June 11, 2026, 9:18 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Copenhagen transforms once again this year during the “3 Days of Design” festival into one large design stage–with 2026 themed “Make This Moment Matter.” myHOMEBOOK editor Mareike Schmidt is on-site to explore and report on the latest trends.
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Subtle Tones Instead of (Too) Loud Statements
This year’s design festival shows a slight restraint when it comes to colors. The color palette is more finely tuned, leaning towards harmonious gradations rather than many strong color accents.
Mid-blue shades replace the bold ultramarine, while delicate lilac tones take the place of heavy purples. Green also presents itself somewhat more reserved: sage tones in different brightness levels create a calm atmosphere. The colors appear more mature, subtle, and naturally integrate into modern living concepts. Instead of demanding attention, they create an inviting environment.
Green as a Trend Color
If one color stands out, it’s green. However, not only in its pastel interpretation but in a distinctly more natural and deeper form. Furniture in rich sage green shades is particularly common–from dining chairs to larger pieces like dining tables. Notably, the surfaces have a subtle sheen, making the green tones appear more vibrant and giving them a modern elegance that sets them apart from matte color worlds.
Additionally, a strong olive green emerges as a confident statement color. Especially in sofas and upholstered furniture, the tone creates a strong presence in the room. The new green can be interpreted as a longing for naturalness, permanence, and a more conscious approach to design.
The different shades of green are particularly harmonious when combined with natural materials. Light oak wood, oiled wood surfaces, or other untreated materials enhance the calm aura of the color and add warmth and depth to spaces.
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Lighting Embraces Color–From Retro Statements to Soft Nuances
While many color worlds are calming down, there’s room for bolder choices elsewhere. Especially in lighting, a return to the color codes of the 1970s can be observed. Lampshades in vibrant red, warm orange, rich green, or deep brown provide nostalgic accents. However, the colors do not appear outdated. On the contrary, the combination with shiny chrome details gives the designs a surprisingly contemporary effect.
Chrome bases, reflective surfaces, and clear geometric shapes give the retro tones a fresh new look. The result is an exciting mix of vintage charm and futuristic elegance. Particularly in lighting, it becomes evident how seamlessly design classics and contemporary design merge today.
At the same time, a second, much calmer color approach is evident. Alongside the expressive retro tones, some manufacturers are opting for muted color nuances. Lampshades in gentle sage green, restrained sky blue, or a muted red appear soft and homely. These subtle color tones give lights a decorative quality without making them a dominant focal point.
The range thus spans from expressive retro statements to finely tuned, muted nuances. A tension that makes current lighting design particularly exciting. While the bold colors provide character and individuality, the calmer tones emphasize the overarching trend towards more harmony and homely restraint.
The New Living Feeling Is Called Serenity
The trends of the “3 Days of Design” festival 2026 cannot be reduced to individual colors or shapes. Rather, they show that a new understanding of luxury in interior design is emerging: Spaces do not always have to be loud to make an impression. Nuanced colors, natural tones, glossy surfaces, and carefully used retro elements create an atmosphere that is both relaxed and sophisticated.