Drawing on its industry insight and extensive network of designers, horticulturists, and lifestyle specialists, Derby-based agency Honest Communications, an agency which specialises in home, garden and lifestyle communications, has identified six standout trends set to shape homes and gardens in 2026.
Spanning playful design, mindful living, and planet-positive practices, these themes offer fresh inspiration for spaces both indoors and out.
Honest Communications provides support for some of the leading names in the home and garden sector, including elho, Charles Bentley, Hillier Garden Centres, Wilkinson Sword, Town and Country, Oxenwood, and more.
Its 2026 Home and Garden Trends Report offers practical advice for creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also restorative, expressive, and enduring.
Holly Daulby (Image: Honest Communications)
Whether it’s turning a balcony into a buzzing biodiversity haven, setting the table for slow, mindful dining, or designing a bathroom that feels like a private spa, each chapter explores how creativity and conscious living are set to shape both aesthetics and everyday lives.
‘This is our third annual Home and Garden Trends Report, and each year we’re blown away by the excitement it generates across the industry,’ says Holly Daulby, managing director of Honest Communications.
‘For 2026, we’ve brought together some of the most inspiring voices in the home and garden world to share their expertise and help us predict what’s coming next.
‘Importantly, these trends go beyond style – they’re about creating spaces that enrich our lives, connect us to nature, and spark joy every day. We hope you enjoy the read and are left feeling inspired.’
The report features contributions from leading voices across the home and garden world, including the likes of Dr Sarah Owen-Hughes (head gardener at Rudding Park), Dr Emily Attlee (conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball), and health coach Sarah Stannard.
Plus, leading brands including Charles Bentley, Hovia, and Quorn Stone all share their insider tips to help bring these trends to life.
SIX TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2026
Mini meadows aren’t just for wildlife (Image: Getty)
Mini meadows
Pocket-sized wildflower patches turning balconies, borders, and backyards into buzzing biodiversity havens
Mini meadows aren’t just for wildlife – they’re as much for us humans to enjoy, too. The gentle hum of bees, the flutter of butterflies, and the swaying of native grasses create spaces that are calming, restorative, and full of movement. Even urban balconies or terraces can host a tiny wildflower patch, providing a vital connection to nature, a splash of seasonal colour, and a welcome burst of pollen for the bees and butterflies.
These small, rewilded corners encourage a slower, more mindful approach to gardening. As many have already discovered, watching flowers bloom and insects buzz with delight is one of the simplest pleasures of life! And with it, gardens become living spaces that change with the seasons, are effortless, sustainable and endlessly inspiring.
Whether in a backyard, community garden, or even a pot on the balcony, mini meadows show that small spaces can be beautiful, beneficial, and brimming with life.
Whimsy revival
Playful, personality-packed décor that sprinkles colour, charm, and nostalgia through homes and gardens
Building on the recent boom of maximalism, 2026 welcomes whimsy into our homes and gardens. This playful approach to decorative, characterful design is all about celebrating colour, charm, and personality in every corner of the home. From frilly lampshades and scalloped edges, to botanical prints and bright shades, every piece is intended to spark joy and invite a smile.
It’s not just decoration. It’s a mood – a way of expressing optimism and creativity through interiors. Rooms are becoming spaces that celebrate individuality, encourage conversation, and remind us that living well can be fun as well as functional. Accessories, from colourful ceramics to patterned cushions and quirky vases, bring an uplifting vibrancy that transforms everyday routines into little moments of delight.
Bathrooms can act as a sanctuary (Image: Getty)
Sanctuary bathrooms
Spa-like retreats where ritual, relaxation, and recovery become part of daily life
The bathroom is no longer just a functional space – it’s a sanctuary. Now, homeowners are transforming these rooms into spa-like retreats designed to support wellbeing, recovery, and daily ritual, signalling calm from the moment you step inside. Think soft, soothing colours, tactile surfaces, and carefully considered lighting that works together to create a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
These sacred spaces give room to relax, unwind, and switch off, whether it’s a long soak in the bath, a mindful shower, or simply a place to take a moment to breathe and reset at the start or end of the day.
Regenerative gardening
Going beyond sustainability to heal soil, store carbon, and help nature thrive
Sustainability has been at the forefront of home and garden trends for several years, and rightly so! But protecting our planet is no longer enough. In the coming years, we’ll go one step further and embrace methods that go beyond sustainability to actively repair and enrich the environment.
Regenerative gardening isn’t just about growing plants – it’s about growing the planet back to health. By nurturing soil, sequestering carbon, and supporting biodiversity, regenerative gardening helps rebuild our outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems.
At its core, regenerative gardening is about working with nature, not against it. Techniques like no-dig gardening preserve the intricate fungal networks and microbial life in the soil, which are vital for plant health and carbon storage. Instead of tilling, gardeners layer organic materials like compost and much to feed the soil and encourage biodiversity.
Enjoy the shared experience of food and conversation (Image: Getty)
Ritual dining
Slow, sensory mealtimes that celebrate connection, creativity, and the joy of lingering at the table
Forget dinner in front of the TV or grab-and-go lunches. In 2026, dining is evolving into an experience that nurtures connection and presence.
It’s all about slowing down, creating space for meaningful conversation, and turning everyday meals into memorable moments. Hosts are embracing the philosophy if intentional pacing, interactive courses, and thoughtful touches, like the gentle clink of glassware or the comforting scent of herbs and candles, to engage all the senses that transform a simple meal into a cherished ritual.
This approach encourages diners to linger, savour each bite, and enjoy the company around them, rather than rushing through the meal. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a celebratory dinner, ritual dining invites everyone to pause and fully immerse themselves in the shared experience of food and conversation.
Grounding spaces wrapped in earthy tones creates a connection to nature (Image: Getty)
Earthcore
Grounding spaces wrapped in earthy tones, tactile textures, and the beauty of imperfection
A connection to nature has never been more important, and the Earthcore trend will see us draw inspiration from the ground beneath our feet. Terracotta, warm clay, rich browns, sage greens, and soft ochres set the tone, bringing an enveloping sense of calm and connection to the natural world.
These earthy shades are set to appear everywhere, whether it’s painted onto walls woven into cushions and throws, or wrapping around plant pots in a cosy, muted embrace.
The materials match the mood.
Reclaimed tables proudly show their knots and grains, chunky, slubbed rugs, characterful ceramics that are each slightly different, and shelving crafted from raw, unvarnished wood.
The beauty lies in the irregularities. Cracks, chips, and natural variations become part of the story. It’s a style that celebrates authenticity over perfection, where each mark tells a story and the overall feel is grounding, comforting, and quietly elegant.
You can view the full report on 2026 trends at bit.ly/HomeAndGarden26.
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