Having only recently settled into my brand-new abode in a brand-new city, it’s only natural that my wishlist of dreamy furniture and homewares now reads like a short novel. After all, there’s nothing quite like a dramatic change of scenery to inspire an impromptu interior overhaul. And as someone who writes about shopping for a living, who am I to resist a little retail therapy?
“As someone who writes about shopping for a living, who am I to resist a little retail therapy?”
Paris Blanchfield
In the past, I’ve made the all-too-common mistake of amassing a collection of furniture and objects that I liked the look of, without really thinking about how they might work together. The result? Hodgepodge interiors with no real harmony, rather than the mindfully curated and intentional spaces I’d been dreaming of. This time, being a little older and just a tad wiser, I know exactly what I want to create and how to do so, and I’m bringing you along for the journey.
Each month, I’ll be sharing with you my many sources of inspiration, including up-and-coming home trends, styling tips, and standout pieces to help you find your own aesthetic and create a more intentional home. Whether you’re on your own mission to make your home feel more like you, or simply love a curated dose of design inspiration, you’re in exactly the right place, and I hope you’re just as excited as I am for what’s ahead.
Forecast: Earth-toned palettes are evolving
It’s no secret that organic palettes have dominated interior trends in 2025. However, as we move into 2026, I’m predicting a vibrant evolution: one that deepens this timeless trend, rather than departing from it. The way I see it, richer shades of brown, green, and ochre are poised to take over from the muted neutrals we’ve grown so comfortable with, ushering in an era of design that favours impact over “safe” subtlety.
“Unlike the plum and rust hues spotlighted at Milan design week, these calming tones are rooted in nature…”
Paris Blanchfield
This moody palette delivers the same bold impact as more vibrant colour schemes, yet feels far less intimidating to adopt; unlike plum and rust hues, also spotlighted at Milan Design Week 2025, these calming tones are rooted in nature, and prove much easier to implement into your space. That said, working with moody, earthy tones doesn’t mean you need to avoid the season’s favourite reds. In my living room, I’ve mixed rich greens with deep red accents, and although the pairing may read a little festive on paper, the finished look is surprisingly elegant.
The Roundup
- Designs from Milan Design Week 2025 and insights from trend forecasters agree that bolder colours will be increasingly popular during 2026
- Popular muted and soft earth tones (like sage and pale clay) are expected to be swapped out for richer, more decadent colour schemes
- Styling interiors with these deeper tones requires a little extra planning, and attention to how pieces balance one another out
1. Rhea Brown Botanical Washable Rug Miss Amara 2. Burgstdt Mug Set, Freedom 3. Luxury Velvet Cushion Aura Home 4 Vintage Linen Fringe Cushion in Tobacco Aura Home 5. Olive Throw, Bed Threads 6. Torquay Modular Sofa, Koala 7. Enchantress Candlestand, Aura Home 8. Iris Candlestand, Aura Home 9.The Asparagus Bunch in Olive, Maison Balzac 10. The Art of Letting Go Framed Canvas, Urban Road 11. Elva Lowline Basket, Aura Home 12. Mr Voss Columbus Candle, SpaceNK 13. Cotton Check Fabric, The Fabric Editors
The idea that soft, neutral palettes may soon be swapped for a richer variation of the trend is one that’s echoed by experts at the forefront of interior forecasting; Shaye Ford, Interior Designer at Miss Amara, says to “Expect a rise in earthy, darker shades; deep terracotta, burgundy, olive greens and chocolate browns; adding warmth and sophistication while still feeling grounded,” adding that she expects “warm, neutral tones” will remain as foundational staples.
And for those of us planning to weave these deeper neural shades into our own homes, it’s important to bear in mind that bolder tones are less forgiving than their softer predecessors. Successfully walking the line between ‘decadent’ and ‘smothering’ requires consideration, planning, and a keen eye for balance. My trick? Introduce statement pieces in deeper colours, like cocoa and olive, then lift the look with lighter accents. Think glints of gold, natural textures and paler décor in sage and cream. Alternatively, you can flip this advice on its head for a less-committal approach; pair a cream sofa with a colourful rug or cushions, or apply the same philosophy to your bed styling.
Hero pieces
Styling tip: weaving in natural textures and materials is an effective way to ground your space, even when incorperating a richer palette.
Torquay Modular Sofa Chaise, Extra Wide$4200 at Koala
The Art of Letting Go Framed Canvas$129 at Urban Road
The Asparagus Bunch
$39 at Maison Balzac
Mr Voss Columbus Candle
$130 at SpaceNK
Rhea Brown Botanical Washable Rug
from $249 at Miss Amara
Elva Lowline Basket
$79 at Aura Home
Olive Duvet Cover
from $200 at Bed Threads
Poppi Scallop Coasters, Tortoiseshell
$29 $20 at Early Settler
Luxury Velvet Cushion
$79 at Aura Home
Vintage Linen Fringe Cushion in Tobacco
$79 at Aura Home
AERO Fabric Armchair$1799 $1259 at FREEDOM
Burgstadt Set of 4 Mugs
$38 at Freedom
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