Today, interiors are no longer just spaces for living. They have become a demonstration of status. Offices, apartments, and houses seem to be on public display even before anyone has had a chance to live in them. Moreover, social media has subtly taught us to design interiors with the question: “How will it look in a photo?” It is not surprising that a new marker of quality has appeared in everyday speech: “Instagrammable.” This word does not refer to style or comfort, but to the potential number of likes.
A spectacular background, light that falls beautifully on surfaces – all for the sake of the perfect photo – interiors have become a kind of stage set. But behind this glitz and display of status, the most important thing has been lost: the feeling of life, comfort, and authenticity.
Interior designer Bagdat Adilova takes a completely different approach. The meaning of her work lies in the psychology of space and responsibility towards nature and people. In her work, she gives preference to environmental friendliness, functionality, and comfort.
A member of the American professional association Industrial Designers Society of America, a member of the Eurasian Art Union, a winner of international awards, and a guest expert at prestigious competitions, in 2026 she finally cemented her status as one of the most talented and conceptual designers of her generation.
In this report with Bagdat, we reflect on the key takeaways of 2025 and discuss the interior design trends shaping 2026.
“In 2025 faceless, universal minimalism has finally left interiors,” she begins with a smile. “And they are no longer just beautiful, hooray, they have become logical and functional. That is, the work begins with a detailed analysis of the layout and technical capabilities of the space, rather than with the purchase of trendy armchairs and sconces,” Bagdat emphasizes.
She notes that interiors in the past year were increasingly created using natural materials: wood, leather, textiles, stone, which give the space coziness and comfort. In addition, designers turned to rich combinations of textures and shades, with an emphasis on personalizing the space.
“Of course, we’re not talking about framed portraits here, no, it’s much deeper than that – it’s your great-grandmother’s restored chest of drawers or textiles on the windows, recreated from a photo from your great-grandfather’s childhood. And it’s amazing,” the designer shares.
According to her, terracotta, rich green, and marsala will be of increasing interest to designers in 2026. Wall textures will be diverse. And the familiar accent walls will become a thing of the past.
“I am convinced that there will be a lot of plaster, textured panels, decorative concrete, fabric, stone, and ceramics. All this will create depth in the space, a special rhythm and character,” says the expert. “As an example, I would cite the soft texture of the walls behind the headboard in the bedroom or a textured panel for dynamism in the living room.”
Textiles will play a special role in 2026. They will not only add visual appeal, but also a feeling of comfort through tactility in the living room, bedroom and even in the kitchen.
Soft furniture will retain its smooth shapes and sculptural qualities. Soft, rounded furniture silhouettes will create a sense of movement, security, and warmth in the space.
In 2026, interiors will become even more “lively” and individual, walls will turn into expressive surfaces, textiles and upholstered furniture will carry emotional and tactile value, and technology will become invisible assistants.
Bagdat Adilova is confident: “Interior design is not just a visual solution, it is a philosophy of life, a reflection of personality and, of course, care for people. Such spaces will define the face of interior art in the coming year: sensitive and thoughtful, where every element works for comfort and harmony in life.”
For reference: In 2022, Bagdat Adilova was named the winner of the People Awards International in the category “Interior Designer of the Year in Eco-Design,” in 2025 she received international recognition as “Outstanding Interior Designer- 2024” according to The Fashion Home & Interiors Awards, and in the same year she became a guest jury member for the prestigious international award Gold Bar Asia Awards.
