SS2026 Textures and Materials: How They Influence Consumer Behavior

Interior design in SS2026 isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about what feels good. In an era where digital saturation dominates how we interact, physical space has become our emotional refuge. And the language that defines those spaces? Texture and material. Consumers aren’t just looking at furniture or wall finishes anymore—they’re forming sensory relationships with them. Whether it’s the plush comfort of bouclé on a reading chair or the raw honesty of unfinished stone in a bathroom, texture now speaks directly to consumer emotion, memory, and trust. In this article, we’ll explore how these tactile choices are influencing buying behavior, reshaping retail, and creating emotional resonance in physical spaces.

This season, we’re witnessing a shift from minimalism’s sleek surfaces to a multi-textured, emotionally immersive interior aesthetic. Brands, designers, and retailers are responding by emphasizing how things feel, not just how they function. It’s a powerful evolution—because the way a surface interacts with the hand often determines whether it gets a spot in the home. SS2026 signals the rise of sensory-first design strategy, where materials matter more than ever.

How SS2026 Materials and Textures Influence Consumer Behavior

SS2026 materials and textures influence consumer behavior by shifting purchasing decisions from purely aesthetic or functional motivations to emotionally driven choices. Consumers are increasingly drawn to products that offer sensory value—soft, natural, or textured materials evoke comfort, trust, and authenticity in a world overwhelmed by digital interaction. As a result, brands that incorporate tactile storytelling—such as raw wood grains, organic textiles, or recycled stone finishes—see stronger engagement and loyalty.

However, some argue that this texture-first trend may prioritize emotional appeal over practical value, potentially inflating prices for materials that feel artisanal but offer limited durability. There’s also a risk of surface-level sustainability marketing, where eco-textures like mycelium or boucle are used more for image than long-term environmental impact. The debate lies in whether tactile trends are truly transformative or just another layer of curated consumerism.

Emotional Architecture: The Psychology of Texture

Texture isn’t just decorative. It has deep psychological resonance. Rough, raw textures can evoke calm and groundedness, while soft, plush textures invite comfort and intimacy. Shiny, reflective surfaces bring energy and light. This is known as neuroaesthetic impact—the way design elements directly influence brain activity and emotional states.

According to a 2025 report by the Design Institute of Consumer Psychology, 68% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase home goods that evoke a “tactile” emotional response, especially when browsing in-store.

Texture Perception and Emotion (Survey Results – Europe, 2025)

Texture Type	Emotional Response	Purchase Impact
Raw Stone	Grounding, Stable	+18% purchase lift
Velvet or Bouclé	Comfort, Safety	+23% purchase lift
High-Gloss Acrylic	Energetic, Futuristic	+12% purchase lift
Matte Concrete	Minimalist, Honest	Neutral impact
Reclaimed Wood	Warmth, Trust, Storytelling	+30% purchase lift

The SS2026 Material Moodboard

Interior designers and consumer brands alike are turning toward materials that blur the line between natural and curated, tactile and visual, sustainable and sensorial. Below are the SS2026 leaders:

Top Trending Textures & Materials for SS2026

Textured Plasters (like limewash or tadelakt): Brings warmth to walls with artisan-level tactility.
Reclaimed Wood with Visible Grain: Adds character and eco-narrative to spaces.
High-Gloss Resin Accents: Popular in futuristic decor—on tables, cabinetry, or accessories.
Organic Bouclé and Alpaca: Ultra-soft textures used in statement furniture.
Clay-Based Surfaces: Earth-tone tiles and finishes that embrace imperfection and feel grounding.

These choices are influencing not just interior designers, but product manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce content creators.

Tactile Storytelling in Retail and Product Design

In a competitive retail environment, touchable surfaces convert browsers into buyers. This is especially true for mid- to high-end furniture and home goods brands.

Brands like Anthropologie, CB2, and Ferm Living have revamped showrooms and online catalogs to emphasize materials. On product pages, high-resolution close-ups of wood grain or fabric weave are now standard. Product copy doesn’t just mention “cotton” or “walnut”—it evokes the feeling of each.

“It’s not what it is—it’s what it feels like.” That’s become the mantra of SS2026 marketing.

In fact, consumers are 31% more likely to interact with videos or visuals that showcase textures, according to a 2025 study from Adobe Creative Cloud’s trend report.

Sustainability + Sensation = Consumer Trust

Consumers want materials that are both ethical and emotional. That’s where sustainable textures come in.

Mycelium tiles, bio-resins, and vegan leathers are now standard in upscale interior design.
Wabi-sabi aesthetics (embracing imperfection, nature, and raw texture) are taking hold in the mainstream.
Circular design brands, like Mater and Emeco, use recycled aluminum and ocean plastics in pieces that still feel luxurious.

Table: SS2026 Sustainable Materials Gaining Consumer Behavior Favor

Material	Source	SS2026 Use Case	Consumer Preference (2025)
Mycelium Foam	Mushroom roots	Wall panels, soft seating	+40% lift in eco-conscious buyers
Ocean Plastic	Recycled waste	Tableware, lamps	+32% lift
Recycled Denim	Textile scrap processing	Wall insulation, cushions	+28% lift
Bio-Resin	Plant-based polymers	Furniture coatings	+22% lift

Gen Z and Texture-Driven Interiors

Gen Z has emerged as a key driver in SS2026 interior trends. Their values—rooted in authenticity, environmental awareness, and personal expression—align directly with tactile design principles.

This generation seeks home spaces that feel like an extension of their mental health goals. They want cozy, healing, and sensory-friendly interiors. No wonder materials like terry cloth rugs, sherpa headboards, and nubby textiles are trending on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok.

#SoftSurfaces and #HyggeHome have reached over 45 million views combined on TikTok, highlighting how aesthetic meets comfort in this trend wave.

Multisensory Design and Consumer Behavior

The future of interior design lies in multi-sensory experiences. Texture is the anchor, but it’s increasingly being tied to soundscapes, scent integration, and mood lighting.

Retailers such as IKEA and Muji are testing in-store environments where textures are paired with ambient audio or nature-inspired scents to elevate customer immersion.

When surfaces tell stories and stimulate the senses, they build brand loyalty.

Conclusion:

Trend analyst and design strategist Mattias Knutsson has long emphasized that materials drive emotion—and emotion drives purchase. In the SS2026 cycle, he points out that interior surfaces have become key players in both brand positioning and consumer decision-making.

According to Knutsson, successful brands are those that “merge tactile sincerity with ecological intelligence.” His consultancy work with interior product companies and retail environments reinforces the idea that material choices aren’t operational—they’re strategic.

Knutsson’s takeaway for SS2026 is clear:

“Textures are no longer passive. They’re the new voice of design. When they’re aligned with purpose and sensory value, they don’t just fill a room—they define the story within it.”

consumer behavior and design, interior design series, SS2026 interior design trends, sustainable materials 2026, tactile design influence

Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal views and not those of any employer, client, or entity. The information shared is based on my research and is not financial or investment advice. Use this content at your own risk; I am not liable for any decisions or outcomes.