The key visual trends of 2026+
Colour futures and retrofuturistic realities
The design world constantly evolves, shaped by culture, technology, and a growing desire for more authentic and expressive communication. From bold new colour palettes and unexpected combinations to nostalgic yet futuristic aesthetics, design is entering a playful and purposeful phase. Here are some of the creative directions reshaping how we see – and feel – the future of visual expression.
VIBRANT & TACTILE: THE FUTURE OF COLOUR
After years of neutral tones, we are entering an era of vibrant contrasts. Earthy browns, soft whites and deep blues bring a sense of calm and balance, while richer, more expressive palettes are taking center stage.
Source: NCS
What makes this shift stand out is the tactile quality of colour. Shades are not only chosen for how they look, but for how they feel – natural, textured and grounded. In a world that is increasingly digital, this brings design back to something physical and human, creating visuals that feel authentic and closer to everyday life.
A NEW ERA OF COLOUR PAIRINGS
Unexpected colour combinations are stepping into the spotlight. Pairings once considered “wrong”, like coral red with mint green or soft pastels with bold accents, are now seen as playful and memorable.
Source: Ikea & Pink Tiger,
The strength of this trend lies in its energy and attitude. Instead of seeking perfect harmony, design is embracing contrast to create visuals that surprise and stay with you. It shows a clear shift: standing out is now more important than blending in.
THE FUTURE THROUGH A RETRO LENS
The past and the future are colliding in bold new ways through retrofuturism, a design movement that blends nostalgic aesthetics from the 70s and 80s with futuristic technology and storytelling. Expect vivid colours, vintage-inspired typography, and scenes that blur the line between the everyday and the extraordinary. From Nike’s So Win campaign to high-fashion collaborations, retrofuturism proves that looking back can be the most powerful way forward.
Source: Jordan Jenkins, Nike & Roberto Cavalli/Skims
It’s about looking forward by looking back: taking inspiration from the colours, shapes, and typography of the past, but reimagining them through a modern lens. The result is design that feels familiar yet fresh and relevant. This is not nostalgia for its own sake, it uses retro references to create trust and recognition while combining them with bold, futuristic themes and narratives. In other words, we see the world through a retro lens, while carrying it into the future.
MINIMALISM WITH A TWIST
Minimalism continues to be a strong design language, but it is no longer just about removing elements. The new wave keeps the clarity but adds character – clean layouts are paired with expressive typography, asymmetry and subtle disruptions that make the design stand out.
Source: Specsavers, CreativeBoom & Pay Pal & Adidas
Brands are using this evolution to avoid sterility and bring more personality into minimalism. Specsavers challenged convention with their “Blurred Logo” campaign – a stripped-back design where the logo itself was deliberately out of focus, proving that even the simplest layout can surprise. PayPal’s refreshed identity shows another direction – a cleaner and more modern look, but with custom typography and a more dynamic colour palette that gives energy and optimism.
MAKING WORDS MOVE
Typography is no longer static. Words move, shift and animate to bring energy and emotion into communication.
Here is an example from Apple – Check it out!
This trend is driven by the way we consume content today. Movement captures attention, and moving type makes words more engaging. For brands, kinetic typography turns text into more than information: it becomes a visual experience that people don’t just read, but actually feel.