Ceramics Manufacturer APE Grupo Delivers Evolving Trend Insights
In a world increasingly shaped by loneliness, uncertainty and emotional precarity, spatial design is no longer merely an aesthetic or functional matter—it is becoming a tool for care. In other words, interior design is moving beyond decoration to become a strategic discipline with a direct impact on health, sustainability and economic development. This is evident in the fact that over 74% of architecture and interior design professionals believe that design enhances people’s wellbeing.
As such, physical and mental wellbeing is consolidating its position as the leading priority in space design, taking precedence over functionality and aesthetics.
Functionality, in this new context, takes on a broader meaning: it is no longer just about optimising space, but about creating environments that can adapt to different life rhythms, emotional states and individual needs. It now ranks as the second most important priority among design professionals, just after wellbeing. In third place is project profitability—reflecting a shift in the industry mindset: today, creating value also means fostering connections.
Sustainability remains a key pillar in spatial design, but with a more pragmatic perspective. Far from idealistic approaches, professionals are now applying technical and measurable criteria, embedding sustainability as a structural component of their projects. More than half (54.2%) believe it will be a critical factor in the short term, and clients are willing to accept an average budget increase of 24.4% in pursuit of more sustainable solutions. Additionally, overall investment in design is projected to grow by 18.3% over the next year, painting an optimistic and conscious outlook: greater ambition, but also greater responsibility.
These are among the key findings of the fifth edition of The New Habitat 26/27: How the spaces we inhabit are evolving, presented today in Madrid by APE Grupo, a company specialising in ceramic design. The report has been developed in collaboration with Futurea, a trends research lab, and with the support of the General Council of Official Associations of Interior Designers and Decorators of Spain, the Official College of Architects of Madrid (COAM), the international organisation Women in Office Design (WOD), Bernardí, and the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana.
In addition to research conducted by Futurea, the study features insights from 10 international experts and includes the views of 360 professionals working in interior design, architecture, space planning and construction across Spain, based on a sector-wide survey conducted between February and March 2025.
José Miguel Pellicer, CEO of APE Grupo, emphasises that the report reflects the company’s commitment to the design ecosystem—not only through the creation of ceramics, but also by generating knowledge. “The New Habitat is not just a compilation of trends; it’s a practical tool for those who see design as a cultural, economic and ethical decision. Because every design choice leaves a trace—and as designers, we know that trace can be superficial or profound,” he says.
Key Findings
According to the The New Habitat 26/27 report commissioned by APE Grupo, design professionals now place wellbeing above aesthetics or functionality, driving a far- reaching transformation across homes, offices, hotels and retail spaces.
Homes: The home of the future is no longer defined solely by how it looks or functions, but by its ability to respond to emerging social and environmental needs. Some 32% of professionals identify inclusivity and flexibility as the most important criteria when designing residential spaces.
Hotels: Hospitality spaces are being reimagined to meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse and demanding public, where personalisation, community and entertainment are as essential as comfort. Investment in design is set to rise by 21.5% in the coming years.
Offices: The impact of design in the workplace is critical: when employees enjoy their working environment, engagement with the company increases by 33%, alignment with organisational culture by 30%, and productivity by 9%.
Retail: Shops are no longer just sales channels; they are strategic tools for building brand, community and culture. Product display now ranks fifth in the list of priorities for professionals when designing retail spaces.
For More Information
The New Habitat 26/27 report can be downloaded from the APE Grupo website.
Methodology
This study was conducted using a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. It included international trend research based on coolhunting techniques, as well as meetings with a panel of expert professionals in interior design, architecture, and spatial management and creation.
In parallel, a national survey was conducted in Spain among experts in interior design, architecture, and the construction and management of spaces. A total of 360 responses were collected in February and March 2025. Among the respondents, 62.3% work in residential projects, 56.3% specialise in office design, nearly 47% focus on retail projects, and 37.9% are involved in hotel design.
About APE Grupo
APE Grupo is a leading Spanish company in its sector, specialising in the creation of distinctive spaces through a wide range of ceramic floor and wall tiles, as well as advanced technical solutions for architecture and interior design.
The company was established as a corporate group in 2016, although its roots date back over 30 years. APE Grupo encompasses the brands APE, Carmen, XLINING and Ilbagno, and features a dedicated technical office that provides high-level architectural and interior design solutions.
With a turnover of approximately €60 million and a direct workforce of 150 employees, APE Grupo operates both nationally and internationally. The group exports to over 125 countries worldwide, thanks to a constant reinvestment strategy and an ongoing international expansion plan. Exports account for 84% of total sales, with the main markets being France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Spain.
As part of its global presence, APE Grupo currently has offices in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, France, Russia, Italy, Ireland and Bulgaria.
*Announcement has been condensed for length.