14 Interior Trends Designers Say Will Define the Year Ahead
While interior design trends may ebb and flow, each new year brings a renewed shift – much like a ‘new year, new me’ mindset.
And if 2025 has taught me anything, it’s that we’re collectively craving homes with heart. Spaces that feel lived-in, layered, and full of personality – the opposite of anything too perfect or polished. Character, comfort, and uniqueness have shaped the way we’ve styled our homes this year, and that spirit isn’t going anywhere as we head into 2026.
To get a sense of where that mindset is heading next, I spoke to designers who spend their days dreaming up the rooms we’ll be pinning, saving, and recreating. Their 2026 interior design trend forecasts offer a glimpse into the ideas set to define the year ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about the mood of 2026.
14 Interior Design Trends to Know in 2026
If you’re looking to get ahead of the curve, these are the big interior design trends to start using in your home remodel or refresh now. While some are fresh and new, others might lean a little more timeless but with renewed vigor for the year ahead.
Below, there’s everything from fabric trends and color trends to kitchen trends and bathroom trends in our round-up of the biggest interior design trends for 2026 and beyond.
1. Feast on Rich and Edible Brown Tones
(Image credit: Heidi Caillier Design / Photography Haris Kenjar)
Designers unanimously agree that 2026 will take the shift away from cool tones even further, moving confidently into deeper, moodier warm color schemes. And if the leading paint brand’s Colors of the Year for 2026 is anything to go by, they’re on the right track.
‘We’re seeing a continued embrace of layered warmth, earthy tones, natural textures, and materials that feel collected rather than brand new,’ says Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. ‘Color blocking and color drenching are especially strong, bringing depth and coziness to interiors.’
And because these colors play well with both vintage and contemporary design, they’re proving to be one of the most versatile trends of the moment. Designer Allison Handler agrees, adding: ‘We also love the warmer color palette that has been popular as of late. We have finally passed the cool, gray tones that were everywhere a few years back. We are particularly fond of decorating with browns, caramel tones, and merlot, red wine shades at the moment.’
Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors is also a fan of 2026’s hottest palette. ‘Warm, earthy tones are continuing their momentum, signaling a lasting departure from the cooler grays that once dominated interiors. Expect to see these hues evolve into deeper, moodier shades, such as chocolate, rust, and olive, layered with natural materials for added richness.’
‘More rooms will be dressed in warm, earthy tones in 2026,’ adds designer Kathy Kuo. ‘Think rich terracotta, moss green, and chocolaty brown. These colors feel soothing, grounded, and a bit nostalgic. And best of all, they look classic and inviting in pretty much any home.’
Tuckernuck
Dark Brown Rattan Footed Bowl
Ruggable
Kindred Cottage Mabel Brown Rug
CB2
Asher Burgundy Turkish Silk Satin Throw Pillow
2. Statement Stones Go Even Bolder
(Image credit: Crystal Sinclair Designs/Adrian Gaut Photography/Styled by Katja Greeff)
Throughout the home, but especially in the kitchen and bathroom, decorating with marble has been coveted for the last few years. But next year, we expect it to get bigger and bolder.
Laura Williams of Living Oak Interior Design says ‘Dramatic natural stones are the largest kitchen countertop trends moving into 2026. We are no longer seeing simple quartz stones on countertops or in other applications; installing beautiful viola marbles or emerald quartzite is the future. Bring on the colorful drama.’
While neutrals will always remain a timeless option, designers are expecting to see more colorful stones used in a myriad of ways in 2026, especially in rich, deep tones such as green and burgundy. Think tables, decorative accessories like trays and mirrors, and of course, fabricated into built-ins and cabinetry.
‘Statement stones remain a major design player, with heavily veined and richly colored marble moving beyond kitchens and baths into furniture, fireplace surrounds, and accent details,’ adds Hillary.
McGee & Co.
Auburn Rosso Marble Tray
Lulu and Georgia
Celia Round Marble Dining Table
Crate & Barrel
Chez Red Marble Mini Table Lamp
3. Say Goodbye to Straight Lines
(Image credit: Lauren Gilberthorpe x Alexander J Collins)
As we move on from polished and perfect interiors, curves are to become a major design moment for the year ahead, seen across everything from curved couches to joinery to architectural details. The annual 1stDibs trend survey echoes this direction, with designers identifying curvy and irregular-shaped furniture and skirted furniture as top picks for 2026.
