As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back at some of our favourite home transformations, the most sought-after panel styles, and the trends we predict will define interiors next year.
Whether you’re considering which panels to choose for your home, searching for affordable ways to refresh your space, or planning a complete overhaul, we hope this blog offers inspiration for the year ahead.
The Most Popular Panel Designs of the Year
MDF Tongue and Groove
With more people wanting their homes to feel lived-in and full of character, it’s no surprise that tongue and groove panelling has grown in popularity. With its charming aesthetic and scope for customisation, tongue and groove panels are appearing in more homes.
Whether installed up a staircase, in a child’s bedroom, or on pristine white walls of a new build, tongue and groove panels add instant timeless appeal and individuality.
Slat Panels
Slat panels have undoubtedly become a design staple in homes across the UK. Often seen installed as feature walls, they first rose to popularity in living rooms but are now just as likely to be found enhancing bedrooms and even kitchens.
Their popularity comes down to both style and practicality. Slat panels can be seamlessly incorporated into an already decorated space, instantly elevating the room while complementing the existing design.
Easy to install and available in a wide range of finishes — from natural oak and smoked walnut to sleek black for a contemporary look — slat panels offer a simple yet impactful way to transform a room.
In 2026, we don’t see the love for slat panels going anywhere. If anything, we expect their popularity to continue to grow, with panels being installed in even more areas throughout the home.
We’ve already seen homeowners getting more creative with panels, transforming unused cupboards into cosy reading nooks, using them to create hidden doors, and integrating them into home recording and podcast studios.
STRIVO Acoustic Slat Panel - Smoked Walnut
Grey Marble Bathrooms
Grey marble continues to reign in bathroom design, with Ultra Matt Carrara Marble, and Dark Grey Marble among our best-selling finishes, favoured for their enduring style and quiet luxury.
Large Dark Grey Marble 1.0m x 2.4m Shower Panel
Marble bathrooms have firmly moved beyond trend status and are now a lasting design choice. Their enduring popularity lies in their versatility. Small updates, like swapping towels, bath mats, or decorative accessories, can instantly refresh a marble bathroom without a full makeover. For a bigger change, switching tap fixtures can completely transform the look, with warm brass finishes proving especially popular this year.
Premium Large Ultra Matt Carrara Marble 1.0m x 2.4m
Our Wall Panel Predictions for 2026
In 2026, we predict that wall panels will continue their reign in homes for both decorative and practical purposes. More people are switching from bathroom tiles to panels for their easy installation and low maintenance, as shower panels can be washed down with warm soapy water and unlike tiles, don’t need grout that needs to be upkept.
Premium Large Solerno 1.0m x 2.4m Shower Panel
We also anticipate that the aesthetic of slat panels will appear in more bathrooms, thanks to water-resistant designs. As this panel can be installed behind sinks or on walls opposite bath and shower fixtures, creating a luxe, contemporary finish.
Ultimately, wall panels have proven themselves as a versatile solution that works for a variety of homes, spaces, and aesthetics. With so many styles and finishes available, decorating a room has never been easier — whether it’s cultivating a luxurious marble bathroom, adding traditional countryside charm to a new build, or creating a striking feature wall in a bedroom.
If transforming your walls is on your to-do list, explore our panel range and kickstart your 2026 panel project!
