This article originally appeared in the 2025–2026 edition of Inspired Magazine, the official publication of The Inspired Home Show.
For Spring/Summer 2026, homewares and interior trends are uplifting, creating space for imagination, play and wonder. Throughout, a calming and grounding midimalism (somewhere between the extremes of minimalist and maximalist) takes hold.
Householders will be drawn towards intentional simplicity and clever functionality alongside purposefully placed objects, details and textures that add moments of joy and tactility.
Global trend forecasting agency TrendBible shares a preview of its Spring/Summer 2026 trend “Creative Pursuits.” Here, we take a closer look at this joyful, creative trend and how it will translate to interiors and housewares in 2026.
Creative Pursuits
The indiscriminate joy of creativity and crafting sits at the heart of this experimental story and provides a therapeutic outlet to householders. Spaces, abuzz with self-expression, become a living scrapbook; adorned with an assortment of ephemera that uplifts and sparks inspiration. This is a home for those who live there, a home of comfort and play, not perfection.
Interiors are playfully theatrical, blending nostalgic circus or carnival references with contemporary twists. Embracing creative resourcefulness and hobbyist culture, environments are highly personalized and ever-evolving. Here, tinkering is encouraged, and a trial-and-error mindset reigns. Hand-painted patterns feature atop hard goods and accessories, elevating core ranges.
Color: Offbeat & Contemporary
This offbeat, contemporary palette has been designed with geometric and painterly blocking in mind. Near primary shades are recognizable yet nuanced. Combined, these create off-kilter pairings that are complex and sophisticated. Light and fruity tones like Lavender Fog and Canyon Sunset bring a fresh and playful energy, offsetting the warmth of Tawny Olive.
Ecru creates a warm, peach-toned neutral canvas where one can play with the more exciting shades. Retailers and suppliers can experiment with the proportion of neutrals and color pops to create either highly vibrant or more calming iterations.
A desire for hyper-personalization sits at the heart of this playful trend, which can be used to create either bold imagination-filled product collections or understated modern-vintage updates. Use statement silhouettes and playful decorative elements to ensure spaces strike a balance between theatrics and comfort, creativity and liveability.
– Naomi Polland, Head of Publications, TrendBible
Shape & Form: Game Pieces
Simplified board game pieces inform shape direction and reference communal, analogue play. Pawn and counter-like silhouettes create bold, singular statements. For added impact, designers can experiment with scale, repetition and vibrant color or pattern finishes.
Product Direction: Bold Borders & Accents
Playful and unexpected placements breathe new life into classic candy and cabana stripes. To create a youthful aesthetic, mix, stack or layer bold bands of color with polka dots, hearts and scallops.
