Event Design Trends 2026 | What We’re Seeing Everywhere
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re already deep into the design phase for the year. We’ve been pulling together concepts, layouts and installation ideas for festivals, events and brand experiences (and if we’re honest, this blog too!) for a good few months now. That means we’ve been quietly squirrelling away ideas, inspiration and style combinations we’re seeing emerge across the industry.
From calm, neutral spaces to bold, immersive installations, 2026’s event trends are all about balance- specifically the balance between quiet luxury and maximal impact, nature and creativity.
Let us walk you through the key event design trends we’re most excited about, and the ones we can’t wait to bring to life in our installations this year.
Soft Neutrals & Quiet Canvas’
Leading the way into 2026 is a softer, more intentional approach to event design. Think calm, understated backdrops that allow both the space, and the experience itself,to breathe.
With Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, setting the tone, we’re seeing a rise in soft off-whites and subtle neutral shades that evoke elegance, tranquillity and, most importantly, timelessness. These quiet spaces are built around minimalism, muted textures and tonal layering, soft fabrics, rounded shapes, draped backdrops and layered cushions.
Pieces such as our rattan lounges, off-white seating and plush throws create relaxed zones that work beautifully across corporate, brand and private events, as well as festivals.
Muted Earth Tones & Quiet Luxury Feels
Warm, grounded palettes continue to gain momentum. Terracotta, sage, soft browns and clay tones bring depth and warmth while still maintaining that understated luxury feel.
This trend pairs perfectly with biophilic and sustainability-led design. Wooden seating with warm-toned upholstery, terracotta cushions, sage throws and muted velvet sofas create spaces that feel tactile, natural and extremely comfortable. Layered with rattan textures, living greenery and crates in abundance, these designs strike the perfect balance between organic and luxurious.
Nature-Inspired Design
Nature remains at the heart of event design in 2026. Living (or high-quality faux) greenery, wood textures, branches and organic florals are set to bring calm, grounding energy to events and festivals alike.
“Living decor”, including installations such as living walls, statement trees and abundant foliage, creates immersive environments that feel restorative and considered, almost as if organisers are giving something back to nature. These designs work particularly well in lounge zones, chill-out areas and brand activations with wellness or sustainability messaging.
Modular, Flexible & Multipurpose Design
As always in events, flexibility is key. As spaces evolve throughout the day, or even across multiple days, modular furniture and adaptable elements are becoming increasingly popular.
Multi-use pieces such as transformable seating, mobile dividers and flexible floor plans allow spaces to shift easily between networking sessions, workshops and capacity changes. Smart design not only improves functionality but helps organisers maximise budgets and ensure spaces work harder without compromising on visuals.
Maximalism, Bold Colour & Statement Installations
While calm spaces continue to thrive, there’s also a confident return of maximalism, particularly within festivals and experiential events.
Bold colour, saturated jewel tones, layered textures and rich fabrics are making a comeback as a reaction to pared-back palettes. Large-scale installations, dramatic draping, metallic accents and statement florals create immersive spaces that feel impactful, expressive and highly photographable.
As we move into 2026, one thing is clear: event design is about more than aesthetics. It’s about experience, emotion and creating spaces that feel intentional and unforgettable. We can’t wait to see these trends come to life in the year ahead.
Images from our own archive and sourced from Pinterest.
Are you yet to organise your decor for this year? Be sure to get in touch now before its too late.
