2025 Wrap-Up: What’s been big, what’s next and why 2026 could be the year of the bespoke

It’s been a busy year at BG Install. From superyachts in the Med to new EVs in the workshop and high-end refits closer to home, 2025 has definitely had a few standout trends - and some early hints of what 2026 might bring.

Here’s what’s caught our eye.

Marine: still true blue (and then some)

If one colour ruled 2025, it’s navy blue. Around 40% of our marine work this year featured it somewhere - stripes, lettering, or full wraps. It’s classic, clean and still the top pick for yachts.

Motorboat owners, though, are starting to get a bit bolder. One recent job - a 48-foot Targa - showcased a fantastic blue/green iridescent wrap which was finished off with an aquamarine stripe for emphasis. Not for everyone, but definitely a head-turner.

And at the other end of the scale, we’ve wrapped sections of an award-winning 214-foot superyacht, Triumph. That project used over 800 metres of vinyl - all those sleek black details you see across the top and rear of the boat? Ours.

More and more, we’re seeing people use wrapping to refresh their boats - new names, updated stripes, a bit of TLC without a full respray. It’s a cost-effective way to make a big difference.

Marine interiors: PPF for the finishing touches

It’s not just hulls getting attention. This year, there’s been a definite increase in paint protection film (PPF) for interior finishes - in particular marble, stone and brushed stainless worktops on yachts (and in some very nice London homes too). PPF gives those high-end surfaces protection from scratches and spills, while keeping the natural look of the material. It’s been especially popular for “wet bars” - the outdoor bars on boats that take a bit of a beating from sun, salt and glasses being constantly set down.

Architecture: wrapping comes into its own

Architectural wrapping has had a real lift this year. Awareness is growing and once people see what’s possible, they rarely go back to traditional refits.

We’ve seen about a 30% rise in enquiries this year - from homeowners looking to refresh kitchens and bathrooms, to commercial projects where clients want a high-end look without the downtime or cost of full replacement.

Looking ahead, we’re expecting customisation to be the next big thing. The tech’s moved on, the inks are tougher and the materials more versatile. Custom wallpapers, bespoke surface designs, branded panels - 2026 is shaping up to be the year where clients really start asking for one-off finishes. We’re also expecting to see more hotels getting on the bandwagon, using wraps to update interiors quickly and cost-effectively while keeping rooms in service.

We also recently took delivery of a new high-end printer, which means faster turnaround times, more finish options and more creative freedom for us and for our clients.

Vehicles: goodbye chrome, hello blacked-out EVs

On the automotive side, one word: dechroming.

We’ve seen a surge in electric vehicles coming through this year for detailing - especially dechroming work. Gloss black trims, badges and accents are replacing shiny silver. It’s all about that sleek, premium look. A lot of the new Chinese EVs coming into the UK come loaded with chrome, so owners are turning to wrapping to tone things down and add individuality. And with more of these vehicles hitting the roads in 2026, we don’t see that trend slowing anytime soon. (Although, knowing how design works, we’ll probably all be wrapping chrome back on by 2027!)

Refinement over reinvention

Not everything in 2024 was about big changes. In fact, one of the clearest shifts has been a move towards refinement - smaller upgrades, smart refreshes, better protection. From boats getting new stripes rather than full wraps, to businesses choosing to refresh rather than replace, people are thinking carefully about value, longevity and style. And that feels like a trend that’s here to stay.

Looking ahead to 2026

Here’s what we think will define the next couple of years:

• More bespoke design - from custom wallpapers to branded interiors.

• More PPF use on high-end surfaces, not just cars.

• Continued personalisation in marine - new stripes, names, accents.

• More EV detailing, with chrome-free finishes leading the way.

2025 has been about confidence - more people understanding what’s possible with vinyl and PPF. 2026 will be all about expression - making those materials work harder, smarter and more personally than ever.

From eight-foot dinghies to 214-foot superyachts, architectural interiors to the latest EVs - whatever 2026 brings, we’ll be ready to wrap it.