collected and cherished objects.”
Curated Nostalgia celebrates the return to emotional styling using items with history, mismatched artwork and rooms layered with warm, sentimental details. It’s not about perfection, but about showcasing the pieces that reflect who we are and where we came from.
Jack added: “I think it’s about looking at everyday items which people often toss away or discard, and then thinking, oh, I could reuse that and repurpose it into something awesome.”
Naturewall’s paintable MDF panels are perfect for bringing in favourite colours while adding texture. The brand’s Oiled panels offer the perfect luxury backdrop for your most cherished possessions.
Blended Expression
This character-forward trend embraces a confident mix of materials and influences, combining the new with the old to create spaces that feel lived-in, layered, and visually engaging. It celebrates the freedom to mix styles, drawing inspiration from multiple eras and making them work together in harmony.
This trend also marks the return of richer palettes, bold shapes and characterful contrasts.
This is a trend that doesn’t require a huge budget. Affordable antique pieces paired with warm-toned wall panelling can instantly lift a room and give it a more considered, high-end feel.
Jack said: “I’d also say rather than buying new, source antique pieces of furniture because they’re solid, they’re made to last and they’re often a lot more unique and beautifully built.”
Panel-wise, walnut shades beautifully complement brass accents, while stone-inspired finishes and reeded profiles naturally lean into this richly layered 2026 trend.
Maximum Dimension
Fast becoming a defining feature of contemporary interiors, Maximum Dimension design is reshaping how people think about the role of walls within a space.
Rather than being treated as mere flat backdrops, walls are increasingly approached as architectural elements in their own right, offering surfaces that add structure, depth and atmosphere from floor to ceiling.
By approaching architectural surfaces in ways that feel intentional, structural, and immersive, you can quickly transform a space into the pinnacle of quality and style. Tall panels and grand slats along the walls will introduce sculptural forms which, when combined with bold colours, will make the space unique and full of character.
Jack said: “Panelling can literally elevate any space. It instantly lifts and adds another element that’s unexpected.”
Organic Invitation
Organic Invitation is a grounded, nature-led aesthetic that takes inspiration from the outdoors.
Expect to see more spaces embrace a softer, more sensory interpretation of nature, blending calm minimalism with comforting texture alongside shades of light oak, clay-toned neutrals, mossy greens and soft stone tones that introduce an easy, natural rhythm throughout the home.
Vertical lines, limewash-inspired surfaces, subtle movement, and warm, earthy hues combine to create modern, restorative spaces that feel intentionally pared back yet welcoming.
To achieve the look, Jack champions light oak finishes and textured panels, alongside an organic colour palette inspired directly by the outdoors.
He said: “I love incorporating nature into my interiors. Things like moss and ferns really pull a whole scheme together and I love that it feels like it’s reconnecting with nature.”
