POPPY WILCOX

I’ve been reflecting on Spring Fair 2026 and trying to pinpoint what made it feel so memorable this year.

Of course, the collections were beautiful. There were clear shifts emerging, thoughtful craftsmanship and plenty of pieces that will no doubt find their way into projects over the coming months.

But if I’m honest, what stayed with me wasn’t a particular colour palette or material.

It was the atmosphere, which, if I’m honest, wasn’t what I expected to take away from the day.

There was a genuine sense of community throughout the space, something that felt quietly refreshing in an industry that often moves at such pace.

The Direction Design Is Moving

From a design perspective, there was a warmth that came across many of the collections.

Timbers felt richer and more established, honeyed oak, walnut, deeper tones that bring a sense of depth to a space. It feels like we’re starting to move away from the cooler clinical palettes that have dominated for so long.

Texture continues to lead but in a more refined way. Linen was a theme used in heavier relaxed weaves that bring softness without feeling overly styled.

Ceramics and stoneware felt perfectly imperfect - pieces where the hand of the maker is visible. Slight variations in glaze, edges that aren’t overly polished, objects that feel as though they’ve been crafted rather than produced. Those are always the pieces I find myself drawn to the most - natural and raw - the ones that feel like they already have a story.

The colour palette leaned naturally toward earthy tones - clay, olive, muted saffron and layered neutrals anchored by deeper grounding shades. Nothing felt overly trend-driven. Everything felt considered.

Sustainability was present, but not performative. Makers spoke openly about materials, sourcing and small-batch production in a way that felt honest rather than strategic - which, I feel, is exactly how it should be.

But what I kept noticing most wasn’t the objects themselves.

It was watching how people interacted with them.

The Return of Tactile Design

What I noticed was how tactile the experience was.

People weren’t just walking past displays — they were engaging with them. Touching the upholstery, lifting ceramics, and opening drawers to actually understand the piece.

There’s something hugely valuable about that physical interaction with design.

After years where so much sourcing has happened online, it felt grounding to watch designers and buyers rediscover the importance of touch. Two people standing beside each other, both feeling the same fabric, naturally starting a conversation.

Those small exchanges happened constantly, and they felt completely unforced.

Conversations that felt genuine

Business was, of course, being done - but the atmosphere felt more conversational than transactional.

Suppliers weren’t simply presenting products, they were sharing the stories behind them about how they were sourced and why they were chosen. Designers were asking thoughtful questions about materials and process. There was laughter, curiosity and genuine interest.

I overheard conversations that began with a lighting piece and evolved into a chat about studios, creative challenges and their plans for 2026.

It felt collaborative rather than competitive.

And I think that comes down to something quite simple, people in this industry care deeply about what they do. We’re all trying to create spaces that feel meaningful, thoughtful and beautiful to live in.

That shared intention creates an immediate sense of understanding.

The Takeaway

The most important takeaway from the Spring Fair 2026 for me wouldn’t be a material, colour or silhouette.

It’s connection and a sense of community. 

Design has always been collaborative at its core. It evolves through conversation, shared ideas and being in a space filled with people who notice craftsmanship, proportion and detail creates a wonderful sense of belonging.

Spring Fair didn’t feel like a race to identify the next big trend. Instead, it felt like a gathering of people who genuinely care about design and about the homes and spaces these pieces will eventually become part of.

Because beyond the collections, the finishes and the forecasts, the heart of this industry remains the same - people coming together to create something beautiful and spaces that people truly love spending time in. 

Love, Poppy xoxo