From Catwalk to Interior: How Fashion Trends Influence Wallpaper

Fashion and interior design have surprisingly much in common. Colours, patterns and materials we discover in new fashion collections also inspire the world of interior design. But how does a trend actually emerge? Who decides which colours and designs become popular? And how does a catwalk design ultimately translate to the wallpaper on our walls?

We'll take you behind the scenes of trendwatching and discover how the fashion trends of autumn 2026 appear in the world of interior design. With inspiring examples, extraordinary wallpaper designs and a surprising translation from fashion to the paint colours of Little Greene.

Who actually decides what becomes a trend?

Have you ever wondered why we suddenly see the same colours, patterns and materials everywhere? From clothing racks in fashion stores to the latest wallpaper collections: sometimes it seems as if designers have exactly the same source of inspiration. But who actually determines what becomes fashionable?

The surprising answer: there isn't one person who invents trends. Trends emerge through an interplay of social developments, culture, art, technology and changing needs. Designers draw inspiration from what's happening around them and translate those signals into new collections.

Trendwatching: a glimpse into the future

Trendwatchers try to recognise these developments early on. They research how people live, what concerns them and which colours, materials and shapes appear increasingly often. Specialised trend agencies, such as WGSN, gather these insights and make predictions that designers and brands can benefit from.

In the fashion world, such ideas become visible during fashion weeks, where designers present their new collections. A striking colour, a classic check or a special fabric can subsequently also inspire interior designers.

Yet the influence doesn't run exclusively from fashion to interiors. Both worlds draw inspiration from the same cultural developments and constantly influence each other. Where a fashion trend sometimes develops within one season, an interior trend often has a longer lifespan. After all, you change a coat more easily than the wallpaper on your walls.

Did you know? A trend isn't the same as a hype. A hype can become popular incredibly quickly and disappear again, whilst a trend often stems from a broader change in taste, behaviour or lifestyle. That's precisely why it's interesting to look beyond what's currently popular when it comes to interior design.

From catwalk to wallpaper: when fashion and interiors come together

A classic pinstripe, the soft appearance of suede or the refined details of lace. What we see on the catwalk, we sometimes recognise surprisingly clearly in interior collections. Not because wallpaper designers simply copy the latest fashion, but because both design worlds are inspired by the same colours, materials and cultural developments.

It's precisely these similarities that make the connection between fashion and wallpaper so interesting. A pattern that looks powerful and expressive on a coat can create a completely different atmosphere on the wall. And a material that in clothing is primarily about softness and movement gains a new dimension as wall covering.

Four fashion trends, four extraordinary wallpaper designs

For autumn 2026, we've selected four inspiring style directions and translated them into wallpaper from the collection of Selected Wallpapers & Interiors.

Heritage & Tailoring – the elegance of classic craftsmanship

Check coats, sharp silhouettes and refined pinstripes bring the appearance of traditional men's tailoring back to the catwalk. In interiors we see that same timeless elegance in the Suited Stripe wallpaper from Thibaut. The fine vertical lines and textile-like structure give the wall the polished appearance of a luxury tailored suit.

Espresso & Soft Touch – warmth you can almost feel

Deep brown tones and supple suede fabrics create a rich, understated appearance. The Sueded Wallcovering wallpaper from Zinc Textile in the colour Brunello translates this feeling to the wall. The soft, subtly mottled finish gives the interior warmth and depth, without needing a striking pattern.

Texture & Layering – materials with character

On the catwalk it's not just about colour, but also about the interplay of materials. Voluminous fabrics, special structures and expressive textures give designs an almost tangible appearance. We recognise that same layering in the Resonances wallpaper from Mind The Gap. The expressive design and warm colour nuances give an interior character and show how a striking texture can determine the atmosphere of a space.

Modern Romance – a soft, contemporary romanticism

Lace, ruffles and airy layers give romantic fashion a new appearance. Not excessively sweet, but refined and full of detail. We recognise that same softness in Aurelia from Harlequin. The elegant design in subtle natural tones adds a romantic accent, whilst the calm colours keep the whole contemporary.

From inspiration to your own interior style

The most beautiful translation of a fashion trend isn't always the most literal. Sometimes one colour, a recognisable structure or a subtle pattern is enough to bring the atmosphere of a catwalk collection into your interior.

That's what makes wallpaper so special: it gives a fashion trend its own interpretation, tailored to the space and to your personal style.

How to apply the four wallpaper trends in your interior

How do you translate the fashion trends of autumn and winter 2026 into an interior that continues to inspire beyond this season? It's primarily about the right balance between colour, pattern and material.

Whether you choose warm brown tones, a rich wall texture, a classic check or refined romantic details: each trend offers possibilities to give your interior a personal appearance. We'll show you how to apply these style directions in a timeless way.

1. Warm brown tones as the new neutral

From cognac and caramel to chocolate brown and deep espresso: brown shows its most elegant side on the catwalk. Where cool grey tones formed the basis for a long time, warm earth tones now bring a softer feeling.

This works surprisingly well on the wall. A deep brown wall covering creates an intimate atmosphere, whilst lighter shades such as taupe and camel add calm and refinement. Combine them with cream, natural linen or dark wood for a timeless whole.

2. Texture is at least as important as colour

A striking development is the attention to materials you almost want to touch. Think of suede, bouclé, corduroy and voluminous knits.

