As we move into 2026, event design is becoming more intentional, emotional, and art-driven. The year ahead invites us to create with meaning – to see every celebration not only as a beautiful gathering but as a true work of art.

From painterly palettes  to architectural tablescapes, design is taking on a new depth – one rooted in emotion, storytelling, and sensory experience.

Here are the five design moods shaping luxury celebrations around the world.

1. The Dutch Master Mood
Inspired by the timeless allure of 17th-century paintings, this aesthetic brings depth, shadow, and contrast back into event design.

Picture tables that resemble living still lifes – rich in color, texture, and form. Sculptural arrangements, candlelight, and dramatic compositions give a sense of intimacy and poetry.

It’s about celebrating imperfection, emotion, and the artistry of nature – much like a Vermeer or Rembrandt canvas come to life.

2. Nature as Muse
In 2026, nature isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a collaborator.

Fruits, vegetables, and botanicals are being woven into the visual language of celebrations, creating tactile moments that feel fresh and unexpected.

From artichoke florals to grapevine runners and fig centerpieces, these organic elements blur the line between design and sculpture – bringing vitality and warmth to even the most formal spaces.

3. Verdant Harmony 

Green, in all its shades, reigns supreme this year.
From soft moss and olive tones to deep forest hues, green embodies balance and serenity – grounding the senses and connecting design back to nature.

It pairs effortlessly with neutral stone, aged gold, or creamy textiles, offering a palette that feels both elevated and eternal.

4. Feng Shui Placement

Design is no longer just visual – it’s spatial and emotional.
More planners and designers are embracing Feng Shui-inspired principles – crafting rooms and layouts that encourage harmony and flow.

From the placement of tables to the pathways guests walk through, these choices create spaces that don’t just look beautiful — they feel right.

5. Bars as Art Pieces 

The bar is becoming a centerpiece of experience – not an afterthought.

Think of markets in Provence or along the Amalfi Coast – where scent, color, and craftsmanship converge.

These new bars are designed as visual destinations, evoking the charm of a European market or atelier.

Expect marble textures, organic florals, artisan glassware, and layered storytelling – an ode to culture, conviviality, and celebration.

Designing with Soul 

2026 invites us to design with purpose – crafting celebrations that are not only visually stunning but deeply resonant.

At Alejandra Poupel Events, our approach to design has always been guided by emotion – balancing artistry with authenticity to create experiences that feel personal, poetic, and timeless.

Which of these design concepts inspires you most?

See how we bring this to life on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alejandrapoupelevents/