Hillary Cohen observes that ‘Rounded, sculptural seating is holding strong, not just for its softness but for the flexibility it brings to evolving layouts.’ As Hillary notes, curved pieces are a great way to fix your home’s flow, creating a sense of openness and fluidity that feels easier to move around.
Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe, who designed the curvaceous living room seen above, sees curves influencing bathrooms in 2026. ‘I expect curved and arched shapes to appear in fresh ways, such as shower screens with an architectural curve that softens the geometry of bathrooms.’
Diana Wagenbach of Studio W suggests to ‘Think natural stone with organic movement. Furniture and case goods are leaning sculptural and tactile, with curves, soft edges, and artisanal detailing.’
Anthropologie
Goleta Sofa in Cornflower Basketweave Linen
Crate & Barrel
Figure Olive Green Tadelakt Drink Table
West Elm
Pierce & Ward Bentwood Chair in Golden Velvet
4. Embrace the Fifth AND Sixth Wall
(Image credit: Beata Heuman x Mylands)
Designers are well and truly ready to see the back of the accent wall, noting it as one of the quickest ways to date a home. Instead, they urge you to look to the fifth AND sixth wall, shifting your attention both up and down.
An accent ceiling quickly became a key spot for creativity in 2025, whether through paint, architectural detailing, wallpaper, or even texture, and this sense of drama isn’t going away in 2026.
Iwana Budnik from OWN LONDON says: ‘We love giving the ceiling as much attention as walls and floors get. We particularly love hand-painted murals like frescos, but wallpaper can be a great solution as it can be easily replaced.’
But as well as looking up, Iwana is also predicting statement flooring to have its moment in the spotlight. ‘Patterned floors have long enjoyed a moment, for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Using a combination of materials or patterns can also help create zones in a space,’ she adds, suggesting you look to unique tile trends or painted floors for inspiration.
This is the easiest way to transform a room without having to alter its layout – delivering drama or charm depending on the finish.
Anthropologie
Green Forest Wall Mural Panels
Zia Tile
Bateau Square Cement Tile in Mojave + Bone
Lulu and Georgia
Sarah Sherman Samuel Mermaid Toile Wallpaper
5. Pocket-Sized At-Home Retreats
(Image credit: Camden Grace / Photography Jared Kuzia / Styling Matthew Gleason)
We demand a lot from our homes, increasingly asking them to become spaces for rest, work, play, and in 2026, designers are predicting a rise in requests for spaces that meet our wellness quota too.
Small sanctuary moments, a.k.a. carved out pockets of calm, offer a pause or moment of rest in your day. Of course, it’s a trend rooted in wellbeing, but these aren’t dark and austere home gym spaces; and are instead rooms that encourage you to slow down. Whether you’re after an at-home pilates studio, a meditation room, or simply a spa-style bathroom, these spaces speak of a shift toward homes designed for the way people want to live.
Marcelina Janizevska, designer at Project London, explains how ‘wellness has become an integral part of daily life. Many clients are dedicating rooms to home gyms, while some projects now include saunas and cold plunges.’
In such spaces, she advises that layering textures and natural materials is key. ‘Limewash or clay plaster creates a natural look, while wood paneling or mirror frames add timeless elegance,’ Marcelina suggests. ‘Different colors can evoke different emotions. Soft, serene shades create tranquillity, while bold, dark tones can energize and add drama. Artwork adds personality, enhancing calm or introducing a pop of color, depending on the mood you want the space to convey.’
Pottery Barn
Cayman Home Gym Storage Console Table
Neom
NEOM Portable Wellbeing Pod Mini Oil Diffuser
Target
Bamboo Bathtub Caddy with Foldable Stand
6. Regency & Rococo Romance
(Image credit: Rebecca Hughes Interiors)
Decorating with vintage really came into its own in 2025, with all of us jumping on the thrifting hype. To take that heritage look one step further, designers are seeing a renewed appetite for pieces with real romantic history – think Regency style, Rococo revival, and the cute-core coquette aesthetic (yes, it’s a thing).
