Interior Textiles Trend: ILIV Unveils 2026 Fabric Forecast, Highlighting Warm Hues and Narrative Textures

British fabric producer ILIV, part of the Lancashire-based SMD Group, has released its 2026 Fabric Forecast, pointing to a year shaped by warm tones, tactile finishes and rising demand for personalisation in home interiors.

Known for its eclectic and diverse design approach, ILIV combines trend-led styling with a distinctly British design perspective, supplying textiles across both residential and commercial sectors. The company positions itself as a pioneer in innovative fabric design, drawing on archival inspiration while adapting to contemporary tastes.

ILIV's Tree of Life story in Blush

Announcing the forecast, ILIV’s Design Manager, Debbie Leigh, said there is a growing appetite for fabrics that feel “handcrafted and rooted in story”, characterised by rich weaves, gentle irregularities and heritage-inspired textures. 

“The 2026 trend toward interiors with a narrative means fabrics are more than just a background — they become part of the story,” she said.

Leigh noted that colour palettes are set to shift beyond traditional neutrals. “Bold, up-toned terracotta, red-orange and sun-kissed earth tones will appear in upholstery, curtains and cushions, picking up on the optimism and human-connection cues that designers highlight for 2026.”

ILIV's Pembury Collection.
Steeped in traditional designs and celebrating English heritage, the Pembury fabric collection comprises traditional Jacobean trailing florals, classic checks, vertical stripes and small scale motif prints.
The collection is woven into the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the home counties channelling the quaint villages of Pembury, Windsor and Evesham.

ILIV's Tree of Life Collection in Blush colourway.
Sofa in Perseus Tapestry. 
Cushions left to right: Carwayn Vermillion from Studio Plains; Perseus Tapestry, Odila Cinnabar from House Prints colelction, Amoli Ruby; Blake parchment from Studio Plains

Personalisation will also come to the forefront, with fabrics increasingly used as a medium for individual expression. Printed motifs, tailored upholstery and bespoke accent pieces are expected to gain traction as homeowners seek designs that reflect their identity.

ILIV's Verini Fabric Collection.
Cushions - Middle: Murano Charcoal. Clockwise from top left: Napoli Sea Green, Segoa Sea Green, Segoa Ochre, Summit Seapine, Severino Charcoal.

“In a fast-moving world, texture can help to slow things down by adding gravitas and comfort,” Leigh added. “2026 interiors will feel more rooted, and fabric is central to that.”

Leigh also anticipates the rise of subtle colour gradations within interiors, with soft furnishings layered in tones from the same family. “Think cushion fabrics that pick up the ceiling tone, or curtains that echo wall pigment in a deeper key. Fabrics will quietly enhance a scheme’s depth,” she said.

ILIV's House Print Collection in Coral.
Footstool in Bandhani Coral;  Curtains in Suhani Coral; Blind in Odila Aqua.  Cushions from left to right - Bandhani Coral, Pamina Aqua, Patola Linen, Shani Coral.

Founded in 1987 in Lancashire — a region steeped in textile heritage — the SMD Group has grown from a family-run business into one of the UK’s leading interior fabric suppliers. ILIV, recognised for its eclectic style ranging from archival prints to contemporary geometrics, continues to bridge modern and traditional design influences.

All images courtesy of ILIV.