Material trends are rarely only about looks. They reflect deeper needs: ease of care, tactility, sustainability, craft, longevity. For 2026, I see a strong shift away from pure “effects” and toward material honesty—or at least surfaces that feel honest.
1) Textures you can feel
Bouclé, slub yarns, linen-like weaves, structured surfaces. People are craving touch again because digital stimulation is everywhere. For B2B, it has to be more than pretty: abrasion resistance, pilling behavior, cleanability matter.
2) Matte surfaces over high gloss
Metals: brushed, satin, darker finishes.
Paints: soft-matte, lower reflection.
The result: less noise, more calm, more perceived quality.
3) Ceramics & “handmade look”
Tiles, vessels, surfaces with subtle irregularities. They add personality—but if overused, they can date quickly. Better as an accent, not a theme everywhere.
4) Recycled and hybrid materials
Recycled yarns, blends, new composites. Demand is strong, but so is greenwashing. For contract projects you need transparency: certifications, availability, replacement logic.
5) Wood — lighter, quieter, more refined
Less rustic, more precise. Often paired with mineral elements (stone, microcement, limewash textures).
The practical questions I always ask
-
How is the space used? (kids, luggage, pets, traffic)
-
How will it be cleaned? (washability, stain behavior, replaceability)
-
How fast do you need replenishment? (project timelines)
-
How does it age? (patina vs “looks damaged fast”)
-
Where is premium worth it—and where is “clever enough”?
The trend is toward materials that don’t shout, but carry the space: atmosphere, function, and commercial logic.
If you need material decisions that connect design ambition with operating costs, that’s exactly where I like to work—especially through color + textile concepts.