Looking Ahead with Scarlet Opus: Future-Proofing Design at the Exclusively Homewares Show.
Visiting the Exclusively Homewares Show at London’s Business Design Centre is always a treat for the design-conscious among us—but this year, there was something extra special in the air. Scarlet Opus, one of the world’s leading trend forecasting studios, returned to the show floor with their signature insight, energy, and razor-sharp predictions for what’s next in the world of interiors.
Whether you’re a retailer, designer, or simply someone who loves keeping their home stylish and current, understanding trend intelligence is becoming increasingly important—and Scarlet Opus are true leaders in this space.
Why Do Trends Matter?
In a world where consumer habits shift at lightning speed, recognising what’s coming next isn’t just a creative luxury, it’s a business essential. Design trends, especially in interiors, don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re born from global events, emotional shifts, and evolving consumer values. They migrate from high fashion to home décor, often without us even realising.
That’s where Scarlet Opus steps in. Their role is to decode these changes, helping businesses from independent shops to major retailers get ahead of the curve. Understanding why certain colours, materials or shapes are resonating means you’re no longer just reacting to customer behaviour; you’re anticipating it.
And with that foresight, your in-store experience becomes more intuitive, more engaging, and more profitable.
The 2025 Trend Showcase: Colours & Materials for 2026
This year’s trend showcases at the Exclusively show gave visitors an inspiring look ahead to the design language of 2026. Featuring trend-led product displays, bookable guided tours, and expert-led talks, Scarlet Opus made the future feel exciting and accessible.
A standout moment was the unveiling of the key colour group for 2026, which included a rich, optimistic palette:
- Ceylon Yellow – warm and spiced, evoking natural richness and grounding energy
- Peach Caramel – a creamy, comforting tone offering softness and subtle luxury
- Chateau Rose – playful yet elegant, nodding to nostalgic joy with a sophisticated twist
- Fanfare (Turquoise) – fresh and revitalising, a celebration of clarity and creativity
Together, these tones represent a shift towards expressive individuality and emotional connection in our living spaces. Paired with tactile, sustainable materials and organic forms, the mood is clear: 2026 will be about balance—between bold optimism and conscious calm.
Retailers, Take Note
What does this mean for the high street or independent interiors shop? It means understanding not only what your customers want now, but what they’ll crave next. Using trend intelligence from Scarlet Opus gives purpose to your product selection, structure to your merchandising, and a sharper story to tell your customers.
Whether it’s choosing ceramics in Peach Caramel hues, textiles with fluid forms, or accessories inspired by nostalgic colours like Chateau Rose, staying ahead of these trends gives you a real competitive edge.
Harnessing the Perfect Storm
Scarlet Opus describes their trend intelligence as harnessing the power of a Perfect Storm—and it’s easy to see why. Armed with their insights, brands can ride the waves of change with confidence rather than being swept along unpredictably.
The team’s influence at the Exclusively Show offered a clear message: those who invest in foresight will be better equipped to adapt, evolve and lead. Trend awareness isn’t about following fads—it’s about understanding the emotional and cultural forces shaping tomorrow’s consumer.
In Conclusion
The future of interiors is vibrant, thoughtful, and filled with possibility—and thanks to Scarlet Opus, we don’t have to guess where it’s heading. Their presence at the Exclusively Homewares Show brought a dynamic edge to the event, bridging creativity and commerce with clarity.
For anyone looking to evolve their space, their brand, or their business, the lesson was clear: trend intelligence isn’t just a tool, it’s a strategy.
Poppy Watt