Which commercial decorating trends are defining London offices in 2026?

London’s office landscape is changing faster than at any time in the last decade. Hybrid work, sustainability goals, growing competition for talent and new design technologies are reshaping how companies think about their physical spaces. Offices are no longer just places to work – they are brand environments, culture hubs and strategic business assets.

This shift has significantly influenced the direction of commercial decorating in London, pushing companies toward more human-centric, sustainable and future-focused design choices. As businesses prepare for renovations, relocations or full-scale redesigns in 2026, several major trends stand out and offer inspiration for organisations planning their next steps.

1. Sustainability as a standard, not a statement

Eco-friendly design has moved from a niche preference to a mainstream requirement. Driven by London’s environmental targets and rising expectations from employees, companies now prioritise:

• low-VOC and water-based paints,
• recycled and recyclable materials,
• long-life protective coatings for both interior and exterior surfaces,
• energy-efficient lighting and reflective finishes,
• colour palettes inspired by natural tones.

Specialists offering commercial decorating in London are increasingly trained in sustainable solutions – knowing which materials reduce environmental impact without compromising durability. Offices are also using biophilic elements such as moss panels, wood textures and natural colour schemes to create a sense of calm in high-intensity work environments.

2. Zoned workspaces and multi-functional design

The hybrid era has reshaped how square footage is used. Businesses now want spaces that can quickly shift between modes: quiet work, collaboration, presentations and social activity. Trend-setting London offices in 2026 incorporate:

• acoustic pods and semi-enclosed focus zones,
• reconfigurable furniture layouts,
• writable walls and creative project surfaces,
• statement colours that guide movement between zones,
• robust finishes for high-traffic breakout areas.

According to the Gensler Research Institute’s Global Workplace Survey 2025, great workplace design begins with understanding how people actually work and interact. This finding supports the growing popularity of flexible, multi-functional zones in modern offices, where layout and decoration respond directly to employee behaviour and team dynamics.

Decorators play a crucial role in defining these transitions through colour-blocking, strategic lighting and the use of contrasting textures. Zoning helps teams navigate spaces intuitively and improves productivity without major structural changes.

3. Smart colours backed by behavioural research

Colour psychology is becoming more scientific and data-driven. London companies increasingly base their palettes on evidence about how colour affects concentration, creativity and mood. Popular directions include:

• soft greens and blues for focus and calm,
• terracotta, mustard and clay tones for warmth and hospitality,
• energising accents (coral, teal, citrus) in creative areas,
• charcoal and deep navy for premium, client-facing spaces.

Decorators now collaborate with branding teams to ensure that wall colours, feature panels and finishes reflect the company’s identity while improving functionality. The trend leans toward bold, confident combinations- moving away from the monotone grey visuals of offices from a decade ago.

4. Texture as a design statement

Flat paint is no longer enough to create a memorable workspace. In 2026, London offices increasingly introduce texture to add depth and visual interest:

• microcement feature walls,
• textured acoustic panels,
• ribbed wooden cladding,
• limewash and mineral-based finishes,
• subtle metallic accents for a contemporary edge.

Texture creates a tactile experience that supports brand storytelling. It also helps improve acoustics – critical in open offices and modern collaborative layouts.

5. Exterior identity and street-level impact

Even though this article focuses on office interiors, exterior presentation remains a defining trend for London businesses. Many companies update their façades as part of broader interior renovation projects. Exterior improvements often include:

• brand-coloured accents on frames and metalwork,
• modernised entranceways,
• anti-pollution and weather-resistant coatings,
• refreshed signage backgrounds,
• colour continuity between outside and inside.

This holistic approach to commercial decorating in London ensures that the first impression – from the pavement to the reception desk – feels consistent and intentional.

6. Technology-Integrated Decorating

Smart-office integration is becoming standard. Decorators contribute by using:

• light-reflective paints to support energy efficiency,
• digital wallcoverings that incorporate QR codes or interactive elements,
• magnetic and writable surfaces for agile working,
• installation-ready zones for screens, sensors and workplace analytics tools.

Technology-driven decorating not only improves daily workflows but also future-proofs spaces for evolving digital needs.

FAQ: Key Decorating Trends for London Offices in 2026

Conclusion

The trends shaping London’s offices in 2026 reflect a shift toward healthier, more adaptive and visually expressive work environments. Whether through sustainable materials, smarter colour applications, textured finishes or flexible layouts, forward-thinking commercial decorating in London is helping companies redefine how their spaces support creativity, culture and long-term growth.