Whether collected, inherited, or reimagined for the contemporary home, designers are looking to layer finishes, eras, and silhouettes to create graceful and grand spaces for the new year.
‘The Rococo aesthetic captivates with its romantic elegance and refined drama. To capture its essence in a modern home, begin with floral wallpaper – think sweeping, hand-painted-style botanicals that evoke the charm of a Georgian drawing room,’ says interior designer Rebecca Hughes.
‘Embrace curved silhouettes, gilded lighting and mirrors, and sumptuous fabrics, such as statement curtains or a half-tester bed canopy,’ she suggests. ‘It’s about creating a space that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly sophisticated. It should be grand, yet comfortable and liveable for every day.’
Co-owners of interior design studio, Lathams, Sarah and Liz Hellmers add: ‘The resurgence of Regency and Rococo influences is unmistakable in today’s interiors – from intricate coving, baseboards, and architraves to the rise of paneling and decorative beading. Color-drenched walls bring a contemporary twist to this look, as does adorning ceilings with bold hues or statement wallpaper.’
Kathy Kuo Home
Elise Hollywood Regency Antique Gold Wall Mirror
Ruggable
Lady Whistledown Vintage Pink Washable Rug
McGee & Co.
Delphine Footed Earthenware Pedestal Vase
7. The Return of Decorative Glass
(Image credit: Future)
Another heritage trend, but this one is a small detail that instantly makes a modern home feel more unique. It’s time to bring back stained glass.
Kailee Blalock at House of Hive Co. says: ‘A trend I see coming for 2026 is the resurgence of stained glass. And no, it doesn’t have to be traditional or church-like. In fact, stained glass can be incredibly modern depending on how it’s applied.’
‘Picture it in partitioned walls that let color filter through a space, or in mid-century inspired windows where geometry and glasswork meet,’ Kailee explains. ‘It’s a bold, artistic way to bring color and light into interiors, and I think we’ll see it reinterpreted in very fresh, contemporary ways.’
Not just for windows and front door trends, stained and decorative glass can work brilliantly in a kitchen when used in room dividers and pantry walls to make an open plan space feel more defined while also creating a statement.
Amy Courtney of Amy Courtney Design agrees, adding: ‘Design always moves in cycles, and what was once considered outdated often comes back with a fresh perspective. For 2026, I predict a resurgence of stained and textured glass accents, appearing in windows that double as a privacy solution and design focal point, or as standalone art to infuse a room with color, texture, and character.’
Macy’s
Amora Lighting Tiffany Style Mission Table Lamp
CB2
Kava Warm Toned Glass Taper Candle Holders
Anthropologie
Multi-Colored Stained Glass Candle Lantern
8. ‘Lived-in’ (Not Quiet) Luxury
(Image credit: House of Hackney)
The quiet luxury trend was all the rage in 2024 and 2025, but we’re oh-so done with beige perfectionism these days. Instead, we’re embracing a mix between colorful, quiet luxury and heritage maximalism that we’re calling ‘lived-in’ luxury.
But don’t fret, 2026 won’t be a maximalist free-for-all. Instead, designers predict a more curated, intentional version of maximalism with a mix of colors and textures that feel personal rather than chaotic.
You see, it’s still a push towards elegance and quality, but your room doesn’t need to look like a showroom. Consider an eclectic yet unfussy mix of personality pieces like sculptural lifting, thrifted accessories, and antique furniture to add some much-needed story.
Sophie Salata, head of brand at Vinterior, explains how there’s a ‘clear shift toward interiors that feel lived-in, not just looked-at. Expect homes to feel more layered, tactile, and intentionally personal. Think rich textures, velvet, wool, leather with vintage floor lamps, gleaming brass, mid-century silhouettes, all adding soul to the corners of a room.’
‘And then there are the smaller touches: a hand-thrown ceramic here, a carved mirror there,’ Sophie adds. ‘ The kind of details that reward a second glance and make a space feel unmistakably yours.’
Joon Loloi
Rosamund Sofa in Luster Nutmeg Performance Velvet
Soho Home
Valerie Six Drawer Dresser, Arabescato Corchia Marble
Chairish
Translucent Green-Petrol Murano Style Glass Chandelier
9. Lighting Gets Sculptural
(Image credit: Studio Hollond)
The line between lighting and art continues to blur, with designers gravitating toward tactile materials and sculptural forms for lighting trends for 2026.
Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville, ‘In 2026, interiors will continue to draw inspiration from mid-century modern designs, emphasizing sleek, clean lines, bold geometric shapes, and a heightened focus on artisanal craftsmanship. High-quality materials such as aged brass, bronze, and glass will remain staples while lighting made from natural stone, alabaster, and travertine will become more popular.’
‘Lighting will also be more tactile than ever, with carved, etched, or hand-polished fittings inviting a sensory connection beyond simple illumination,’ Mara continues. ‘Frosted, textured, and smoked glass will also dominate with these finishes offering a softly diffused light that evokes a nostalgic, vintage vibe while also making smaller spaces feel more calming.’
‘Cast glass lighting, often crafted in rich amber hues, will also see a resurgence, inspired by both the Art Deco elegance of the 1920s-1930s and the sculptural forms of the 1950s,’ she continues.
Franky Rousell, founder of Jolie, adds: ‘Lighting in 2026 will be softer and more playful, with table lamps, wall lights, and sculptural fittings casting pools of warmth rather than uniform brightness. It is these little shifts in light and shadow that make a space feel inviting and interesting.’
Chairish
Mid 20th Century Modern Sculptural Fish Chandelier
Lulu and Georgia
Sarah Sherman Samuel Arvo 3-Arm Chandelier
Rejuvenation
Nadia LED Handcrafted Sconce in Aged Brass
10. Pattern Drenching Takes Over
(Image credit: Studio Atkison)
You’ll be tired of hearing about color drenching by this point. We all know it’s an expert-approved room color idea, working to bring an enveloping and cocooning feel to spaces, and providing no harsh lines (and certainly no white ceilings).
So when designers started whispering about the hot new drenching trend, pattern drenching, we took note. And this trend is only just getting started, with designers taking an even bolder approach in the year ahead to match wallcoverings, upholstery, accent pillows, and even small details like tissue box covers, lampshades, and table linens.
Lauren Gilberthorpe is a fan of working with tiny florals and block prints, adding: ‘Pattern will remain central, especially smaller-scale prints that can be layered together.’
Alongside florals, expect to see a lot of stripe drenching action and a dash of animal print, too. ‘Think of leopard print as a neutral with personality,’ add Liz and Sarah Hellmers. ‘In interiors, it offers a perfect balance of wildness and sophistication. It works with almost every color palette, from rich jewel tones to soft neutrals, and while trends come and go, leopard has the rare ability to feel fresh, familiar, and fearless all at once. The key is confidence.’
Lulu and Georgia
Garden Walk Paperweave Wallpaper , Blue
Lulu and Georgia
Garden Walk Linen Curtain Panel, Blue
Lulu and Georgia
Garden Walk Linen Cotton Pillow, Blue
11. Chrome & Polished Metals Prevail
(Image credit: Studio Keeta)
While warm brass and aged bronze have dominated the past few years, 2025 ushered in a cooler, crisper wave of metal finishes. From stainless steel kitchens to the chrome decor trend, cool metals are going to prevail well into 2026.
Whether you’re looking at kitchen hardware trends for a no-demo kitchen update or want to add a splash of unexpected chrome with a playful lamp, designers are encouraging mixing metals throughout your home. The look feels fresh, a little retro, and distinctly chic.
‘We’re seeing a resurgence of cooler, polished metals, like chrome and polished nickel,’ says Kristina Khersonsky from Studio KEETA. ‘ For a while, it was all about unlacquered brass and warm tones. Now, the pendulum is swinging back to something crisper, with subtle nods to the 70s’.
While you might think this trend leans minimalist, these sleeker metals pair beautifully with 2026’s richer tones, vintage pieces, and expressive stone, offering a moment of contrast that keeps spaces from feeling overly tonal.
H&M
Silver-Colored Stainless Steel Low Coupe
Crate & Barrel
Argent Metal Round Nesting Accent Tables, Set of 2
Rejuvenation
Dish Cabinet Knob with Star Backplate in Polished Chrome
12. Rethink Open-Plan for Small ‘Moments’
(Image credit: Marianne Evennou)
Open plan is going out of style. While closed concept homes were all the rage in the ’90s, the cyclical nature of trends has deemed them dated, and designers and homeowners alike are craving cozier spaces.
