2026 Commercial Fit-Out Trends: Shaping Smarter, More Sustainable Spaces
Commercial Fit-Out and Bespoke Joinery Trends 2026
Sustainability, Flexibility and Wellbeing: The Reasons Behind Shifting Commercial Fit-Out and Bespoke Joinery Trends
With new rules and rising expectations on the horizon, 2026 will redefine how brands and workplaces approach bespoke joinery and commercial fit-out solutions.
Our experts forecast the office fit-out trends set to shape smarter, more eco-friendly fit-outs, sustainable, and more memorable spaces.
At New Look, we’ve delivered shop fitouts, refurbishments, commercial joinery, and bespoke interior joinery for decades. That experience shows us one thing: 2026 isn’t business as usual.
Sustainability bites
New rules - from formaldehyde caps to timber traceability checks - will push businesses toward sustainable joinery, natural, low-VOC, responsibly sourced bespoke wood joinery for modern workplaces.
Flexibility rules
Lease cycles and competitive pressure will drive demand for fast, modular Cat A+ fit-outs that impress from day one - a shift toward modular joinery systems for offices and modular office furniture.
Wellbeing matters
Occupiers now expect luxury office interiors that reduce stress, encourage collaboration, and tell an authentic brand story — with design that also supports day-to-day wellbeing.
This isn’t just about style. These are structural shifts shaping procurement, design, and investment decisions.
In this guide, we share the 2026 bespoke joinery solutions for commercial interiors we predict will define the year ahead - and how they can help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and create standout spaces.
Get Ahead: Plan Your 2026 Project
We deliver bespoke joinery for offices and retail spaces, including fit-outs, refurbishments, and displays - helping you stay compliant, on-brand, and ready for the next generation of workplace design.
Trending Commercial Fit-Out Designs 2026
What’s Trending in 2026? We Discuss Everything From Materials to Styles, Tech Integration and Colours
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for commercial joinery and office fit-out trends. Businesses across retail, hospitality, and workplace sectors are rethinking spaces with a focus on sustainability, flexibility, and brand impact.
From bespoke office furniture that enhances wellbeing, to retail fit-out joinery that creates bold, memorable interiors, the year ahead will be defined by smarter, greener, and more expressive design choices.
Below, we explore the top trends - materials, forms, textures, technology, and colours - and show how they can inspire your next project.
1. Natural & Tactile Materials
By 2026, natural finishes will become a requirement, not a preference. With formaldehyde caps and timber traceability rules coming into force, specifiers will turn to office fit-out joinery using sustainable materials such as solid woods, natural veneers, and low-VOC finishes.
What People Notice
Visible-grain timber, stone, cane, and natural textiles that feel authentic and crafted.
Why It Matters
Aligns with 2026 sustainability legislation while delivering the benefits occupiers want - reduced stress, greater comfort, and a sense of connection.
The Payoff
Compliance-ready sustainable fit-out joinery solutions that lower audit risk and create interiors that age with character rather than dating quickly.
How we help: Our commercial joinery contractors for businesses source responsibly and craft natural material joinery design into counters, displays, and full fit-outs that are both compliant and visually distinctive.
2. Bold & Expressive Surfaces
In 2026, interiors can’t afford to blend in. With Cat A+ spaces and lease revaluations driving competition, brands and landlords will need retail fit-out joinery and luxury joinery for retail interiors that stand out instantly. That’s where bold stones, coloured glass, and textured finishes come in.
What People Notice
Statement marbles, textured stone, and frosted glass in rich caramel, deep blue, or red.
Why It Matters
Creates branded focal points that attract tenants, energise staff, and give customers memorable experiences.
The Payoff
Faster leasing, stronger brand recall, and interiors that hold value by being distinctive, not generic.
How we help: Our bespoke joinery for offices and shop fitouts bring bold surface trends in fit-outs into focal points that balance impact with durability.
Recent examples include our
Tommy Hilfiger store fit-out, which showcases bold materials balanced with functionality.
3. Organic, Sculptural Forms
Rigid rows of desks and boxy layouts are on their way out. In 2026, hybrid workplaces, hospitality lounges, and retail hubs will lean on curved joinery and sculptural forms to create spaces that feel welcoming, social, and stress-reducing.
What People Notice
Flowing timber silhouettes, curved counters, soft edges that invite people in.
Why It Matters
Supports collaboration and wellbeing while breaking away from the uniformity of minimalist “box” design.
The Payoff
Interiors that feel human, approachable, and aligned with occupier expectations for spaces that reduce stress and encourage connection.
How we help: From bespoke counters to reception features and seating pods, our joinery experts shape sculptural joinery for workplaces that combine aesthetic impact with everyday durability.
See our
reception fit-out in Leicester for a real-world example.
4. Crafted Textures & Artisanal Details
Mass-produced finishes won’t cut it in 2026. With CSRD reporting and Digital Product Passport rules pushing for evidence-based storytelling, businesses will lean on artisanal craftsmanship as a visible sign of quality and sustainability.
What People Notice
Hand-carved panels, textured finishes, visible imperfections that showcase craft.
Why It Matters
Signals authenticity at a time when factory-made finishes look dated.
The Payoff
Unique, story-led interiors that set brands apart and reassure occupiers of long-term value.
