Trends 2026: Furniture, Lighting, and the Future of Design

Design has become more personal, expressive, and comfort-led. We speak to Yung Ong, Managing Director of Proof Living, about the key furniture, material, and lighting trends set to shape luxury living — and why emotion, tactility, and atmosphere matter more than ever.

How do you see luxury evolving in 2026?

Luxury is becoming increasingly about personal style and comfort, rather than showcasing wealth. Furniture should feel special, and each piece tells a story, not just something to look at or to lounge in. A good example is Poltrona Frau’s Squash armchairs. These armchairs resemble an art sculpture and are playful, yet very comfortable to live with.

What materials or finishes do you expect to dominate high-end furniture?

We continue to see more soft, playful, and tactile fabrics, such as bouclé and velvets. We’re seeing a stronger shift toward eco-friendly options like sustainable leathers or bio-based fabrics.

In hospitality and luxury residential projects, what furniture silhouettes or details do you think will become timeless vs. trendy?

Designs that feel inviting and comfortable, with rounded edges and sculptural shapes, will always last. Poltrona Frau’s iconic Archibald armchair — modern yet classic- works across different settings.

Lighting is becoming more about mood than function. How do you see lighting design evolving in luxury spaces?

Lighting today is less about brightness and functionality. Instead, it is more about setting the mood. Today, we see a shift towards softer, warmer lighting that creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Good lighting highlights materials and furniture, making spaces feel warmer, just like how lighting makes food look more appetising.

How is technology influencing lighting design – are we seeing a move toward integrated smart features in living and hospitality spaces?

Technology is making lighting more intelligent and simpler to manage. Many homes and hotels have now adopted smart systems, allowing individuals to make adjustments to the light with their phone or even set it to change naturally with the time of day.

Occhio luminaires are a prime example. Combining advanced LED technology with elegant design, Occhio delivers light quality that closely replicates natural sunlight, enabling its users to shape light and mood seamlessly without sacrificing aesthetics.