Let’s take a closer look at the key trends for A/W 25/26:
Analogue Nostalgia
A refined and more restrained approach to surface design stays at the heart of this aesthetic, giving us a modern take on rural living and Cabincore vibes. Nostalgic patterns like checks, ginghams, and stripes evolve through layered, oversized compositions, while loosely traced lines and hand-drawn illustrations bring in warmth and a touch of innocence.
Vintage and retro influences are key to creating that timeless look. Incorporating pre-loved textiles and small furnishings tells a story, making the designs feel like future keepsakes.
The color palette highlights off-beat nostalgic tones, drawing attention to intricate craftsmanship and giving the designs a tactile, inviting feel.
Suggestive Florals
Floral designs take on a soothing, calming quality with delicate drawing and mark-making techniques. Lightly sketched illustrations and abstract floral studies create a sense of softness, while corollas adorned with foliage or floating abstract shapes add fullness and movement. Letting the motifs extend to the edges gives the prints an organic, effortless feel.
An airy and ethereal effect is created through sculptural elements, cutout fabrics, and layered papers. Neutral-toned backgrounds offer a contemporary feel, while darker bases add depth and really highlight artistic expression - just like German wallpaper brand Julia Schumacher’s designs.
Not-so-classic Checks
Reimagine those classic checks, ginghams, and woven patterns with bold colors and craft-inspired structures for a fresh burst of energy.
You can bring an artisanal touch to wall art and surface design by exploring layered prints, textured paper collages, and basketry-inspired reliefs. Exaggerating shapes or adding three-dimensional effects gives your designs extra depth. Take a look at Tekla Evelina Severin’s rug collection for Ogeborg, where contrasting pile heights redefine classic check and stripe patterns.
Pair nostalgic pastels with haptic mid-tones and vibrant brights to make textures and dimension pop. Matte and soft-touch finishes bring out the crafted aesthetic, while subtle gloss or embossed details add extra depth to wall applications.
Alt-Retro
Alt-retro draws from bold 1960s and 1970s geometric patterns and heritage-driven detailing, blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern twist.
Surface design becomes a key storytelling tool, merging old and new in a way that resonates with today's audience. Iconic architectural details, passementerie, and 3D forms offer an easy way to refresh surfaces or experiment with bold pattern clashes, like in Linwood Fabric’s cushions.
Geometric patterns get bold by playing with exaggerated shapes and sizes in repeats. Circles, triangles, rectangles, and cutouts create dynamic visuals, while a mix of nostalgic colors and surface relief adds depth and energy.
Kidult
Playful nostalgia and joyful moments of everyday life are the stars of this trend, offering designs that appeal to all ages. It’s also opening up lots of opportunities for personalizing your pieces. Expect to see shapes and motifs inspired by nostalgic games, childhood toys, and indulgent treats, turning familiar references into fresh, fun visuals.
The kidult consumer of 2025 embraces designs that transform daily life into something joyful. Licensing plays a key role, with products like UK-based Present & Correct’s reissued 2006 Crayola flasks bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood.
Bold, clashing brights and pastels make a strong graphic statement, while multisensory materials like fuzzy textiles and ultra-tactile surfaces invite touch. Curvy profiles and glossy, mirror-like finishes add extra playfulness, making these designs captivating to both see and feel.
Circus Act
Circus-inspired surface designs bring a playful and theatrical edge with bold patterns and nostalgic motifs. Stripes and retro argyles take on new forms, mixing fine and thick bands of color for a bold visual impact. Early motifs explore circus tents, performers, and whimsical shapes, adding a cheeky charm.
These patterns can extend beyond traditional spaces, transforming walls and floors into immersive environments for a sense of escapism. Circus scenes are a versatile trend, fitting perfectly into party décor, kids’ celebrations, and even adult events.
High-contrast color combinations bring these designs to life, mixing clashing brights, nostalgic pastels, and unexpected dark tones for a dynamic, energetic look.
Our latest collections are live, and we’re continuously adding fresh artwork as it comes in! Artists, now is the ideal time to submit new designs that align with these trends.
Resellers, we’ve linked the full collections under each trend - make sure to hit the follow button at the top of each collection page on your favorites to get notified when new artwork drops. Stay ahead of the curve with this forecast for 2025/26 and find the perfect pieces for your store.
