At this year’s SAF Annual Convention, Talmage McLaurin, AIFD, delivered one of the most talked-about sessions of the week—his fresh, thought-provoking forecast for Esmeralda Farms. As we move into 2026, his trend story feels especially relevant for florists everywhere: design is becoming more personal, more emotional, and more connected to the realities we’re all navigating.
Talmage’s six trend worlds reflect two big impulses shaping American aesthetics right now: a craving for tradition and comfort, and a desire to express resistance, individuality, and edge. Even though these themes seem opposite, their coexistence is exactly what makes the year ahead so compelling.
Below, we walk through each trend from Talmage’s forecast and explore how florists can translate these feelings, palettes, and stories into unforgettable floral design.
A modern return to Americana roots
Western influences are having a major moment—and they’re not slowing down. COUNTRY ROAD pulls inspiration from cowboy culture, line-dancing nostalgia, and the fashion world’s renewed love of denim, leather, and warm earth tones.
Florist takeaways:
Saddle browns, dusty beiges, warm rusts, sky blues
Dried accents mixed with soft, textural blooms
Open, airy designs with a handcrafted feel
A palette that brings warmth, comfort, and quiet confidence
If your clients love an easygoing, grounded look with a nod to nostalgia, COUNTRY ROAD fits beautifully.
Raw materials, honest structure, and soothing restraint
BRUTAL NATURE blends architectural brutalism with wabi-sabi’s appreciation for imperfection. This trend leans into minimalism, raw textures, and stripped-down beauty.
Florist takeaways:
Cement gray, clay neutrals, and soft mineral tones
Structural stems, sculptural branches, and intentional negative space
Designs that feel clean, calm, and quietly powerful
This is the perfect style for designers who love form-driven pieces and want to explore simplicity with impact.
Romantic, moody, expressive, and unapologetically maximal
REBEL BLOOM brings together Victorian romance, punk energy, and rich, layered detail. This trend lives in the world of dimly lit parlors, velvet textiles, lace edges, and gothic drama.
Florist takeaways:
Deep plum, noir, maroon, and antique rose
Ornate shapes, sweeping silhouettes, opulent textures
A bit of rebellion mixed with a lot of beauty
If you love lush, theatrical statement pieces, this trend gives you endless room to play.
Color, play, happiness, and pure creative freedom
After several heavy years culturally, JOYCONOMY leans fully into optimism. Think Dopamine Décor, bold palettes, whimsical contrasts, and design choices that spark nothing but joy.
Florist takeaways:
Vibrant brights paired with dreamy pastels
Unexpected combos: citrus with cotton candy, aqua with coral
Playful shapes, movement, and a sense of fun
This trend encourages florists to let loose, experiment, and follow whatever sparks delight.
Old-world artistry reimagined for today’s designers
ARTS REVIVAL blends the spirit of Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau into a modern, layered design story. It’s nostalgic but not literal—more of a creative remix.
Florist takeaways:
Jewel tones, warm woods, and soft heritage hues
Stylized motifs, curved lines, geometric structure
Arrangements that feel intentional, thoughtful, and artistic
It’s a beautiful space for florists who love craftsmanship, pattern, and a touch of vintage glamour.
Heritage, storytelling, and the beauty of handmade tradition
FOLKLURE celebrates ancestral craft, folk art, and creative methods passed down through generations. It leans into handworked textures, natural materials, and personal storytelling.
Florist takeaways:
Earth pigments, botanical dyes, woven textures
Seasonal, homegrown blooms with organic shapes
Designs that feel heartfelt, meaningful, and rooted in place
If you’re drawn to authenticity and craft, FOLKLURE offers rich inspiration.
Each of these trends captures a different emotional pulse—and florists often gravitate toward the one that aligns most naturally with their own creative style. We are curious which trend matches your outlook for 2026?
👉 Take our “What’s Your 2026 Floral Trend?” quiz for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
Credits: Coexist Trends 2026 for Esmeralda Farms, created by Talmage McLaurin, AIFD.