Commercial Interior Design Trends for 2026

The commercial interior design landscape is undergoing a major transformation. Spaces are now designed not just to serve a purpose, but to create experiences, build emotional connections, and communicate brand identity. As we step into 2026, designers are blending sustainability, technology, and wellness to redefine what commercial spaces can be. From salons and spas to retail stores and offices, interiors are becoming more intentional, adaptive, and inspiring.

1. Biophilic Design Moves Beyond Greenery

Biophilic design continues to be a defining element in commercial interiors. Instead of simply adding plants, designers are creating nature-inspired environments using organic materials, natural lighting, and earthy textures. The goal is to promote wellness, reduce stress, and enhance comfort in high-traffic spaces. Expect to see more use of natural stone, textured wood, and daylight-mimicking lighting systems that bring outdoor calm indoors.

2. Minimalism with a Touch of Warmth

The minimalist aesthetic is evolving from sterile and cold to warm and inviting. Designers are using neutral palettes, curved furniture forms, and soft textures to create a sense of understated luxury. In modern salons, for example, sleek layouts with light oak flooring and soft neutral tones can make the environment feel both elegant and functional, encouraging clients to relax while maintaining a polished professional atmosphere.

3. Sustainable Materials Take the Lead

Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a design imperative. In 2026, commercial interiors are embracing recycled metals, reclaimed timber, and eco-friendly finishes. Designers are also choosing furnishings that have a long lifecycle and can be easily refurbished or repurposed.

Example: A beauty studio upgrading its space might opt for sustainable salon furniture made from FSC-certified wood and low-impact upholstery. This not only aligns with eco-conscious values but also adds a timeless, high-quality feel to the environment.

4. Smart Technology Integration

Technology is reshaping how interiors function. Smart lighting, temperature controls, and interactive digital elements are now built into design concepts from the start. These advancements allow spaces to adapt dynamically to user behaviour while improving energy efficiency. Salons, for instance, are using digital mirrors with AR capabilities and app-controlled lighting to enhance both staff productivity and client engagement.

5. The Return of Tactile Textures

As digital life dominates our attention, interiors are responding with tactility. Designers are layering textures like boucle, velvet, and brushed brass to create sensory richness. In commercial spaces, this adds depth and warmth, making them feel more human and grounded. It’s a subtle way of inviting touch and connection in environments that were once purely functional.

6. Personalised and Adaptive Spaces

Flexibility is a must-have in 2026. Commercial interiors are moving away from static layouts toward modular, multifunctional designs. Movable walls, reconfigurable furniture, and adaptive lighting systems enable spaces to serve multiple purposes.

Example: A salon might use modular salon furniture that can be rearranged for different treatments or promotional events. This allows business owners to maximise their space without sacrificing style or comfort.

7. Colour Palettes that Evoke Emotion

Colour continues to play a powerful role in shaping commercial environments. Muted greens, soft terracottas, and sand tones are trending for their calming, grounding qualities. Strategic pops of colour—like deep teal or burnt orange—are being used to highlight architectural features or key functional zones. Designers are choosing palettes that align with brand personality and evoke the right emotions for the intended audience.

8. Craftsmanship and Local Design

Consumers are increasingly drawn to authenticity and craftsmanship. Designers are collaborating with local artisans to incorporate handmade elements into commercial spaces. This approach not only supports small businesses but also gives interiors a bespoke character.

Example: In luxury salon design, handcrafted salon furniture with custom upholstery and metallic detailing can instantly elevate the space, giving it a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that stands out from mass-produced interiors.

9. Wellness-Focused Design Principles

Wellness has become a core pillar of modern design. Commercial interiors now prioritise natural light, ergonomic comfort, and noise control to promote wellbeing. In salons, this means investing in ergonomic seating, ambient lighting, and spatial layouts that reduce fatigue for both clients and professionals. The focus is on creating restorative spaces that enhance mood and productivity alike.

10. Experience-Led Spaces

Commercial interiors are no longer just functional—they’re experiential. Whether it’s a salon, café, or co-working hub, design is being used to tell stories and shape customer journeys. Every element, from materials to layout, contributes to how people feel and interact with the space. The most successful interiors in 2026 will be those that blend aesthetic impact with emotional resonance.

Designing the Future

As the line between aesthetics and function continues to blur, commercial interiors are becoming reflections of purpose and identity. Designers are expected to create spaces that are sustainable, sensory, and adaptable to evolving needs.

Pretty Salon, a leading UK supplier of high-end salon furniture, embodies these design principles through craftsmanship, comfort, and innovation—helping businesses create interiors that look exceptional and perform beautifully.