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3 things UK interior designers must do differently in 2026

  • socialsbyclaudia
  • Jan 5
  • 2 min read

As we approach 2026, the interior design landscape in the UK, particularly in London, is shifting away from surface-led decisions towards spaces that are functional, enduring and clearly thought through.


Bespoke kitchen with dark painted joinery, marble island and integrated appliances in a London home, showcasing full-height cabinetry and architectural lighting.

Clients, developers and operators are no longer looking for decoration alone. They expect interiors that support how spaces are actually used and delivered.

Below are three priorities shaping interior design in the year ahead.



1. Prioritise atmosphere and human experience over decoration


Interior design in 2026 is less about what a space looks like and more about how it feels throughout the day. Atmosphere is created through the combined planning of lighting, materials and proportion, not through isolated finishes or styling added at the end.


Luxury bedroom featuring bespoke upholstered headboard, mirrored wardrobes and integrated bedside joinery, designed for a high-end residential interior.

In London homes, hotels and commercial interiors, atmosphere influences how long people stay, how comfortable they feel and how a space is remembered.


Designing for mood means thinking about light levels, material depth and spatial rhythm from the outset, ensuring spaces feel calm, balanced and welcoming without relying on excess detail.


2. Design for real use and adaptability from the start


UK clients increasingly expect interiors to support everyday living and working, not just look good in photographs. In 2026, successful interior design must be rooted in clear circulation, practical storage and flexible layouts that adapt to changing needs.


Contemporary kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, integrated shelving and island workspace, combining practical layout with tailored joinery design.

This applies equally to residential projects and larger developments. For London-based schemes in particular, designers must account for space efficiency, long-term use and future adaptability, ensuring interiors remain relevant beyond initial occupation.


3. Integrate buildability and technical resolution early


Design intent only matters if it can be delivered accurately. In 2026, interior designers are expected to integrate fabrication thinking and technical coordination from day one.


Home office and library with bespoke dark wood joinery, built-in shelving and desk, designed to balance storage, workspace and visual structure.

Bespoke joinery, metalwork and architectural detailing should be developed alongside the concept, not treated as later additions.


Early technical resolution reduces risk on site, improves coordination between consultants and contractors, and ensures that detailed elements align with structure and services before construction begins.


This approach is particularly important in London, where programmes, access and coordination are tightly managed.


Looking ahead


Interior design in the UK is moving towards clarity, usability and longevity. Projects that succeed in 2026 will be those where atmosphere, function and technical detail are addressed together, resulting in interiors that work as well in practice as they do on paper.



5 key takeaways for 2026

  1. Atmosphere should be planned, not added later

  2. Lighting, materials and proportion must be designed together

  3. Layouts should respond to real behaviour, not idealised living

  4. Buildability needs to inform design decisions from the outset

  5. Clear technical coordination reduces risk and improves outcomes


 
 
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