Design Trends That Inspired Me at Women’s Open House & London Design Week 2026

Spring is here, which of course means it’s time for some wonderful design events across the capital this month. Attending design shows and talks is something I always try to prioritise. Hearing trends and insights directly from leading designers is always eye-opening and offers a valuable glimpse into where the industry is right now – and where it’s heading next!

There were two events in London this week that I had the chance to attend. The first was the Women’s Open House, hosted by McKay Williamson as part of their three-day Inspiring Women series, which raises funds for Breast Cancer and Plan International UK. I had the pleasure of listening to top interior designer Juliette Byrne speak about trends and the challenges of designing high-end homes. London Design Week at Chelsea Harbour was also inspiring and gave me plenty of food for thought.

Both events shaped my understanding of what’s trending right now and how people think and feel when refurbishing or renovating their homes. It made me realise that thoughtfulness is becoming a real trend among consumers, which is of course, only a good thing.

Now, let’s take a look at the interior design trends I’m all about this season.

Defined Interior Spaces

This is a trend I’ve definitely heard about before, but it’s reassuring to see that it’s still going strong. Since the pandemic, many people have started to move away from open-plan living. Separate rooms and more defined living areas have become increasingly popular, as people look for greater cosiness, comfort and a sense of retreat when decorating their homes. Creating little nooks, along with the use of Crittall doors and room dividers, has grown significantly in popularity, and it’s a trend that still feels very present today. When it comes to family living, I completely understand the appeal, which is why the internal oak doors in our living room feel like a bit of a godsend most days. It’s not just about noise, but also about warmth and comfort. Keeping the doors closed helps the room stay warm, and thanks to the Crittall-style glass, it never feels closed off — you can still see what’s happening around you.

The Plinth Trend

Plinths have been around for decades, but it’s only recently that this interior trend has truly taken off. As Juliette Byrne discussed during the talk, they’re a wonderful way to introduce shapes and textures into your home while making use of those often-overlooked corners. Plinths can also serve as a stylish platform for displaying artwork, ornaments, flowers, or even doubling as a side table. While they may not be the most practical piece of furniture (in my personal opinion!), I’d say they make a truly luxurious statement. Honestly, if someone invented one with hidden storage, I’d order it in a heartbeat

Design That Tells A Story

I mentioned earlier that people are becoming more thoughtful when decorating and are truly trying to curate homes that reflect who they are. It seems we are moving away from “show home” interiors and towards more fun, eclectic spaces that tell a story. The unserious design trend feels like the perfect antidote to the interior world right now. It encourages us to choose bespoke pieces that evoke happy memories or meaningful places – like the rug above from Holmes Bespoke, which is inspired by Lake Como. Perfetto, no? Designing based on a feeling rather than simply following what’s trendy feels like the right approach, so here’s to taking more risks.

Blending Art And Interior Design

It was wonderful to see the beautiful artwork on display at the McKay Williamson Art Gallery and how colourful and varied the collection was. The founder, Richard, made a great point about how framing can completely change a piece of artwork. So next time you’re redecorating, instead of replacing art that doesn’t suit your new scheme, try finding a frame that does. You’d be surprised what a difference it can make. It also makes sense to switch different art pieces around the house. Once your eye gets used to a painting or artwork, it almost becomes part of the furniture. Moving pieces to a new spot can refresh them entirely — you’ll see them in a whole new way!

The exhibition featured art by Ukrainian artist Iryna Yermolova, with 40% of the proceeds going to charity, which is amazing.

Comfort Through Materials

Comfort and relaxation are key right now, and materials and surfaces are more interesting than ever. Natural textures like wool and velvet are being used in new and creative ways. People genuinely want to feel at ease in their homes, transforming every corner into a little sanctuary of comfort. Wool is even being used in lighting shades, and it works beautifully. Bouclé is still around too, especially in darker shades, although it’s now used on a much smaller scale than in previous years. Bouclé sofas seem to be a thing of the past, but occasional chairs or even curtains are still very much on trend.

Horse Decor

As an avid horse rider, you can imagine my joy when I discovered that the equestrian theme is big this year. Year of the horse or not, horses have always been a steady staple in luxury interiors. If you choose to dabble in this trend, I would do it carefully so it doesn’t end up looking tacky or out of place. Large statues may not work so well in smaller homes, but a quirky piece of horse-inspired art can fit in almost anywhere.

And how fun are these lamps from Bloomsbury Revisited? They are first hand-painted and then printed. I just love them!

Colourful Statement Pieces

I love furniture with a pop of colour. Yes, grey sofas are timeless and safe, but we are moving away from “safe” towards something with a bit more personality. Interior designers are increasingly focused on creating spaces that reflect their clients rather than promoting a set look, which is a wonderful approach and can make the collaboration so much more fun and fruitful. In some ways, their work is almost like that of a shrink — helping clients figure out what they truly want (or don’t want!). People have historically been cautious with colour, so seeing it embraced is very welcome. Let’s be honest: whether it’s a sofa, a stool, or a statement piece of art, colour can completely transform a space.

Vibrant coloured upholstery paired with contrasting materials like wood works beautifully together. Patterns and fun motifs are everywhere too. Personality is being celebrated in interiors right now — and I’m all for it.

I actually feel very inspired by looking at these colourful pieces myself. I feel ready for spring and eager to inject a bit more colour into our home. That’s the thing with trends –  you only pick what you love! They should inspire you, encourage playfulness, and maybe even help you discover the decor style you truly want to pursue.

Let me know which trend or piece you loved the most!