FIVE CREATIVE TRENDS SET TO SHAPE DESIGN IN 2026
From comforting colour trends to the return of retro-futurism, the creative landscape in 2026 is set to be messy, human, and full of promise – according to our Senior Art Director, Tristan Nesbitt.
2025’s polished, pixel-perfect approach is giving way to something warmer, bolder, and more experimental. For designers, the focus is shifting from chasing trends to crafting creative that resonates with real, ordinary people.
To explore what’s ahead, we spoke to Tristan about the shifts happening in creative right now – and what brands should be embracing to stay visually relevant next year and beyond…
1. Colour that feels like comfort food
In 2026, colour isn't just about standing out or matching brand guidelines – it's about helping people feel grounded, safe, and emotionally connected.
“If I’ve learned anything from my career in design so far, it’s that people want to feel something,” Tristan says.
“In 2026, colour is stepping up to deliver those warm, grounding vibes. Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix palette forecasts ‘Sunbaked Hues’ (think terracotta, ochre, muted yellows), ‘Foundational Neutrals’, and ‘Restorative Darks’ that wrap around you like your favourite woolly jumper are set to be hugely popular.”
“For me, these tones are less ‘trendy accent wall’ and more ‘post-hike pint by a roaring fire’. Brands that ignore the emotional pull of colour in 2026 will risk feeling colder than a January camping trip.”
2. Craft is back (and we’re here for it)
After years of digital slickness, the industry is rediscovering the beauty of imperfections, and the charm of the handmade.
“I’ve always had a soft-spot for design that looks considered, hand-made, and slightly rough around the edges. Turns out - the industry agrees,” Tristan shares.
“Milan Design Week spotlighted brushstroke motifs and freehand forms over digital perfection. Even high fashion houses are sending designers to the Cotswolds to learn traditional weaving and embroidering – ensuring the next generation can blend their craft with circular design principles.”
“Craft isn’t quaint anymore, it’s cool. Which makes me very happy, because I’ll choose a brushstroke over a stock vector any day.”
3. Phygital, personal, and AI-powered
Technology is evolving fast – but the focus now is on using it to enhance creativity, not replace it.
“In 2025, Adobe predicted creatives would lean into the surreal and immersive. By next year, I expect that to morph into fully phygital experiences – where physical and digital overlap.
“TrendHunter calls this the era of ‘Hyper-Personalised Design’, with AI making brand experiences feel tailor-made.”
“As a dad, I love personalisation - especially when it means Netflix finally stops recommending ‘Lego Ninjago’, and my Spotify most played song isn’t ‘Spidey and His Amazing Friends’.
“As an art director, I believe AI should be a co-pilot, not the one steering the ship. Give me tech that frees up time to explore and experiment, not to soullessly churn out content.”
4. Retro-future vibes (with a twist)
Nostalgia and innovation are colliding in new and exciting ways – blending styles from the past, with possibilities from the future.
“The past and the future are throwing a joint party in 2026,” Tristan says.
“In 2025, Adobe predicted the rise of retrofuturism, something I think will continue into 2026. This ‘Time Warp’ concept, turbocharged by AI, blends modern components with historical and vintage elements – pulling styles from ancient Rome, the roaring twenties, the groovy seventies and beyond to create a nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic.
“I think we’ll also see a lot more multi-sensory campaigns – immersive brand worlds you can smell, taste, and touch.
“This excites me. It’s design that asks people to stop scrolling, and start feeling. Like a good country pub – it doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs atmosphere.”
5. Leaner agencies, wilder work
As teams shrink and budgets tighten, 2026 is set to see a surprising silver lining - more bravery, fewer blockers, and bolder ideas.
“Here’s a prediction I have a whole host of mixed feelings about: Agencies will keep slimming down, simply because clients want to pay less, and are expecting more and more,” Tristan predicts.
“We’ve all seen the ‘client budget vs client expectation’ memes. Reddit chatter and industry buzz suggest high-paid creative ‘sherpas’ with networks of freelancers will be parachuted in when needed. It’s agile, sure – but it also puts pressure on juniors to freelance their way into the industry. Which, in my experience, is incredibly tough.
“Still, with fewer bodies and tighter teams, the creative output will likely get bolder. Less bureaucracy means more bravery (from agencies and brands alike) – or at least, I hope so.”
Final thoughts from the creative floor
According to Tristan, creative design in 2026 won’t be about polish – but personality will reign supreme. The most exciting work will feel lived-in, a little rough, and deeply human:
- Colours that hug you, instead of screaming at you.
- Design that wears its imperfections proudly.
- Tech that collaborates, not dominates.
- Retro-futures that make us smile.
- Agencies that flex, adapt, and create braver work.
Tristan concludes: “To me, moving into 2026 feels exciting. It feels like a creative road trip – unexpected detours, muddy boots, and memories worth holding onto. I’m ready for the challenge.”
Ready to rethink your creative?
The year ahead is full of opportunity – if you’re ready to lean into what makes your brand human.
At Tribera, we combine strategic thinking with considered creativity to make content that’s not only seen, but felt. Whether you're looking to refresh your visual identity, or tell richer stories through crafted, meaningful campaigns – we’re here to help.
Let’s create something imperfectly brilliant together. Get in touch. Or, learn more about the Tribera Creative Team.
