Looking beyond the trend cycle
When it comes to flooring, most of us aren't looking for a style that will be out of fashion by next season. Flooring is one of the biggest design decisions you'll make in your home, so it needs to work hard, stand the test of time and support the way you live.
That's why our design team has identified five key interior directions set to influence homes throughout 2026 and 2027. From the growing desire to reconnect with nature to the return of decorative pattern and the rise of personality-filled interiors, these trends reflect genuine lifestyle changes rather than passing fashions.
Read on to discover the five trends shaping the future of interiors and how Karndean flooring can help bring them to life.
Floor pictured: Honey Apres Oak in panel format
Biophilic living: bringing the outdoors in
As modern life becomes increasingly digital, many homeowners are looking for ways to reconnect with nature through their interiors. Warm wood tones, authentic textures and calming, organic palettes are helping to create restorative spaces that feel connected to the natural world.
Often referred to as biophilic design, this trend has continued to gain momentum as people spend more time working from home and seek environments that promote wellbeing and relaxation.
Our Van Gogh collection is perfectly suited to this look, with realistic grain detailing, natural colour variation and authentic character. New designs including Cocoa Après Oak, Linen Prime Oak, Indy Urban Elm and Natural Prime Oak celebrate the beauty of natural timber, while our Art Select collection offers a range of earthy wood and stone looks inspired by nature.
Heritage revival: celebrating craft and character
After years of pared-back minimalism, we're seeing a renewed appreciation for traditional design influences, heritage patterns and craftsmanship.
Whether inspired by period properties or simply a desire to create a home with more personality, homeowners are increasingly embracing decorative details that tell a story. Nostalgic influences are returning to interiors, bringing warmth, familiarity and enduring appeal.
The trend can be seen in the growing popularity of patterned flooring, including our new Knight Tile Curio collection. Inspired by vintage tessellated tiles, Curio delivers timeless character while remaining practical for modern homes. Similarly, our Heritage Collection offers striking geometric designs that capture classic elegance without the cost and maintenance associated with traditional materials.
Floor pictured: Knight Tile Curio in Navy Blue
Playful maximalism: expressing individuality
While some homeowners are seeking calm, others are embracing bold self-expression.
Playful maximalism celebrates creativity, colour and personality, allowing interiors to feel unique and curated rather than uniform. In many ways, it represents a shift away from years of matching neutrals as people look to create spaces that reflect who they are.
Flooring is becoming an important part of this expression. Knight Tile Curio offers countless layout possibilities, allowing homeowners to create distinctive designs through pattern and installation direction. Meanwhile, statement floors such as Empire Marble and Rose Onyx provide opportunities to introduce drama, contrast and visual interest into a room.
Whether you're adding a bold hallway feature or creating a striking statement kitchen, the key is choosing a design that feels personal.
Flexible living: flooring that adapts with you
The way we use our homes continues to evolve.
Spare bedrooms have become offices, dining spaces double as workstations and many households are accommodating multiple generations under one roof. As a result, flexibility has become one of the most important considerations in home design.
Homeowners are increasingly looking for long-term solutions that can adapt as their lifestyles change. Flooring plays an important role in creating a cohesive flow between spaces while supporting different activities throughout the home.
Our Van Gogh collection offers consistent tones across plank, herringbone and panel formats, making it easy to create visual continuity throughout open-plan layouts while subtly defining different zones. The result is a floor that evolves with your home without needing to be replaced when your needs change.
Floor pictured: Empire Marble
Confident contrast: mixing materials with purpose
Another trend gaining momentum is the move towards intentional contrast.
Rather than following a single design style throughout the home, homeowners are confidently combining different materials, colours and textures to create interest and define spaces. Wood and stone designs are increasingly being used together, while light and dark tones are being paired to add depth and character.
The key to this trend is thoughtful design. A contrasting flooring design can create a natural transition between spaces, establish visual zones and bring a layered feel to interiors.
For example, combining patterned and wood-effect designs can create striking walkways, entrance areas or feature spaces, helping homeowners create rooms that feel individually designed while remaining connected.
Designed for modern living
While trends may inspire our homes, practicality remains essential.
Whether you're drawn to nature-inspired wood designs, heritage patterns or bold statement floors, every Karndean floor is designed to support everyday life. Our luxury vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof and easy to maintain, making it ideal for busy family homes.
Compatible with underfloor heating and comfortable underfoot, Karndean flooring combines timeless style with lasting performance, helping you create a home that works beautifully today and for years to come.
Read the Trend Directions 2026/27 report here.