The trend of sustainable decor has been on the rise in recent years, and 2026 will be no exception. It not only seeks to reduce impact, but also to actively regenerate our surroundings with living materials of natural and renewable origin, or even biologically active materials, capable of interacting with their environment.
We're talking about materials such as untreated wood, cork, vegetable fibers, clay, biocompounds, or even plant-based elements that are integrated into spaces, improving air quality, and increasing well-being. This vision is based on the principles of the circular economy, resulting in decor that is connected with the local ecosystem and fosters a more conscious, healthy, and respectful relationship between people and the space they inhabit.
According to the specialized magazine Architectural Digest, the current approach involves using materials that store carbon instead of emitting it. In homes, this trend translates into the rise of furniture made from wood, cork, bamboo, hemp, or mycelium (fungus), as well as certified wood with digital traceability.
In parallel, we have also seen a rise in organic minimalism, a style that combines the functional simplicity of minimalism with warmth and a connection to nature. It pursues soft and natural interiors using textiles made from sheep wool, pineapple fibers, or algae, which provide organic textures.
This quest for nature, sensory well-being, and honest materials is not limited to homes, but is also seen in the hospitality and restaurant sector, where trends also point to the return of classic materials (stone, marble, granite, or terracotta) and the revival of traditional building methods.
In fact, some avant-garde restaurants in Spain are already eliminating synthetic coatings in favor of lime and clay mortars, materials that naturally regulate humidity.
Leading publications like Dezeen state that in 2026, decor will focus on “design for the senses” with patina, the layer that naturally forms on the surface of metal, wood, leather, or stone when they come into contact with the environment (air, humidity, light, oils), giving a worn and unique appearance that seeks calm over minimalism, which can be somewhat colder.
The magazine shows how leading establishments use design as a tool to tell the story of their region, drawing on local craftsmanship to both reduce the environmental footprint resulting from transport and boost the local economy and traditional trades.
This same perspective — which understands design as a narrative linked to place, materials, and experience — also extends to the luxury hotel sector. In this area, there has been a clear transition from the aesthetic opulence of yesteryear to a more residential, sustainable, and markedly plant-based approach, an evolution that finds its voice in specialized publications like Hospitality Design.
In popular destinations such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, new buildings have biophilic design systems, which include natural elements that seek to draw connections with the landscape. This means that the vegetation is not just decorative, but rather part of the climate control infrastructure, promoting greater physical and mental well-being.
Beyond integrating the landscape and improving sensory well-being, this transformation in the hotel sector is supported by a profound change in the way buildings are constructed. The commitment to circular architecture thus becomes one of the central themes highlighted by other leading publications such as Azure. This perspective prioritizes the renovation of existing buildings and the use of recoverable materials with structures that can be easily disassembled to facilitate repair and recycling, extending the useful life of parts through circularity.
Work and the connection to nature
This vision also extends to companies and offices, where design is also a means of retaining talent by promoting employee well-being.
Modern workspaces prioritize circadian lighting — mimicking the natural changes in sunlight to synchronize the biological clock — and the use of acoustic biomaterials made from agricultural waste, such as insulating panels made from hemp, coconut, straw, or plant pruning debris to absorb excess noise.
A study from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom indicated that office environments that mimic natural patterns improve productivity by up to 15%, turning sustainability into a tangible financial asset for modern corporations.
In conclusion, the decor of 2026 marks a change in focus, from prioritizing aesthetics to natural comfort. Spaces no longer need to be just beautiful; they must also be harmonious, more sustainable, and climate neutral.