Forecasting 2026: What Our Designers Are Seeing Next
Design trends rarely appear overnight, they evolve through subtle cues in fashion, retail, trade shows, and the way people live. As 2026 approaches, our designers have been paying attention to those signals, gathering inspiration from both the industry and everyday experiences. Here’s what they’re noticing now, and the ideas they believe will influence hospitality design in the year ahead.
Krista is predicting a surge of raspberry, wine, mauve, and pink tones alongside tactile, sculptural detailing.
After observing consistent themes at BDNY, Krista notes a clear shift toward rich, romantic color palettes that bring warmth and character to hospitality spaces. She also points to the widespread use of portable rechargeable LED lamps - a functional and atmospheric element appearing everywhere from showrooms to restaurants. Complementing these trends are tambour textures and rounded corners in casegoods and upholstery, which add softness and dimension to both modern and classic interiors.
Kelsey is predicting a continued shift toward warm, nature-inspired palettes paired with tactile, intentional design.
She’s seeing earthy neutrals, warm woods, and soft greens taking center stage in both guestrooms and lobbies, creating spaces that feel grounded and restorative. Textured materials, from fluted wood and boucle to woven elements and expressive stone, are adding depth without overwhelming the eye. Kelsey also notes a move toward multi-pendant statement lighting and flexible lounge layouts that support co-working and casual gathering, all complemented by more curated, locally inspired artwork. And as the residential-meets-hospitality aesthetic evolves, she expects performance materials that mimic natural finishes to remain essential for durability and elevated comfort.
Andrea is predicting a revival of 1970s-inspired color stories and plush, welcoming textures.
She’s seeing jewel tones, velvets, and other retro-influenced elements reemerge in a way that feels both modern and deeply inviting. These richer palettes and softer finishes bring a warmth that translates beautifully into today’s hospitality interiors, elevating lobbies and guestrooms alike. Andrea believes this resurgence offers an opportunity to infuse projects with character, comfort, and a sense of nostalgic sophistication heading into 2026.
Genevieve is predicting a continued shift toward warm, lived-in interiors layered with character and soft forms.
She notes that neutrals are moving away from stark whites and cool grays, leaning instead into warm whites, browns, and cognac tones that create a more inviting atmosphere. After her recent brand immersion with voco by IHG, Genevieve also anticipates a rise in found or thrifted objects being incorporated into public areas, unique pieces that add personality and a sense of story to each property. In addition, she expects curves to remain prominent across furniture and millwork, reflecting the rounded banquettes, fluted details, and sculptural silhouettes that were dominating recent trade show designs.
What unites all of these insights is a desire to create spaces that feel welcoming, expressive, and deeply connected to their surroundings. From layered warmth to sculptural details and curated touches, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where design feels more personal than ever. At FII, we’re looking forward to bringing these ideas to life in ways that support both the guest experience and each brand’s unique identity.
