Pinterest’s annual Pinterest Predicts trend forecast for 2026 reveals a bold and expressive future for home décor, where creativity, personality and cultural influences take centre stage. Based on billions of global searches and pins across the platform, these emerging aesthetics show that interior design is moving beyond pared-back minimalism towards more immersive, playful and meaningful spaces. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a full makeover, these trends offer plenty of inspiration to refresh South African homes next year.
Opera Aesthetic: Theatrical Luxe Interiors
One of the most dramatic of the 2026 forecasts is the Opera Aesthetic, a trend that draws on the glamour and opulence of the theatre. Think lush velvet curtains, deep moody palettes, rich textures, candelabras and statement chandeliers that evoke the ambience of a night at the opera. This trend lends itself beautifully to living rooms and dining spaces where dramatic lighting and sumptuous fabrics can create a sense of occasion — perfect for hosting and entertaining.
FunHaus: Playful Maximalism with Personality
If bold and whimsical is more your style, the FunHaus trend encourages injecting personality into interiors with circus-inspired motifs, sculptural forms and playful accents. Pinterest calls this aesthetic a kind of adult-friendly maximalism — think bold stripes on ceilings or upholstery, sculptural furniture and quirky art pieces that add joy and energy to a space without feeling childish. Colourful yet curated, this look is ideal for creative lounges, kids’ zones or quirky corners in your home.
Afrohemian Decor: Cultural Fusion and Earthy Layers
For those drawn to cultural richness and tactile warmth, Afrohemian décor is set to soar. This blend of African and bohemian influences brings earthy tones, handwoven textiles, carved wood and artisan pieces into living spaces, layering colour, texture and story. It’s a style that feels soulful and grounded, ideal for homes that celebrate heritage and craftsmanship. In South Africa, where local craftsmanship and textiles are abundant, this trend feels both global and deeply relevant.
Extra Celestial: Cosmic Calm and Ethereal Accents
2026 will also see homes reach for the cosmos with the Extra Celestial aesthetic. Inspired by galaxies, opalescent finishes and holographic accents, this trend introduces metallics, pearlescent hues and cosmic forms into décor. Think shimmering cushions, sculptural lighting that evokes orbiting spheres or reflective wall art — perfect for bedrooms or creative spaces where a hint of magic and escape is desired.
Cabbage Crush: Botanical Playfulness on Display
One of the more unexpected yet delightful trends predicted for 2026 is Cabbage Crush. This playful leaf-inspired aesthetic sees cabbage-shaped ceramics, green and purple tones, and botanical shapes becoming a talking point in tablescapes and kitchen décor. It’s a fun way to bring biophilic joy into everyday living without overwhelming a space — perfect for country kitchens, breakfast nooks or garden rooms.
Poetcore: Subtle Influences Across Spaces
While some trends are more lifestyle oriented, the Poetcore aesthetic — with its literary, vintage and romantic undercurrents — can translate into cosy reading corners or office nooks filled with textured throws, classic lamps and nostalgic accessories. Meanwhile, Gimme Gummy, known for its tactile, playful vibes, can influence décor through soft, bendy forms in cushions, décor objects or playful installations that add a sensory dimension to interiors.
Gimme Gummy
Gimme Gummy, known for its tactile, playful vibes, can influence décor through soft, bendy forms in cushions, décor objects or playful installations that add a sensory dimension to interiors.
Throwback Kid: Nostalgia Reimagined for Modern Living
Another standout trend from Pinterest’s 2026 forecast is Throwback Kid — a nostalgic, retro-inspired aesthetic that brings the charm of childhood past into contemporary spaces. Rooted in vintage toys, classic patterns, playful textures and DIY details, this trend blends whimsy with warmth. From crochet play mats and colourful accents to upcycled kids’ décor and fashion, Throwback Kid reflects a growing desire to reconnect with joyful memories while adding personality and comfort to modern homes.
Across all these forecasts, a common theme emerges: interiors are becoming more expressive, meaningful and personalised in 2026. These Pinterest trends encourage South Africans to mix heritage with whimsy, maximalism with intention, and colour with texture, empowering homeowners to shape spaces that truly reflect their identities. As you explore these fresh aesthetics, remember that trends are tools — adapt them in ways that resonate with your lifestyle, whether that’s a dramatic opera-inspired lounge or an Afrohemian-textured living room.
Vamp Romantic: Dark Glamour Meets Decor and Aesthetic Flair
Another mood-rich trend on Pinterest’s 2026 radar is Vamp Romantic, a darkly glamorous aesthetic that channels a sense of mystique and drama across style and visual culture. Rooted in rich, moody palettes and after-dark energy, this trend embraces deep tones, striking contrasts and sophisticated details that evoke romantic gothic allure. While it’s often highlighted in beauty and fashion — think jet-black accents and smokey, atmospheric looks — its influence can spill into interiors with dramatic lighting, moody textiles and décor that plays with shadow and depth to create spaces that feel both intriguing and intensely personal.
Credits
Header Image: Interior design: Marie Claire Mrad, Instagram @mc_mrad, Photos: Walid Rashid, Instagram: @walidrsd
Cabbage Crush - Interior design: Sabrina Albanese Interiors, Instagram: @sabrinaalbaneseinteriors, Photos: Lauren Miller
Extra Celestial - Interior design: D’Ora Tokai Designs, Instagram: @doratokaidesigns, Photos: Mia Interior Photography, Instagram: @mia_interior_ph
FunHaus - Interior design: Bergman Design House, Instagram @bergmandesignhouse, Photos: Vigo Jansons, Instagram: @vigojansons
Gimme Gummy - Interior design: Bergman Design House, Instagram @bergmandesignhouse, Photos: Vigo Jansons, Instagram: @vigojansons
Throwback Kid - Interior design: Lucy Harris Studio, Instagram @lucyharrisnyc, Photos: Read McKendree / JBSA , Stylist: Olga Naiman
Vamp Romantic - Interior design: Amna Chaudhry Interiors, Instagram @amnachaudhryinteriors, Photos: Casa Mia Visuals, Instagram: @casamiavisuals
