The New Comfort: What Feria Hábitat València 2026 Reveals About the Future of Interior Design

Brown Replaces Beige

For a long time, white, grey, and beige were considered the universal foundation of contemporary interiors. Now, a new trend is emerging: deep brown tones and dark natural wood are becoming increasingly prominent. One example is Kvik's evolution of its Mano kitchen.

The Danish brand is presenting the series, which has been part of its portfolio for more than 20 years, in the new Mocha colour, bringing a rich shade of brown into the kitchen. Moycor's new Terra collection also embraces the natural appeal of material and colour. Crafted from teak wood, the furniture features a finish that highlights the grain and turns the warmth of the wood into a defining design element.

Reinterpreting the Past

Alongside the shift towards warmer materials and colours, there is growing interest in past design eras. Mid-century and Art Deco styles are enjoying a revival, though not in the form of nostalgic replicas. Instead, they are being reinterpreted with contemporary materials, functions and proportions.

At Hábitat, Pole to Pole is showcasing the new Art Deco, Ritz, Atlas and Oak chairs (see two below), among other pieces. While the Art Deco and Ritz chairs clearly feature expressive historical references, the Atlas and Oak chairs embrace warmer, more natural forms. The new Capitel collection by Studiopepe for Vicaldesign also bridges the gap between classic and contemporary furniture design.

The Home as a Sanctuary

Finally, the most fundamental change concerns the role of the home itself. While smart living remains an important topic, an increasingly digital and location-independent world is redefining what people seek from their living spaces. The home is becoming a sanctuary, a place to unwind, reconnect, and spend meaningful time with others.

Garavini Home's Human Recharge Room, for example, focuses on how people should feel when they return home. The Hotel Hábitat installation by Mexican architect Joaquín Homs follows a similar approach. Within the trade fair, a deliberately calming environment is created through natural materials, mineral textures, and warm shades of sand and wood. A pond and central garden form the heart of the project, offering a moment of reflection amid the bustle of the exhibition.

Together, these projects point to a trend that extends beyond any particular interior style. As the outside world becomes faster and more digital, the desire for tranquillity, nature, and sensory experiences continues to grow.

A Warmer Understanding of Living

The developments outlined above are closely interconnected. Darker woods and warm colour tones add depth to interiors, while historical forms bring character and individuality to a space. At the same time, the growing desire for tranquillity and a closer connection to nature places greater emphasis on the atmosphere of the home itself.

Together, these trends paint a picture of a new approach to living, one that moves away from restrained neutrality and embraces warmth, personality, and wellbeing. Comfort and liveability are once again becoming defining values in interior design.