Wallpaper & Wall Murals in 2026: A More Intentional Way to Design Walls

The idea of the single accent wall is slowly fading. Instead, people are embracing full-scale murals that take over an entire surface and define the room.

Large, continuous designs such as landscapes, abstract compositions, and painterly scenes create a sense of depth and presence that paint simply cannot match. They do not just decorate a room. They change how it feels to be inside it.

At kith2kin, our murals are designed with this in mind. They are carefully scaled and composed so they work as complete visual environments rather than repeating patterns that fade into the background.

Nature continues to influence interiors, but in 2026 the approach is less literal and more interpretive.

Instead of realistic forests or oversized florals, there is a move toward abstracted nature. Organic lines, softened botanical forms, and compositions hint at landscapes without copying them directly.

This approach feels calmer, more timeless, and easier to live with. It connects to nature emotionally rather than illustratively, which is why it works so well in bedrooms, dining spaces, and slower interiors.

Abstraction remains one of the strongest directions for wall murals, but the tone has shifted.

Hard geometry and high contrast are giving way to softer abstraction. Layered shapes, imperfect forms, and painterly textures create murals that do not demand attention but reward it.

They bring visual calm without feeling empty. This makes them ideal for modern homes where design should feel intentional without being overwhelming.

Textured walls are everywhere, but not everyone wants concrete, stone, or heavy finishes.

In 2026, wall murals that suggest texture are becoming a preferred solution. Plaster-like surfaces, fabric effects, and etched or layered visuals add depth without permanence.

From a distance, these designs feel calm. Up close, they reveal detail. They soften minimalist interiors and bring warmth to spaces where flat colour would feel unfinished.

Illustration is making a quiet but confident return to walls.

Not in a playful or childish way, but in a form that feels expressive, personal, and slightly imperfect. Line work, stylised forms, and artistic narratives bring character to spaces that might otherwise feel overly polished.

In a world of mass-produced interiors, illustrated murals feel human. They suggest that someone chose this wall deliberately.

In 2026, murals are not limited to obvious surfaces.

They appear on ceilings, in hallways, within alcoves, behind shelving, and in narrow transitional spaces. These placements feel intentional and architectural, turning overlooked areas into moments of surprise.

Because murals do not rely on repetition, they adapt beautifully to unconventional formats. Even small areas can feel curated with the right design.

Cool minimalism is slowly giving way to warmer and deeper tones.

Muted earth colours, layered neutrals, soft browns, dusty greens, and warm metallics are shaping the colour language of 2026. These palettes feel calmer, more grounded, and more forgiving over time.

They also work beautifully with artistic wall designs, adding mood without overpowering a space.

The biggest trend for 2026 is not a pattern or a colour.

It is intention.

People are choosing wall murals because they want their homes to feel a certain way. Calm, expressive, grounded, or immersive. Wallpaper is no longer filler. It is a design decision.

That is how we have always approached wall murals at kith2kin. Not as decoration, but as part of how a space comes together.

Walls matter.
And in 2026, they finally get the attention they deserve.