I’m Not a Fan of the ‘Florals for Spring’ Cliché – But All This Season’s Biggest Trends Are Actually Floral-Free, Chic, and Timeless

I love spring, however, I am not the biggest fan of floral decor. It can read a little cliché or unsophisticated if done wrong, and often doesn't have the longevity to last beyond April. However, this year's designer-approved spring trends stray from the familiar tropes. The colors are richer, and the prints more grown-up; this is spring decor that's chic and timeless.

Of course, there's still a place for pastels and floral spring decor, but for 2026, designers predict lived-in, richer details designed to last will be all the rage this season. Pastels might have once dominated, but deeper hues, patinaed organic materials, and characterful styles and shapes are set to stand out in the coming months.

As interior designer Nina Long explains, 'This spring, interiors are embracing a softer, more storied sensibility, one that favors warmth over stark minimalism and craftsmanship over trend-driven novelty.'

'We’re moving toward homes that feel lived-in and deeply personal – spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them,' agrees Anissa Zajac, founder of studio House Seven Design. 'Less perfection, more character. Expect to see pops of color and pattern in rich, earthy tones, layered thoughtfully to create depth and warmth.'

1. Deep, Rich Colors

Bye-bye baby pinks and pale blues, spring colors in 2026 are following the wider color trend of going deeper and moodier. While duck egg blue and plaster pink dominated past spring trends, this year, expect to see richer tones layered in schemes.

A moody color palette might feel a little dark for spring, but pairing rich tones with lighter details will ensure your scheme is balanced. Nina explains, 'Heritage florals and painterly textiles are layered against creamy neutrals, creating a quiet foundation for richer, moodier accents to emerge. Deep and sage greens are leading the palette, bringing a grounded, botanical depth, while earthy ochres add warmth and sun-washed optimism.'

She adds, 'Plums introduce a subtle romanticism, sophisticated and slightly unexpected and ocean blues offer a calm, expansive counterpoint that feels fresh yet timeless.'

2. Romantic Window Treatments

For me, the seasons change in my home when the soft furnishings get switched out. I change my sheets to lighter fabrics, and often change up my window treatments too, or add/take away layers for a whole new look. It's a small, affordable change that I find makes a really impactful change.

The curtain trends to follow this spring are ones that embrace whimsy and romance. Interior designer Rebecca Hughes says, 'Curtains are no longer confined to the role of window dressing – they’ve become a versatile design statement. We’re using them as soft space dividers, to frame cozy nooks, or to introduce a layer of texture and opulence through sumptuous fabrics. When chosen thoughtfully, they merge form and function beautifully, transforming the atmosphere of a room while adding a sense of theatre and intimacy.'

Whether it's a scalloped pelmet or a sheer linen drape, spring trends are all about embracing soft, lived-in details. Nina adds, 'Tailored details, like custom drapery tapes and contrast welts, add a couture finish, while curated collections and mixing in antiques bring personality and depth. The overall mood for spring is romantic but disciplined, layered, confident, and richly colored with just enough spring lightness woven in. In all seasons, it's about evolving the room, not redecorating it.'

3. Warm Aged Metal Accents

Chrome decor might have been all the rage last year, but for spring 2026, warm, gracefully aged metals are back in favor.

Interior designer Sophie Paterson says, 'For spring, we are saying goodbye to cold chrome, which is being replaced by warmer, softer-looking metals like nickel and unlacquered brass, marking a return of quietly considered and elegant interiors. We love using these finishes in our projects and find they add a classical warmth that elevates both traditional and contemporary spaces.'

'Adding depth and texture to a scheme through alternative metal finishes doesn’t have to be drastic or even expensive. Introduce nickel or unlacquered brass through lighting, mirrors, or even cabinet hardware to add subtle sophistication. Think of metal as you would jewellery for your interiors. It lifts the palette and adds a crafted quality.'

4. Effortless Layering

'Warmth is definitely going to be one of the dominating themes for spring. People are getting bolder with their choices (yay!) and really embracing the cozy,' says interior designer Robin Bird.

Yes, the love for cozy is continuing even as the weather shifts. And I am here for that, as I don't think cozy, layered interiors are reserved just for fall and winter. As Robin explains, warm tones and rich fabrics are worth considering this spring, too. 'Warm, layered fabrics that stick to a certain color family, think: muddy, earthy colors found in nature, and incorporate wood tones and metals.'

Nina agrees that mixing materials will be a popular decorating tool for spring. 'Materials lean into quiet luxury such as unlaquered brass, textured linens, mixed woods creating rooms that feel tactile and inviting rather than overly polished.'

Anissa Zajac also agrees cozy layering works for spring too. She suggests, 'Layering materials like wool, rattan, wood, and stone brings an organic, comfortable feel that grounds and invites you into the space.'

5. Richer Woods

It's easy to think that spring means opting for lighter, more pared-back furniture choices. However, characterful continues to dominate design trends, richer-toned materials steeped with history are due to feature in homes everywhere this spring.

Sophie explains, 'More and more, people are seeking homes with soul and character. As a result, darker, warmer wood stains are making a comeback this spring – think walnut, burr and mahogany, all returning to centre stage, adding depth and a sense of “collected over time.” This includes flooring finishes, furniture, and even joinery. Alongside them, antiques and characterful heirlooms are being embraced once again, adding story and craft.'

'To add a storied feel to your home, try integrating antiques or heirloom pieces. A cherished desk, a vintage chest of drawers, or a sculptural console can introduce a sense of lived-in history and personality. Less about trend and more about meaning, these choices make homes feel layered and timeless.'

Rebecca agrees. 'Dark woods like walnut are taking center stage right now. Their depth and natural grain bring instant warmth and sophistication, adding a sense of timeless luxury to a space. The key to making deeper woods sing is balance: pair the material with lighter walls, soft neutral upholstery, or a well-chosen pop of color to keep the room feeling open and vibrant.'

This year's spring trends reflect the year's trends overall. They feel timeless rather than just seasonal, switches you can make to your home now that will be relevant post-April. They stray far from all the usual pastels, florals, and typical motifs. Instead, designers are craving refined, lived-in sophistication that lasts beyond the season.