How we help: Our team delivers artisanal details in office joinery, bespoke counters, and displays with crafted finishes that combine luxury appeal with compliance-friendly sourcing.
One example is our
Murad House of Fraser Trafford Centre project, where craftsmanship created striking results.
5. Styles on the Rise
2026 will be defined by design styles that don’t just follow aesthetics, but answer to sustainability rules, cultural change, and shifting workplace values. Clients and occupiers are seeking interiors that are both visually distinctive and future-proofed, blending creativity with compliance.
Three movements in particular will gain traction, as seen below.
Japandi
Clean-lined minimalism softened with natural warmth, offering calm, timeless spaces that resonate with biophilic principles.
Wabi-Sabi
A celebration of imperfection, reclaimed materials, and the beauty of sustainability-driven restraint.
Colourful Luxury
Jewel tones and rich finishes paired with fine joinery, striking a balance between bold expression and enduring quality.
How we help: From refurbishments to bespoke office furniture and retail fitouts, we integrate these styles into projects that feel on-trend, regulation-compliant, and uniquely aligned to your brand story.
For inspiration, explore our guide:
Are Staves the Future of Office Design?
6. Tech + Tactility
In 2026, clients won’t settle for spaces that are either smart or beautiful - they’ll expect both. The push for hybrid-ready workplaces and amenity-rich Cat A+ fit-outs will see technology embedded seamlessly into joinery, without losing the tactile quality people crave.
What People Notice
Smart glass, wireless charging built into tables, discreet cable management, and hidden AV integration.
Why It Matters
Delivers the seamless functionality modern occupiers expect while keeping interiors sleek, natural, and clutter-free.
The Payoff
Fit-outs that balance innovation with craftsmanship, boosting long-term satisfaction and reducing dilapidation risks through modular solutions.
How we help: From bespoke counters to modular display systems, we integrate tech-integrated commercial joinery so you get office fit-out joinery with integrated technology that is future-proof without compromising design.
7. Colour Palettes
2026 colour choices will reflect the balance between wellbeing and brand impact.
Occupiers want interiors that feel grounding yet memorable - a mix of earth tones with bold accents.
What People Notice
Natural palettes of greens, caramels, and browns contrasted with bold jewel tones or deep blues.
Why It Matters
Earth tones support biophilic wellbeing goals, while vibrant accents give brands instant recognition in competitive retail and hospitality markets.
The Payoff
Spaces that feel calm and productive day-to-day, but still make a statement when it counts.
How we help: Through refurbishments, hospitality fit-outs, and bespoke displays, we translate colour trends into finishes that are on-brand, durable, and built to last - part of our eco-friendly commercial fit-out joinery solutions.
Commercial Fit-Out and Bespoke Joinery FAQs
Questions Businesses Have About Fit-Outs and Bespoke Joinery
Why is bespoke joinery a worthwhile investment for businesses?
Bespoke joinery creates tailored solutions that maximise space, reflect your brand identity, and deliver long-term value compared to standard fit-outs. It’s not just furniture - it’s a strategic investment. Many clients search for bespoke joinery and fit-out services near me for this reason.
What materials are best for modern commercial joinery projects?
In 2026, businesses favour sustainable joinery materials such as solid woods, reclaimed timber, and natural veneers for commercial office fit-out joinery.
Can bespoke joinery help reduce long-term costs compared to standard fit-outs?
Yes - bespoke joinery and fit-out services near me often lower lifetime costs by using durable materials and modular systems that reduce dilapidation charges at lease end.
How does bespoke joinery support brand differentiation in offices, retail, and hospitality?
Luxury joinery and interior fit-outs for offices allow businesses to create bold focal points and crafted details. Whether it’s a sculptural reception desk or bold surface design joinery for hospitality spaces, custom joinery reinforces brand identity. See examples in our gym fit-outs and exhibition display stands.
Is bespoke joinery flexible enough to adapt to future workspace changes?
Modern office fit-outs increasingly use modular joinery systems for offices, giving businesses flexibility as workplace needs evolve.
What should businesses look for when choosing a bespoke joinery partner?
Look for a commercial joinery contractor for businesses with proven experience, sustainability credentials, and the ability to deliver tailored solutions on time.
Book Your Commercial Fit-Out Analysis Now
Ready to Shape Your 2026 Commercial Fit-Out? Get In Touch Today.
2026 isn’t just another year of design trends - it’s a turning point. With stricter legislation, rising tenant expectations, and greater demand for brand impact, the businesses who act now will set the benchmark for the next generation of retail, hospitality, workplace, and education spaces.
At New Look, we combine decades of experience in bespoke joinery and fit-outs with an eye on what’s next. Our team understands the pressures of compliance, speed, and storytelling - and we deliver bespoke joinery solutions for commercial interiors that are built to last, on-brand, and future-ready.
Explore our case studies to see how we’ve transformed projects across sectors.
Office Refurbishment - Worcester
This project encompassed a refurbishment for a variety of office workspaces in the OBEX office, including...
Reception Fit Out - Leicester
This project involved the complete refurbishment of the office reception area, including the manufacture...
G-STAR RAW - Selfridges, London
Located in Selfridges London, this sustainable retail pop-up for G-Star Raw was created using recycled...
Book your 2026 fitting analysis today and see how we can bring these eco-friendly fit-outs and bespoke joinery solutions to life in your next project.
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