With 2026 just around the corner, it’s time to welcome what’s new while thoughtfully letting go of what no longer serves us. This constant change may sound firm, but the steady evolution of what already exists is what truly moves us forward.
When it comes to hospitality and travel, instead of asking ourselves “where are we going”, the emerging question in 2026 is “why are we going?”. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, done with 14,000 travellers across 14 countries, reveals that next year, “travellers will embrace the rise of ‘whycation’, where travel is driven by emotional motivations.”
With this in mind, we believe it is likely that the spaces that make up hospitality interiors shift accordingly, where pieces will be crafted with intention, reason, and integrity. For this year’s edition of Parla’s trend predictions, we asked our in-house designers to comment on what’s next and compiled insights from industry sources.
COLOURS
When it comes to colour, paint brands continue to play a defining role in shaping broader design conversations. This year, Behr selected Hidden Gem, a smoky jade; Valspar chose Warm Eucalyptus, a muted green; and Benjamin Moore named Silhouette, a rich espresso
brown with charcoal undertones.
While neutrals are never out of style, they are constantly evolving, just as we predicted. Gizem Arpacı, Senior Design Specialist at Parla, points to the rise of warm, earthy palettes, including sand, beige, taupe, olive green, terracotta, deep green and warm burgundy tones.
Of course, colour needs form and surface to truly come to life, which brings us to the shapes that will define interiors in 2026.
FORMS
Gizem notes that natural and organic forms will once again take centre stage next year. She also highlights the growing importance of modular and customisable designs, such as adaptable seating systems and storage units, which support a more practical and flexible approach to space planning.
Statement pieces will continue to play a key role, with sculptural armchairs and bold, oversized coffee tables gaining popularity and helping designers create interiors that feel expressive and emotionally engaging.
Seda Yetkiner, Assistant Product Development Manager and Senior Industrial Designer at Parla, adds that softness and comfort, expressed through both form and materiality, will become increasingly prominent within interior design.
SUSTAINABILITY
According to Forbes, the era of fast furniture is finally in decline, a shift we welcome wholeheartedly. Designer Sally O’Connor of Hesellic told Forbes that her clients are becoming far more intentional in their purchasing decisions, prioritising sustainability and quality over disposable options. She notes a growing preference for timeless pieces made from durable materials, a change she believes will pave the way for more artisanal products within hospitality projects.
Gizem and Seda echo this sentiment, emphasising the continued rise of sustainability in hospitality interiors. Recycled and environmentally responsible materials, along with durable, long-lasting constructions, are becoming increasingly prevalent across the industry.
TEXTURES
Most pieces of furniture not only provide an aesthetic and ergonomic experience, but also a tactile one.
In 2026, textiles will embrace imperfections through hand-drawn lines, blurred grids and soft geometric motifs, hand-in-hand with organic forms and colours. We should also expect patterns that echo organic growth, such as leaves, ripples, minerals and tree rings.
The use of natural motifs will strengthen our bond with the spaces we spend time in.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Artisanal furniture is expected to see strong demand in 2026, driven by a growing appreciation for pieces that visibly reflect the labour behind them, from hand-carved details to slightly irregular glazes.
Clients are increasingly aware that mass-produced furniture moves quickly through trends without offering much longevity. In contrast, handmade pieces develop character over time rather than feeling dated.
Returning to Hilton’s focus on the “why” behind travel, sustainability emerges not as a trend, but as a fundamental consideration in shaping the future of hospitality design.
Let’s see how many of these trend predictions come to life!
