From Shag to Sleek: The ‘70s & ‘80s Are Back, But Not How You Remember Them

What a week! The Gems and I, along with a select group of partners, wrapped up an incredible session where we explored the trends, stories, and color palettes that are set to define 2026. This isn't about following the trends—it's about being a trailblazer.

We dove deep, pulling inspiration from every corner of our culture. We explored the subtle shifts in fashion, the latest in tech and automotive innovation, the fabrics of athletics, and the stories behind the food we eat. Each of these cultural moments offers a unique window into the future of design, revealing new ideas for pattern, texture, materiality, and, of course, the year’s most defining palette.

Personally, I can't shake the feeling that we are witnessing a remarkable modernization of the late 1970s and early ’80s aesthetic. This look takes me back  to my childhood  when the earthy, bohemian vibe of the '70s began to collide  with the bold, glamorous style of the '80s. It was a true "tug-of-war" of design!

In one corner, you had the shift from Earthy to Electric. The late '70s were all about warm, organic colors: rich browns, avocado green, burnt orange, and harvest gold. Then came the early '80s, ushering in a more assertive palette of pastels, with vibrant neons and jewel tones waiting in the wings.

What's truly exciting is how these two distinct aesthetics are now intermingling with a fresh perspective. This isn't your grandmother’s shag carpet or a recreation of the Saved by the Bell set. This is a new take, a reinterpretation where the warmth of the natural tones meets the sharp, futuristic lines of the '80s in a completely different way. The free-spirited, nature-loving trends of one era are blending seamlessly with the forward-looking, luxury-focused mindset of the other.

I can't wait for you to see our full findings in our upcoming 2026 Gemzine Facets, where we'll share incredible insights about how to use the palette of 2026.

Stay tuned—the future of design is looking bold, and I'm loving every facet of it.

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