Hospitality interior trends 2026: warmth, experience & freedom of choice

What will guests expect from a hospitality interior in 2026? The answer is less clear-cut than ever. Whereas trends used to dominate, the focus is now on experience, comfort and an interior that matches the concept and the target group.

Interior designer Malou Oude Alink observes that hospitality entrepreneurs are making increasingly conscious choices:
‘The hospitality industry is changing rapidly. Guests no longer come just for food or drink. They want to feel welcome, be surprised, and enjoy lingering a little longer. The interior plays a huge role in this, but there is no longer a “one size fits all” approach.’

At Kaja, we closely follow developments, but we do not work according to fixed trends. However, we are happy to share the directions and themes that we see recurring frequently in the hospitality industry, company canteens, healthcare institutions, and other hospitality environments in the run-up to 2026.

#1: Back to character – retro influences in hospitality interiors

In 2026, we will increasingly see hospitality interiors with character and a clear story. Hospitality entrepreneurs are inspired by retro influences from other eras, such as the Roaring Twenties and Art Deco. Rich materials, rounded shapes, deep colours and refined details create interiors reminiscent of classic hotel bars and stylish brasseries. Timeless, warm and welcoming.

A fine example of this is The Old Bakery in Almelo. In this monumental building dating from 1910, wine red, emerald and cognac are combined with marble, velour, dark wood and mirrors. The result is a hospitality interior in which atmosphere, taste and identity come together and invite guests to stay longer.

View project The Old Bakery - Almelo

#2: Organic shapes: softness and balance

Clean lines are increasingly giving way to organic shapes. Soft curves, flowing lines and natural silhouettes create a sense of calm and an inviting atmosphere.
Think of:

• Round tables and rounded benches
• Chairs and armchairs with soft lines
• Furniture that looks less harsh
• A pleasant balance between form and function

Organic shapes make an interior more accessible and contribute to a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This is also reflected in the Kaja range, which includes tables with organic shapes and refined finishes that fit effortlessly into a variety of catering and hospitality concepts.

View our hospitality tables

#3: Luxurious materials, bespoke craftsmanship and a unique overall concept

The hospitality interior of 2026 will revolve around a coherent total concept in which material selection, finish, and customisation come together. Entrepreneurs want to distinguish themselves with an interior that feels exclusive and is fully aligned with their brand story. Custom-made hospitality furniture plays an important role in this: from unique upholstery to frames in various colours, with chairs, bar stools and benches that can be configured entirely to suit your preferences.

Rich, woven fabrics and refined details provide warmth and comfort and determine how a space feels. Tactile materials with depth and texture are combined with carefully chosen colours, woods, and finishes. Furniture that is tailored to routing and space utilisation also contributes to an interior that is not only beautiful, but also logical and recognisable.

In 2026, guests will expect everything to be just right. The interior is an extension of the menu, and vice versa. From upholstery and colour use to tableware and lighting: when the interior, kitchen, and concept are coordinated, the result is a hospitality interior and experience that feels personal and stays with guests.

No standard solutions, but a design that suits the entrepreneur and the guest.

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#4: Sustainability as a matter of course

Sustainability in the hospitality industry is becoming less of a trend and more of a logical and practical choice. Furniture must be able to withstand intensive use, be easy to maintain and last for years.
This is reflected in:

• High-quality materials with a long lifespan
• Fabrics and finishes that are suitable for daily use
• Furniture that can be reupholstered or modified
• Investing in quality rather than quick replacement

This ensures that an interior not only remains beautiful, but also future-proof.

#5: The terrace as an extension: warmth in every season

A trend that has been around for some time but will still be popular in 2026: the winter terrace. Terraces are important not only in summer but also in the colder months. The focus is on comfort, atmosphere and warmth, so that guests are happy to sit outside even in autumn and winter.

With our collection of Sit & Heat heating pads, Kaja offers a comfortable solution to keep guests warm on the terrace. In combination with a Reflect canopy, which provides shelter from the cold and weather, you can create a terrace that remains inviting all year round.

View our Sit & Heat collection

What does this mean for your hospitality business?

In 2026, hospitality interiors will be all about conscious choices. From characterful interiors with retro influences and organic shapes to rich materials, customisation and a coherent overall concept in which the interior and menu reinforce each other. Comfort, atmosphere and quality form the basis, with the experience taking centre stage. Inside and outside. The right hospitality furniture can make all the difference.

At Kaja, we are happy to help you with this. Our interior designers are involved in every step of the project: from initial ideas and determining the atmosphere to choosing materials, customisation and the final design. Whether it concerns hospitality, company canteens, healthcare institutions or other hospitality environments, together we translate your concept into an interior that is right and continues to work.

👉 Be inspired by the wide range of catering furniture on our website or contact us for tailored advice, with no obligation!