Image Credit: Annie Sloan
2016 interiors: the trends we should skip and those worth reviving
If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately you’ll know that 2016 nostalgia is in full swing.
Feeds are awash with throwback photos from the year that had us all looking for Pikachu via Pokémon GO, singing along to Zara Larsson’s Lush Life and twiddling our fidget spinners.
But while those cultural moments were undeniably iconic, here at Good Homes we’re actually far more interested in reliving the interiors from a decade ago.
“With everyone sharing their 2016 interiors snapshots, it’s sparked a wave of nostalgia but also a moment of reflection on just how quickly design evolves,” explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“Though there were some genuinely confident ideas that helped move interiors forward during that period, at the same time it was an era when trends were often applied quite literally, which is why some of those looks feel firmly rooted in their time.”
On the positive side, Kunal says 2016 marked a shift away from stark, all-white spaces.
“Statement tiles, mid-century influences and deeper, moodier colour palettes became more mainstream, bringing a sense of personality and contrast into the home,” he says.
“These elements still have relevance in 2026, but they work best when they’re more refined; warmer timbers instead of cold woods, matt rather than high-gloss finishes, and a more edited approach to pattern and materials.”
So while social media keeps revisiting everyone’s favourite (and funniest) memories from that year, we’re turning our attention to the rooms, colours and textures that really made 2016 unforgettable in British homes.
We’ve asked the interior experts to separate the trends worth reviving from those best left in the past, and sharing which 2016 styles still earn their place in today’s interiors, with a few 2026 updates.
Millennial pink
Once more associated with chintz, in 2016 pink became more aligned with modern femininity when the new ‘Millennial pink’ trend gave the hue a ‘girl boss’ aesthetic.
“It reached its peak when Pantone announced its two Colour of the Years one of which was Rose Quartz,” explains Amthal Karim, head of design at Furniture And Choice.
Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village says Millennial pink marked a clear shift in the perception of the colour pink.
“It was no longer reserved for little girls’ bedrooms, but instead appeared everywhere from living rooms to dining rooms,” she explains.
Bring it into 2026
According to Amthal the latest pink trend is now the Gen Z-approved ‘Plaster pink’ – a lighter, earthier version of Millennial pink.
This updated version complements 2026’s now fashionable earth tones like caramel, beige, latte and stone grey.
Today’s pinky-toned palettes also lean towards cherry red, burgundy and oxblood.
“This reflects a shift towards escapism and heritage-led trends to create a narrative in our space rather than for visual aesthetics alone,” explains Steven Dempsey, style consultant at Shutterly Fabulous.
Wallpaper
The wallpaper trends of 2016 stuck to quite traditional patterns and designs or featured a lot of modern geometric prints.
“To put it frankly, the wallpaper trends then were very one-dimensional and lacked the complexity or subtle styling of wallpaper that we see today,” Amthal explains.
Bring it into 2026
Amthal says wallpaper has transformed and reflected our love for soft and subtle textures.
“Textured wallpaper has risen in popularity as it adds depth to a space while remaining subtle and provides a backdrop that’s easy to layer,” he explains.
“Wallpaper in earth tones are also now trending, highlighting our love for neutrals and earthy interiors.”
Grey everything
In 2016 it was all about 50 shades of grey. “The overuse of grey, particularly when paired with high-gloss finishes and cool lighting, could sometimes result in interiors feeling a little flat or clinical,” explains Kate Palmer, creative director, The Painted Furniture Company.
Bring it into 2026
While grey is still popular, Kunal says people are now looking for the perfect tone of beige or off-white.
“Soft, earthy neutrals like caramel, toffee and latte are trending both as sofa fabrics and wall colours,” he adds.
Peak Boho
Bohemian décor really summarised the year, with homes embracing a relaxed, expressive aesthetic driven by the rise of Tumblr and Instagram interiors.
