Want to know what’s shaping today’s interiors? Ask an interior designer and they’ll tell you that contemporary schemes are defined by colour, pattern and texture. Look a little closer and you’ll find earth-centred tones, global influences, wellness-led spaces and the enduring appeal of antiques shaping how we decorate our homes.

‘I see a real resurgence in traditional, warm and encompassing colours that hint of the Eighties,’ highlights interior designer Nadia Oliver, who is known for her unique eye for historical pattern.

These ideas act as a springboard for the ways we refresh, restyle and redecorate our homes, offering inspiration that transcends seasons and short-term trends. Read on for our shortlist of enduring interior design directions and the expert tips to help you achieve the looks…

 

Global and cultural influences

The growing desire for meaningful travel and artisan-led discovery is fuelling a renewed interest in design elements from India, Morocco and Central Asia. Look to Ikats, batiks and other highly patterned fabrics as vibrant and craft-focused interior design trends to inject culture and heritage into your spaces.

‘World textiles play a huge influence on my interiors as I don’t like things to look new,’ says Nadia Oliver. ‘I like to source suzanis and kanthas for hanging as panels on walls, or frame them, or use as throws to bring an eclectic look and layered look.’

Look also to carpet-inspired design styles, such as Linwood’s Magic Carpet, a printed velvet in Magenta (shown), as a starting point for a window treatment that feels rich and exotic, especially against dark walls. Or as a culture-catcher to upholster an ottoman or chair.

 

Wellness-oriented spaces

If you crave calm rather than chaos, it’s time to take note of the wellness interiors movement, which continues to influence how we design restorative homes. Sleep quality, natural light, acoustics and ergonomic, multi-functional furniture are all key considerations when creating spaces that support relaxation and wellbeing.

Keeping colours low-key and surface finishes ultra-matt is a natural starting point. Soft, clay-based neutrals with subtle undertones help create rooms that feel grounded and adaptable across different light conditions. The final step is to use tumbled plain linen, such as Elba in Sisal (shown), for zen-style unlined drapes in meditation and yoga studios, and on soothing soft furnishings, such as sink-into sofa cushions in tech-free living spaces.

 

Vintage revival

The ‘antique aesthetic’ remains a key trend in the interiors world. Sourcing handsome vintage furniture online or at markets and then reupholstering with ultra-lush, plush textiles is the new spin.

Stamp your own style onto a piece with history by choosing an intriguing jacquard velvet fabric in bold colours that tell a story. Linwood’s Pisqu in Indigo (shown), features a spellbinding Peruvian appliqué design pattern of two loving birds.

Nadia Oliver likes to take ‘a beautiful old sofa with turned wooden feet and cover it in the most spectacular fabric – you can’t go wrong.’ She recently chose an Omega plain velvet for a Georgian house drawing room as a result of its practicality, durability and stain resistance. ‘Using a subtle, or even bright bold, velvet is something I often do,’ she says. Add a piping in a contrast fabric for personality and accessorise with a patterned scatter cushion.

 

Sustainable material innovations

Conscious design and environmentally responsible materials continue to sit at the heart of interior thinking, with a focus on natural, renewable and recycled sources that balance beauty with performance.

Seek out the fabric and wallpaper houses with an eco-friendly bias that are putting high-quality recycled options at the front of their sourcing and innovation strategies. Linwood’s Lana wool fabric, for example, is made from Italian recycled yarns and renowned for being super soft and available in 55 fashion-forward shades. While its Omega IV velvet looks and feels like a cotton velvet yet is made from 28% recycled polyester that is stain resistant and has a whopping 100,000 Martindale rub count. The business is also extremely proud of its new addition, Stresa, a woven chenille range made from a blend of linen and recycled viscose. 

 

Textured walls and ceilings

From glossy to matt, a touch of texture is your go-to for introducing a feeling of depth – think glossy lacquer surfaces, parchment or fabric-lined walls and tent-style ceilings. Especially useful if you want to add interest to boxy rooms or squeaky new properties, seek out design styles from Linwood’s Wallpaper Collection to create feature walls that look as good as they feel. Printed on parchment paper, Miyagi in Indigo (shown) has a subtle texture that complements its floral depiction of the forest floor.

‘It’s also glorious to use fabrics as an alternative to wallpaper,’ says Nadia Oliver, who recently used a natural linen in a master bedroom. ‘Putting fabric on walls harks back to Medieval times and interior designers are using it again to add subtlety and elegance to schemes.’

 

Biophilic design elements

The biophilic design movement aims to connect us more closely with nature with a thoughtful mix of architectural design, natural materials, living elements and botanical motifs. Often associated with contemporary properties, you can also adopt this Interior design trend in period abodes with fabric and wallpaper renditions that highlight the allure of the landscape, garden and plants in general.

Vita in Blue Yellow (shown) is perfect for creating a connection with nature thanks to its romantic depiction of country garden favourites, wisteria and lilac. Classic in feel, this printed linen fabric is perfect for framing windows or creating floral fabric seating.

Ask Nadia Oliver how she uses a blowsy floral in a scheme, and she advises: ‘Use it on one piece of furniture or just on the drapes in a room. Balance it out with plains and a small print, such as an embroidery-inspired weave or a muted, subtle stripe.’

 

Warm earthy colour palettes

Earthy yet elegant colour palettes continue to shape interiors, often layered over soft, neutral backdrops. Ochre yellow, chocolate brown, deep reds and rust tones evoke warmth and reassurance, making them easy to live with in both classic and contemporary settings.

Inspired by the colours of the landscape, Linwood’s Balvenie in Pale Ginger and Limegrass (shown) is made from 100% pure wool. Beautiful on headboards and seating, this hardwearing modern country plain is a room grounder when teamed with clean-lined, pale woods or polished concrete.

‘Earthy warm colours balanced out with beautiful patterned fabrics also make a good combination,’ advises Nadia Oliver who used Khiva Rose on a headboard and Helter Skelter Moss for curtains in a newly built Cornish property in need of character. 

We hope these home décor ideas have inspired you to design spaces that feel personal, layered and enduring. Rather than following fleeting trends, these influences celebrate colour, pattern and texture that stand the test of time. Explore more inspiration across our blog, browse Linwood’s fabric and wallpaper collections, and order free samples to begin creating interiors you’ll love for years to come.