Every year, Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland develops several style trends for the horticulture sector, collaborating with the sector organisation Tuinbranche Nederland, iBulb, INretail, and Bureau Nijman + Van Haaster. The Horticulture Trends 2026 consist of four inspirational style trends for flowers and plants. In this article, we will explore Unexpected Encounter, where anything is possible, and everything is allowed. Read on and get inspired!

Unexpected Encounter

In a world where anything seems possible, one lifestyle is quickly replacing another. We are exploring the world and defining boundaries as we see fit. We are experimenting with extreme behaviour and setting high standards when it comes to luxury and excitement. There is a great need for fun, freedom, passion, adventure and individuality. This is the Unexpected Encounter style trend in a nutshell. Anything is possible, and everything is allowed. So, we head overseas to work for a few months, run a few marathons and do everything we can to look young and fresh. Things that are ‘everyday’ and ‘commonplace’ are remnants of a distant past.

Key values of this trend are: fairytale-like, surreal, unexpected and alienating.

Unexpected Encounter in interior design

The excitement we seek is translated into interiors that reflect an almost fairytale-like world. Eye-catchers play an important role, and highly contrasting, surrealistic objects are combined. Nothing is what it appears to be, and flowers and plants have a magical look & feel. So, don’t be surprised to see a contrasting bouquet of Calla and hanging Amaranthus – or bouquets in sugary pastels that are deceptively sweet. We see the same elusive effect in plants and plant arrangements. Leaves have ‘unusual’ colours like yellow and pink, and we see whimsically contrasting plants. In a nutshell, the arrangements colour outside the lines and tell a story whose meaning is not entirely clear.

In a style trend like this one, the visual language is outspoken, surprising and sometimes even illogical. The materials used are full of contrast and unexpected. We are misled, for instance, by materials that seem to be other materials, like ceramics that look like marble. Transparent and semi-transparent objects also make an appearance. In terms of designs, the possibilities are abundant. Figurative designs are often used to create an alienating effect. Dégradé effects are also common. Together, these ingredients result in a surrealistic look & feel.

Colour palette

Besides shape, colour is the most important product ingredient of this trend. The colour palette consists of extremely bright colours that also appear watery, such as neon pastels in mint green, purple, yellow and orange.

Also read: One flower, endless possibilities: 3 ways to style Anthuriums