“Spaces were layered with woven wall hangings, patterned tapestries, bead and weave décor, and an abundance of trailing plants, creating rooms that felt personal and collected rather than curated,” explains Steven.
“Eclectic accessories sourced from markets or handmade sellers made up a lot of the trending designs we saw, and while influential, this look was highly decorative and slightly cluttered rather than curated.”
Bring it into 2026
Steven says the Boho look has evolved into a more grown-up movement centred around maximalism and biophilic design.
“Now natural materials, curated collections of patterns and selective colour palettes take priority over excessive accessories,” he adds.
Animal print
Leopard print was a defining motif of 2016, appearing widely across both fashion and interiors.
“Like many statement trends of the time, it fell out of favour throughout much of the early 2020s as interiors shifted towards pared-back minimalism,” explains Steven.
Bring it into 2026
According to Steven the recent animal print resurgence feels almost cyclical, as though the leopard print of 2016 has been forgotten and reintroduced as something new.
“In carpets and soft furnishings, today’s novelty leopard print marks one of the clearest returns to 2016-style interiors seen this year,” he adds.
The rise of interiors with personality
Matchy, matchy everything moved aside in place of décor with more personality.
“Matching furniture sets and overly coordinated rooms were no longer preferred as thoughtfully layered interiors became the favoured way to create spaces with character,” explains Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture.
Bring it into 2026
Melissa says mismatched furniture is a trend we’re seeing once again in 2026 as modern style leans towards mixing styles, textures and materials for a look that’s more lived-in.
Jewel tones
Burgundy, forest green and classic blue were colour picks for feature walls or colour blocking in artwork.
“But at the time, jewel tones were quite basic, flat wall colours,” explains Amthal.
“Jewel tones have since evolved into all-out trends like colour drenching or paired with velvet for fabric picks.”
Bring it into 2026
Colour drenching has been trending for the past two years and easily transforms a room.
“Pick a jewel tone and transform the whole room based on a single colour like burgundy or forest green,” Amthal suggests.
Scandi interiors
Scandinavian chic became mainstream for the first time in 2016, and while it has endured, its style has changed.
“The Scandinavian style of 2016 was about clean lines and minimalist neutrals,” explains Steven.
Bring it into 2026
Today the concept of hygge, meaning warmth, comfort and well-being in the home, has become the norm.
“Todays Scandi style is about introducing more warm, natural materials like rattan, wood, wool and linen, as well as biophilic elements such as plants to create a more inviting space rather than a sparse one,” explains Steven.
So should 2016 interiors be left in the past?
Ultimately, 2016 offers us a mix of inspiration and cautionary tales when it comes to decorating.
Whether you’re tempted to embrace a touch of nostalgic style or prefer to keep the past firmly behind you, the choice is yours.
So, are we ready to invite the return of 2016 interiors, or is some nostalgia better left on our feeds?
“The biggest takeaway from 2016 is that trends age fastest when they’re followed too rigidly,” explains Kunal.
“The most successful homes in 2026 borrow from the past with intention, taking the spirit of a trend and reinterpreting it in a way that feels layered, personal and designed to last.”
Kate agrees there is room for certain 2016 phases in today’s homes, as long as they maintain a modern edge.
“The best elements of 2016 interiors absolutely still have relevance today,” she explains.
“Soft neutral palettes, well-made painted furniture and mid-century-inspired silhouettes are timeless when done well. What’s different now is how we layer them.”
Kate says today’s interiors are warmer, more textured and more personal.
“If we’re revisiting 2016, it’s about softening those greys with earthy tones, adding character through handcrafted pieces, and mixing old with new,” she continues.
“A beautifully painted sideboard in a classic neutral will always work, it’s how you style it, live with it and make it your own that matters most.
“As ever, trends come and go, but quality, craftsmanship and thoughtful design never really go out of style.”
Want more inspiration? Read: Heritage maximalism and 7 other interior trends set to dominate 2026 or Swag gap interiors: 9 ways to embrace the trend
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