Celebrating the launch of Trend Report Future Design & Architecture 2025–2026, co-authored with journalist Enric Pastor, Judith van Vliet joined Hamish Kilburn in a live Q&A to unpack the five macro-trends they have identified that are shaping the next chapter in architecture and interior design…
Colour isn’t a seasonal decoration – it’s emotion, memory and meaning. Few understand this better than Judith van Vliet, whose has transformed the way brands and designers think about the sensory power of colour and material. In an exclusive panel discussion at Cosentino London City, Hamish Kilburn opened by asking van Vliet to explain why she had proofread much of the book during her honeymoon.
The light question set the stage and atmosphere for a conversation that started to trace her unique career trajectory – from her early days as the only European and only woman in Kawasaki Motors’ Japan-based design team to her current leadership at The Colour Authority. Her career, which has seen her working with leading interior designers and brands on a global scale, has consistently explored the emotional power of colour, material, and multisensory design across cultural contexts.
Her approach to trend forecasting is less about predicting styles and more about understanding emotional and societal shifts before they fully surface. This perspective shaped the five key narratives in the new report: Origin, Solace, Nature, Urban, and Wonder.
Rooted futures: introducing Origin
In a time dominated by digital innovation and AI, ‘Origin’ signals a return to cultural and material roots. Designs are becoming repositories of memory and identity, with elemental textures like umber and petrified wood grounding spaces in a deeper sense of place. Architects are increasingly expected to act as custodians of living heritage, embedding local folklore into the built environment.
Image credit: Cosentino
Designing for emotional wellbeing: cue the arrival of Solace
“Solace” positions emotional comfort at the forefront of design thinking. In a shift away from rigid functionalism, spaces are beginning to prioritise softness, tactility, and sensory inclusivity. The trend calls for environments that embrace neurodiverse experiences through colour, light, and scent, fundamentally rethinking the standard approach to form and function.
Raw materials, regenerative mindsets: setting the scene in Nature
Addressing climate anxiety and sustainability fatigue, ‘Nature’ challenges the industry to rethink materials and processes. Rather than simply adding ‘green’ elements, the focus turns towards regenerative materials, embracing debris, imperfection, and re-use. Concrete, once a symbol of brutalist excess, is being reimagined with a new emotional depth – robust yet compassionate, resilient yet inviting.
Human-centric cities: Urban
As urban living intensifies – it is predicted that 75 per cent of the population will be living in cities by 2050 – ‘Urban’ urges architects and planners to maintain human joy at the core of city design. Concepts like the ’15-minute city’ gain momentum, favouring walkability, localism, and neighbourhood identity over purely efficient grids. In this vision, cities become textured, emotionally rich environments with colour palettes designed to slow people down and foster community.
Image credit: Cosentino
Embracing play: world full of Wonder
Finally, ‘Wonder’ – the wild card trend in the mix – introduces a dynamic, colourful and emotionally charged layer to future spaces. Moving away from minimalism, the focus is on creating moments of surprise, connection, and playfulness without tipping into gimmickry. Opalescent finishes, unexpected material juxtapositions, and bold storytelling are encouraged as vehicles for empathy and delight.
Collaboration and looking ahead
The conversation also touched on the evolving nature of creative collaboration, with van Vliet highlighting the importance of multi-disciplinary partnerships in shaping more holistic design futures.
If given the opportunity to apply the new trend palettes to an iconic building, van Vliet would choose the Centre Pompidou, aligning its playful spirit with the vivid, emotional energy of Wonder. She sees cities like Milan as ideal test beds for local-first urban models, combining historical richness with innovation in urban planning.
“With this report, we are offering a unique approach to trends and analyzing them in a way that hasn’t been done before,” stated Eduardo Cosentino, CEO of Cosentino North America and EVP of Global Sales. “As a global brand, Cosentino has the opportunity to gain the perspective of designers all over the world, where our product is being incorporated into projects ranging from sports centers to facades of skyscrapers. These case studies represent the designs of tomorrow, and our mission as a brand is to serve the design community with products that will give them the tools to bring their visions to life.”
Through the 2025–2026 trend report, van Vliet and Pastor offer a timely reminder: the future of design lies not just in technological progress, but in emotional intelligence, cultural stewardship, and a deeper understanding of human needs.
> Since you’re here, why not read about our 7 top picks from the Minotti 2025 Collection?
Main image credit: Unsplash
