Design trends taking over summer 2026 homes

Here, we delve into the design trends taking over our homes and gardens.

Let’s get playful

Heard of ‘cabbagecore’? This whimsical design trend celebrates the vegetable patch – bringing a fun, garden aesthetic indoors. Likewise, ‘fruit fusion’ is all about vibrant motifs, from strawberry prints sweetening your wallpaper to pops of lemon-yellow across your curtains. Since both trends can tip into the childlike, make sure to combine a playful sensibility with quality materials and intentional styling.

Tips for this look:

Energise a room with fruit-inspired soft furnishings like throws and cushions
Go for accent furniture in vivid colours such as berry, yellow or coral
Create balance with enough neutral backdrops, warm wood and clear glassware
Explore farmers' markets to find fruit and vegetables for dinner party centrepieces

Cool by the coast

If you’re picturing a literal beach-house look, think again. This summer trend welcomes a more sophisticated, classic approach to the nautical aesthetic. Soft blues and sandy neutrals bring ocean tones for a calming feel, while woven materials and natural woods add a mix of textures.

Tips for this look:

Go for a subtle nod to the coast with driftwood finishes, fluted cabinetry and organic shapes
Use natural fibres like bamboo, jute, rattan and organic cotton
Think of how to integrate your smart technology into the design so it’s less obvious
Mix in vintage pieces for a relaxed, lived-in look

Intentional clutter and maximalism

While some of us cherish a simple space, others fill their homes with an abundance of colours, patterns and artwork. This season, the second group are in luck. Think mixed basket weaves, broken stripes, statement wallpaper, and eclectic sculptures and collectables. Before you write a shopping list, though, consider building the design over time by finding pieces that mean something to you and your family.

Tips for this look:

Approach bold colours and mixed patterns with a careful eye for curation
Balance bright clashes with solid-coloured staple furniture so as not to overwhelm a space
Tell your own story by choosing items that represent your unique tastes
Consider how to keep the clutter tidy and dust-free

Truly green gardens

No more throw-away furniture or plants that shrivel after a fortnight. Stylists are encouraging us to design outdoor spaces that are highly intentional and built to last. Imagine an interior that extends outside to create a lush, cool space you can savour in summer and winter, complete with comfortable, sustainable seating and spots where nature can thrive.

Tips for this look: