Image Credit: Ca' PIetra/Baked Tile
Soft interiors: 11 ways to embrace this summer’s biggest decorating trend
Soft interiors are having a major moment.
While stark minimalism and show home-perfect spaces have dominated decor for years, suddenly it seems there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel warmer, more personal and genuinely lived in.
In fact, according to an Interior Trends Forecast by Sharps soft minimalism is predicted to be 2026’s eighth biggest interior trends, seeing a 90% surge in searches year on year.
Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys says soft interiors are all about creating spaces that feel relaxed, welcoming and genuinely lived-in.
“It’s a move away from the clean, minimal ‘show home’ look towards something more personal and comforting – where layers, texture and meaningful pieces take centre stage,” she says.
“After years of pared-back spaces, people are craving homes that feel warm, expressive and a little imperfect.
“It’s about designing for how you actually live, rather than how a room looks in a photograph.”
As our homes continue to work harder than ever, it’s no surprise we’re craving interiors that prioritise comfort and personality over perfection.
Cosy textiles, collected treasures, ambient lighting and furniture designed for lounging on rather than just looking at.
The result?
A softer, more relaxed take on decorating that’s also easy to live with and in.
Ready to embrace the look?
We asked leading interior designers and home experts to share their top tips for bringing soft interiors into your own home this summer.
Embrace layering
Layering is one of the easiest ways to soften any space with minimal effort.
“Through a sleek combination of rugs, cushions, throws, and other textiles, these elements add instant depth and help a room feel more relaxed and inviting,” explains Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture.
“They key is to mix different fabrics and finishes so that the space feels intentionally curated rather than flat.”
Don’t forget to layer your window dressings too.
“Instead of sticking to a single blind or curtain, think about combining the two,” advises Victoria.
“For example, pairing a lightweight sheer curtain with a Roman blind adds both practicality and softness, while allowing you to control light throughout the day.”
Victoria says layering at the window helps to frame the room and adds that all-important texture.
“Sheer fabrics diffuse natural light beautifully, giving a gentle, calming glow, while heavier curtains or textured blinds bring warmth and depth.
“It’s an easy way to make a space feel more considered without overwhelming the overall scheme.”
Focus on texture and natural materials
Texture plays a vital role in creating softness within a space.
“Introducing materials such as wool, linen, and silk helps to bring cohesion to a space while keeping the overall look soft,” Melissa explains.
“Mixing these natural elements together helps to add warmth to any living space and ensures the space feels comfortable rather than overly polished.”
Don’t overlook texture on the walls either.
“In a bathroom, for example, a handmade-style wall tile can soften all the practical elements in the room,” advises Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder of Baked Tile.
“In a kitchen, a gently glazed splashback can stop cabinetry and worktops feeling too hard-edged, while a tumbled or stone-effect floor brings a sense of warmth before you have added any furniture or accessories.”
Choose curves over sharp lines
Curved furniture and softer silhouettes are becoming increasingly popular as they help create calmer and more welcoming spaces.
“Rounded sofas, circular tables, and gently arched details can soften the overall look, while creating a more relaxed flow throughout a room,” explains Melissa.
Warm up your colour palette
As we head towards summer, Melissa says we’re seeing a move away from stark whites and cooler hues in place of more grounding tones.
“Earthy neutrals such as taupe, terracotta, and soft greens help to create a cosier atmosphere, making a space feel more inviting and in tune with the soft interiors trend.”
Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, agrees that earthy wall tones are a brilliant way to introduce warmth.
“Instead of crisp white, think oat, sage, mushroom or blush, gentle shades that wrap your home in softness,” she explains.
“Keeping the palette consistent from room to room creates a calm, seamless flow, with each colour complementing the next.”
Create a home that tells your story
To truly embrace soft interiors, Melissa says it is important to steer clear of the showroom aesthetic and instead incorporate pieces that reflect your personality.
“Choose items that bring back fond memories, alongside curated objects to make the space feel like yours,” Melissa advises.
“Create conversation pieces around something you love, whether this be items collected from travels, art reflecting your hobbies or family heirlooms.”