We also see that attraction to texture reflected in wallpaper. From soft, mottled surfaces to wall coverings with an expressive weave structure: materials give a wall character, even when the design is very subtle.

Especially in a calm interior, such a tactile wall covering can make the difference.

3. Classic patterns in a modern guise

Checks, pinstripes and traditional weave patterns continue to inspire. But instead of a distinctly classic appearance, they receive a new interpretation through contemporary colours, different proportions and surprising material combinations.

A fine pinstripe can make a space appear optically higher, whilst a generous check adds warmth and cosiness. By combining classic patterns with modern furniture, an exciting contrast emerges between old and new.

4. Romantic designs with a refined appearance

Opposite the powerful tailoring stands a softer movement. Airy fabrics, lace, ruffles and refined ornaments bring romance back into the fashion picture.

In interiors this translates to subtle floral motifs, elegant designs and soft colour combinations. Think of off-white, greyed pink, pebble and warm sand tones.

The secret lies in the balance: combine romantic wallpaper with simple shapes and natural materials. This way the whole remains light, elegant and contemporary.

From trend colour to interior palette

A special colour combination on the catwalk can form the starting point for a complete interior palette. Think of the warm shade of a woollen coat, combined with soft neutral colours and a subtle contrast.

With the paint colours of Little Greene we'll show you how to translate this fashion inspiration into a harmonious colour palette for your home. From calm base tones to characterful accents: each colour contributes to the atmosphere of the whole.

Shop the Palette: from catwalk look to colour palette

A special outfit can be the perfect source of inspiration for a new interior. Look for example at the combination of warm brown tones, soft cream colours and refined neutral nuances. What forms a stylish, layered look on the catwalk can become the basis for a harmonious colour palette at home.

For our Shop the Palette we translate these colours into six paint colours from Little Greene.

The base: Slaked Lime and Stone-Pale bring light and calm into the space. Portland Stone adds warmth, whilst Clay provides a soft, earthy transition.

The accents: Cordoba gives the palette a deep, characterful touch. Perennial Grey provides balance and prevents the combination from becoming too warm.

The beauty of such a palette is that you don't need to use all the colours. Choose two or three shades as a base and add one expressive accent. Combine them with natural fabrics, dark wood or a refined wallpaper design for an interior where fashion inspiration and personal style come together.

Selected tip: Let a colour from your favourite outfit return on the wall, but translate the remaining shades subtly into furniture, fabrics and accessories. This creates cohesion without the interior becoming too literal.

How do you translate a fashion trend into a timeless interior?

Fashion changes with the seasons, but an interior should inspire for years. The art is therefore not to adopt every trend literally, but to discover which elements suit your personal living style.

A striking colour on the catwalk can return at home as a subtle colour accent. A richly woven fabric translates to wallpaper with a tactile texture, whilst an expressive design can actually form the basis for a characterful feature wall.

Three ways to bring fashion and interiors together:

1. Start with the colour palette

Look beyond the dominant colour of an outfit. It's precisely the combination of undertones, contrasts and neutral nuances that makes a colour palette interesting. Translate these into wallpaper, paint and fabrics for an interior that remains balanced.

2. Let materials tell the story

From refined silk sheen to bouclé and natural fibres: materials give a fashion trend depth. Choose for example textile wallpaper, raffia or a subtle relief to create the same layering in your interior.

3. Choose one expressive element

Not every trend needs to define an entire space. A special wallpaper design, a deep accent colour or a rich wall structure can already be sufficient. Combine this with calm materials and timeless furniture, so the whole remains attractive even after the season.

Ultimately, the translation from catwalk to interior isn't about following every new trend, but about recognising colours, shapes and materials that continue to appeal to you. This way fashion becomes not a fleeting inspiration, but a personal starting point for an interior with character.

Selected tip: Hesitating between an expressive design and a calm wall covering? Then look at the elements that appeal to you most in your favourite fashion look. Is it the colour, the pattern or precisely the texture? That helps you to choose wallpaper more specifically that will still suit you in a few years' time.

The check: from catwalk to wall

From classic tartans to refined Prince of Wales checks: the check pattern is a timeless source of inspiration for both fashion and interior design. Depending on the colour, scale and material execution, a check can give a space a classic, warm or precisely contemporary appearance.

Within the collection of Selected Wallpapers we also see how versatile this pattern is. Mulberry Nevis brings warmth and a classic appearance, whilst Thibaut Grassmarket Check shows how elegant a subtle check can be. House of Hackney London Fields Check gives the pattern an expressive interpretation and Sandberg Ruta adds calm and refinement.

Four different designs that prove check wallpaper can come into its own beautifully both on a characterful feature wall and in a fully decorated space.

From catwalk inspiration to your interior

The most beautiful interior ideas often start outside the walls of our home. From the colors on the catwalk to the textures of luxury fabrics and the timeless charm of a classic check: fashion offers endless inspiration for a personal interior. It's not about literally following trends, but about discovering colors, materials and patterns that suit your living style.

Get inspired by the special wallpaper collections from Selected Wallpapers & Interiors and discover how you can translate a fashion trend into an interior that will continue to surprise for years to come with the right wallpaper. Not sure about your choice yet? First order a wallpaper sample and experience at home how color, pattern and texture come together.