Trends come and go. But as a frontrunner of sustainable surfaces for 80 years and counting, Cosentino reveals in its newly published global trend report—Shaping Tomorrow: Future Design & Architecture 2025-2026—that trends are more than just about aesthetics. Rather than a style manual, it serves as a guide to understanding changing lifestyles and how design can aid this new evolution.
“The world of design and architecture is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by globalisation, sustainability, technological innovation, and the need to create more human-centred spaces,” Eduardo Merlo, content global manager at Cosentino, explains. “Through this report, Cosentino reinforces its commitment to meaningful design that inspires and transforms people’s lives.”
Partnering with journalist and editor Enric Pastor as well as founder of The Colour Authority Judith van Vliet, the report features insights from more than 200 creatives worldwide and a series of global case studies to highlight five key macro trends: Origin, Solace, Nature, Urban, and Wonder.
Origin
To move forward, Origin begins by tapping into the past. It encourages a reconnection with cultural roots, the embrace of local resources, and the use of elements that carry sentimental value—features that the homeowner can resonate with. “We believe this approach fosters deeper connections and creates spaces with enduring lasting meaning,” says American interior designer Nina Magon.
The report traces Origin to examples such as the Hassan II Stadium in the city of El Mansouria, which pays homage to Moroccan heritage with its grand lattice roof inspired by traditional moussem tents, where communities gather to celebrate—a fitting representation for a stadium set to host the 2030 World Cup.
Solace
Certain spaces, through colours, lighting, or scent, have the power to lift or quietly dim your spirit. This is Solace—a design that stimulates emotion through the senses. When it comes to creating calm within a home, for example, designer Cristophe Penasse of Masquespacio Studio understands everyone is different. “You have to get to know the person you are designing a space for, because calmness for one person can be one thing, and calmness for another person can be very different,” he says. On a more general note, however, there are several universal tools that designers can also utilise, like plants. New Zealand designer Annika Rowson echoes this: “Bringing the outdoors in helps.”
Nature
Today, design doesn’t just consider the people, but the planet as well. Nature is a trend that challenges architects and designers to think outside the box as they work in tandem with the environment. The Chuzhi House in Shoolagiri, India, is a remarkable building that reflects this trend. With its rocky terrain and dense vegetation, its site was deemed unbuildable. Viewed as an opportunity by the architectural firm Wallmakers, they designed a space that naturally extends from the landscape, transforming the very qualities that were once obstacles into features that make this home unique.
Urban
Urban plays an important role in rapidly growing cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh. Longevity is among the keywords used to describe this trend. “As the world is warming up, floods and rainfall are increasingly unpredictable, and cities and their communities need to be made more resilient,” Vliet explains. “Materials that cool and absorb heat and humidity are among the materials of choice in this part of Asia.”
Beyond prioritising durability, the ability to adapt is just as vital when space in the city is often limited. The STV sofa by Plutarco and Rabadán is designed with that in mind—a versatile creation able to make the most of compact living.
Wonder
The core of Wonder as a trend lies in the unexpected. It creates moments that catch people off guard and leave them in awe and intrigue. Istanbul-based designer Zeynep Satik applies this idea in his collection of Animate Objects—functional pieces crafted with a surrealist touch. Satik describes them as storytelling devices, objects that are inevitably conversation starters.
Milan-based designer Serena Confalonieri believes Wonder can liven up even the darkest places. “As far as the health sector is concerned, be it hospitals, clinics, retirement homes, or, something that I noticed relatively recently, funeral homes—they are unwatchable,” she notes. “Why must we pass difficult and sad moments in life in horribly designed places? Why not allow for some dignity and create a space that, while we wait to say goodbye to our loved ones, can also give something back?”
With more than 400 pages, the global trend report can be overwhelming for those interested in starting somewhere. “I’d start on the page of each of the five trends that has the most important keywords stated. See which keywords resonate with you, and dive into that trend,” Vliet says. “The book is inspirational and for you to use to your interpretation—no need to copy the past as is, but to adapt to your liking and needs.”
Credits:
Photography by Manu Toro
Styled by Amaya de Toledo
Illustration for cover photo by El Chico Llama
