Yes, we are still in the first half of 2025, but companies specializing in mapping consumer behavioral
trends are already focused on the future. Recently, WGSN, one of the leading names when it comes to trend studies and research, revealed the main
insights for the
interiors in 2026. One clue: design creations will become increasingly broad, and
technology will be even subtler and more integrated in everyday life. Marianna Nolasco, the head of new business at WGSN Latin America, spoke exclusively to CASACOR and shares more details below!
On-demand Design
This
insight reveals that in 2026, consumers will expect brands to think more broadly about their needs, with products and services that cater to
various uses and people, rather than unique segments that are becoming increasingly outdated. "As age stereotypes are being abandoned and crononormativity - the idea that we all follow the same timeline - is questioned, people expect products to be adapted to their needs, not to their demographic niche, in a world that is becoming more inclusive and agnostic regarding age," explains Marianna.
Tendências de design para ficar de olho em 2026. (divulgação/CASACOR)
The specialist also states that consumers are being affected by a
policrisis, resulting from a
hyperglobalization, which ends up affecting
mental health and the rising cost of living. "We have an overloaded, anxious, and fearful consumer. Therefore, they will seek to relate to brands that operate with
empathy and offer products and services that provide stability." In this sense, the concept of
luxury, which has been changing for some time, will be found in products and services that make life easier, lighter, and less exhausting. Another important characteristic of this trend is the search for
self-care and care for others, affecting the relationship with home, which during the pandemic became a refuge and now gained the status of a
healing space. Therefore, flexibility and adaptability are qualities that should generate value in products designed for the home in the near future.
Optimized Efficiency
Tendências de design para ficar de olho em 2026. (divulgação/CASACOR)
This topic discusses the efficient and symbiotic relationship between
humans and
machines as
technology rapidly advances and integrates more seamlessly into everyday life. The idea here is that technological devices should become increasingly imperceptible and
silent in daily life but so efficient that you don't even notice their existence. "By 2026,
technology will be even more integrated, bringing efficiency and impacting all aspects of product and service development. Here, technology acts as a facilitator and accelerator of creativity and productivity. It will be a tool to help map and meet needs, as well as customize and personalize products and services," emphasizes Marianna. She also reminds us that within this context, technology will be a protagonist in developing new products and that it will be used as an additional layer for design and communication.
Sensory Appeal
WGSN's research reveals that helping people feel more will also help them
feel better. Thus, this trend will address
pleasurable products,
multisensory designs, and
micromoments of joy that come as an antidote for a population that has experienced record levels of fatigue caused by the woes of the contemporary world. "Sensory products will help this weary consumer, but they will also provide
fun," says Marianna.
Tendências de design para ficar de olho em 2026. (divulgação/CASACOR)
The specialist explains that products designed for 2026 should be
easy to use and also feel like a
treat. "This gift-giving trend is very strong, and in this idea of sensory appeal, there are products that allow people to recharge but also care for others. The idea is for the consumer to think less and feel more comfort, pleasure, joy, and surprise." With so much time spent online, people will want experiences that
stimulate emotions and the six senses: smell, taste, sight, touch, hearing, and even intuition. The idea is to promote micromoments of joy amidst such a heavy routine. "WGSN has been monitoring joy as a critical consumer sentiment since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Joy will be an increasingly powerful emotion in the coming years as consumers face challenges such as policrisis and rising living costs. People are seeking joy and laughter through the products and experiences they buy. Companies can play a key role in boosting this positive emotional state and contributing to improving their audiences' mood," concludes Marianna.
Colors of 2026
And when we talk about
design trends related to home
projects, we cannot overlook the
colors, which are essential for creating a sensory universe. According to Marianna, in 2026 we will see a mix of vibrant, natural
earthy tones and
calming shades.
Tendências de design para ficar de olho em 2026. (divulgação/CASACOR)
"
Dark tones will continue to be important as consumers turn to colors in search of versatility, stability, and longevity. In particular, we will see the emergence of dark tones as people find comfort in less obvious colors amidst the extreme conditions of a heating planet," she explains. She also notes that we will see the rise of
primary and earthy colors. "Think of sandy, dusty, and burnt tones. These earthy pigments will also be inspired by the search for more sustainable ways to create colors, incorporating everything from
coffee and cocoa residues to mineral dyes," she says. And finally, with the demand for physical tactility in a world dominated by
artificial intelligence,
therapeutic pastel shades will gain prominence. "On the other hand, we will also see the rise of rebellious and unexpected color combinations, driven by synthetic creativity and psychedelia, including digital vibrants and supernatural neons," concludes Marianna.[newsletter news_id="51" news_title="" news_description=""][/newsletter>