Blend old and new
Blending old and new decor is all about balance.
“Start with a neutral foundation and choose modern furnishings as a base to avoid your home feeling dated,” Melissa advises.
“Stick to a warm colour palette, pulling out tones from vintage accessories and mirroring these in cushions or throws.”
Melissa also suggests trying to create a space for antiques to stand out.
“Use a bookshelf or media wall to show off a mix of old and new pieces,” she advises.
“Pair a vintage candlestick holder on one shelf with an LED lamp on another to balance each other out and create contrast.”
Embrace imperfection
When it comes to decorating your home in a soft style, consider how you use it on a daily basis.
“Rather than striving for perfection, your home should support your routines,” Melissa advises.
“An ‘imperfect’ home creates a space that feels cosy, personal and lived in, rather than an overly styled showroom.”
Smart storage solutions, like fitted furniture, can help reduce clutter build up by keeping everyday essentials out of sight, allowing a space to feel calm without sacrificing practicality.
“Incorporate natural materials like stone and natural fibres for soft furnishings,” Melissa continues. “These age well and have natural imperfections that look intentional.”
She also recommends avoiding symmetrical arrangements and instead drape throws over sofas, use mismatched cushions that tie in your colour schemes to add character.
Style your treasures thoughtfully
While it’s tempting to apply a less is more mantra when it comes to styling your stuff, interior experts recommend following a couple of simple rules.
“Group items together to form intentional arrangements and vary heights to add visual interest with clear focal points,” Melissa explains.
“Use groups of three or five for a more natural and balanced approach.”
She also recommends avoiding over-styling and instead leaving some breathing room around your décor so that your individual items can stand out.
“If your treasures are statement pieces, complete them with textiles to soften the overall look,” she adds.
Know how to gently clash patterns
Clashing patterns doesn’t have to feel bold or chaotic.
When done properly, it can make a room feel layered, cosy and full of personality.
The key, according to Melissa, is to create a sense of connection between the prints you’re using.
“This can be done through choosing a shared colour, a similar tone, or even a repeated shape or motif,” she says.
“When there’s a common element, it feels intentional rather than too overwhelming.”
One simple approach is to pair patterns of different scales.
“For example, a small pinstripe or ditsy floral will sit beautifully alongside a large botanical or geometric print,” Melissa explains.
“You can also mix different patterns such as checks with florals, stripes with abstract motifs, as long as the colour palette feels harmonious.”
If you’re unsure, start small.
“Try layering patterned cushions on a sofa or mixing two prints on a bedspread and throw,” Melissa continues.
“Once you see how gentle pattern-clashing can soften a space, you’ll slowly start to feel more confident introducing it elsewhere in your home.”
Decorate for real life
The soft interiors trend celebrates the beauty of a home that’s actually lived-in.
“Instead of hiding all your items away, try to weave them into the design,” advises Melissa.
“Some easy ways to do this include placing a stack of books on a side table or keeping a basket on display for toys or throws.
“These small touches add warmth and authenticity to your living space.”
It’s also important to prioritise comfort over perfection.
“This includes having a sofa that you can comfortably relax on, cushions you can lean on, and lighting that feels gentle rather than staged,” Melissa continues.
“When you design a space for real life, your home becomes a place you can properly relax in.”
Let rooms evolve organically
While it can be tempting to want to decorate your home all in one go, Melissa says an important principle of soft interiors is allowing your home to grow with you through time.
“Instead of trying to ‘finish’ a room, give it space to evolve naturally as your life changes over the years,” she says.
“This creates a more relaxed and authentic space, which is the opposite of a perfectly curated show home.”
Melissa recommends adding pieces gradually, shifting furniture around as your routines change, and layering in textiles, artwork and accessories as you find them.
“This slower approach will create a space that feels personal rather than overly designed,” she adds.
Want more inspiration? Read: How often should you REALLY wash your bedding during summer? and 8 interior collaborations that need to be on your radar this summer. And check out All set for a Kennedy summer? 12 ways to get the Love Story look in your interiors
READ MORE: