Looking ahead to 2026, architects and designers are redefining the possibilities of commercial interiors, embracing trends that center on sensory experience, emotional connection and sustainability. In this evolving landscape, materials are expected to do more than perform; they’re expected to inspire, adapt and endure.
Mark Woodman, aesthetics consultant/brand ambassador for Corian Design, shares his perspective on the key interior design trends shaping 2026 and how innovative materials like Corian Solid Surface can help bring bold design visions to life. It’s all part of the brand’s WOW That’s Corian! campaign, which celebrates expressive designs without limits.
2026 Interior Design Trends
1. Biophilic Design – In 2026, biophilic design is expected to move beyond greenery and wood finishes into fully immersive, multisensory environments. This involves incorporating texture, light, sound and scent to create evolving “experiences.” Think dynamic lighting that mirrors daylight cycles or water features that engage multiple senses. A material like Corian Solid Surface provides design freedom, due to its ability to bend, twist and shape into 2D and 3D forms, while delivering the reliable performance needed to support ambitious ideas. Its thermoformability allows for organic, fluid shapes and integrated water elements, while backlighting options can simulate daylight shifts or seasonal color changes for truly transformative spaces.
2. Neutral, Warm Earthy Palettes – The recent shift from cool to warm tones is largely driven by the emotional need for comfort. These seasonless shades, ranging from soft whites to rich browns, are often paired with natural textures like wood, velvet and matte finishes. Designers can keep the look fresh by layering textures, mixing warm and cool accents, and playing with different sheens. Corian Solid Surface offers creative freedom through an extensive palette of warm, timeless colors that complement natural materials beautifully. Its virtually seamless appearance across large surfaces, combined with engraving, routing and varied sheens, gives designers the tools to layer warmth and texture into interiors, from hospitality lobbies to healthcare reception areas.
Images Courtesy of: Corian Design
3. Rich Browns & “Mocha Mousse” – Deep, rich browns, such as “Mocha Mousse,” are emerging as the new luxury neutral. These shades evoke extravagance and indulgence while wrapping spaces in a sense of comfort. Unlike black or navy, which can convey formality and authority, dark browns feel more approachable and radiate warmth and intimacy. Rather than replacing warm neutrals, rich browns expand the palette, offering greater depth and variety to a color story.
4. Sustainability & Circularity – Sustainability is increasingly an expectation rather than a “nice-to-have,” with clients actively requesting it. There is a growing emphasis on circularity through flexible design, where products can be transformed into something else useful or their parts reused. Many Corian Solid Surface colors contain recycled content, and the material’s repairability and long life cycle support LEED, WELL and circular design goals by reducing replacement needs over time.
5. Sensory & Neurodivergent-Friendly Design – Expanding on the Biophilic Design trend, spaces are increasingly designed to balance calm and stimulation through thoughtful sound control, adaptable lighting and textured materials. With its warm, smooth feel and ability to be bent, twisted and shaped into flowing, ergonomic forms, Corian Solid Surface brings comfort and ease, while remaining non-porous, hygienic and easy to clean, to high-traffic, high-touch environments such as healthcare, education and hospitality.
Feature Image Courtesy of: Corian Design
