ILIV Reveals the 2026 Fabric Forecast: Warm Hues, Narrative Textures and Personalised Design

ILIV are at the forefront of innovative fabric design, blending inspiration from timeless archives with today’s evolving trends. Known for their eclectic and diverse designs, ILIV’s Design Manager, Debbie Leigh, shares her insights into the trends for the year ahead.

Craft & Storytelling

We’re seeing a renewed appetite for fabrics that feel handcrafted and rooted in story with rich weaves, subtle irregularities and heritage textures that speak quietly of craft. The 2026 trend toward interiors with a narrative, means fabrics are more than just a background, they become part of the story.

Colours – Red Orange, Earthy, Warm & Emotional

We expect to see fabrics moving beyond safe neutrals. Bold, up toned terracotta, red orange and sun kissed earth tones will appear in upholstery, curtains and cushions, picking up on the optimism and human connection cues that designers highlight for 2026.

Pattern & Personalisation

We predict fabrics will become a canvas for personalisation. Whether printed motifs, tailored upholstery or accent cushions, homeowners will lean into pieces with a hint of the bespoke and fabrics that reflect ‘you’. It’s design with personality.

Textile Materiality & Depth

Our clients are starting to favour fabrics with a story, such as boucle, rich velvets and textured weaves. In a fast-moving world, texture can help to slow things down by adding gravitas and comfort. 2026 interiors will feel more rooted, and fabric is central to that.

Tonal Depth & “Colour Capping”

In textiles this means we’ll be seeing subtle gradations, soft furnishings in the same colour family, but richer, layered. Think cushion fabrics that pick up the ceiling tone, or curtains that echo wall pigment in a deeper key. Fabrics will quietly enhance the scheme’s depth.