It will look like this – rather than strict open-plan living, 2026 will prioritize mood-based spaces like conversation corners, reading nooks, quiet hobby spaces, and partitions that help to create intimacy without fully closing off the entire home.
‘The way rooms are used will also come back into focus,’ Franky Rousell explains. ‘Rather than open plan everywhere, I hope spaces will be designed for different moods, movement, and interaction, with corners for conversation, retreat, or work that feel inviting and versatile. In 2026, homes will feel composed yet lived in, welcoming you to touch, sit, and spend time in them rather than just admire them.’
Danielle Chiprut sees an exciting shift toward smaller ‘moments’ within spaces, such as ‘a styled hallway nook or a moody vestibule that feels like a jewel box, proving that design impact doesn’t always need to come from scale.’
‘I also think layouts are becoming more fluid, with spaces designed for both gathering and quiet retreat,’ adds Diana Wagenbach.
13. Kitchens Get a Soft Makeover
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens/Macfarlane Van der Heul)
Kitchens are shedding their strictly functional identities and embracing a gentler, more aesthetic. The soft kitchen trend takes the room long considered the home’s engine and transforms it into an inviting, lived-in space – one that feels as comfortable and inviting as a living room.
Designers say this shift is rooted in how we now use our homes. ‘I think the recent appeal of soft kitchens has to do with the overall shift we’re seeing in design preferences,’ says Kathy Kuo. ‘The move away from minimal spaces toward moody, layered homes rich with personality. Soft kitchens feel like a natural extension of this trend. Rustic natural materials, soft lighting, and warm textiles are my favorite ways to create a sense of coziness in any room, and the kitchen is no exception,’ she adds.
‘A softer kitchen allows people to introduce texture, artwork, and comfort, elements that have traditionally belonged in living rooms,’ adds Tom Wicksteed, co-owner and director at 202 Design. ‘Start with materials like antique brass hardware, warm timber cabinetry, or a contrast of oak and marble to bring depth and texture. Layered kitchen lighting, such as wall lights or internal cabinet lighting, immediately changes the mood of the room. Clever, bespoke joinery is also important, helping to maximize unused areas and create a more considered, less utilitarian feel.’
‘The details make all the difference,’ Michelle Murphy, founder of DEMI RYAN, agrees. ‘Upholstered counter stools, layered lighting, statement fixtures, warm wood tones, and drapery or roman shades can soften the hard edges.’
Alice Palmer
Oat 100% Linen Pantry Lampshade, 20″
Target
Jean Slipcovered Dining Banquette in Brown Block Print
McGee & Co.
Elizabeth Round Rustic Kitchen Bread Board
14. ‘Confidence Zones’ Are the New Way to Be Bold
(Image credit: Becca Lea)
If 2026 has a defining attitude, it’s that homeowners are finally giving themselves permission to go bold, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rise of confidence zones. If you’re wondering what this means, essentially, these are the small, often overlooked rooms in a home that designers are using to make big creative statements.
These petite spaces are naturally suited to drama because, as interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe explains, their purpose is different from the main living areas. ‘Powder rooms, snugs, and pantries are ideal spaces. They benefit from richness, contrast, and those small touches that make a space feel considered.’
Interior designer Clare Kennedy believes the secret to a successful confidence zone is committing fully to a single bold move. ‘If you’re using color, carry it onto the ceiling to elongate the room. If you’re using material, repeat it – a stone vanity with plastered walls and matching trim can be incredibly impactful. If you are playing with patterns, consider scale and colors to make sure it still feels balanced and not busy. The key for me is confidence and restraint: bold doesn’t have to mean busy,’ she advises.
‘The smallest rooms in a home offer the perfect low-stakes opportunity to play with color or experiment with pattern,’ Kathy Kuo agrees. ‘Updating petite spaces is a clever way to make a visual impact with a relatively small investment of time and money.’
‘Remember to keep the room feeling balanced, not overwhelmed. If you take a bold approach on the walls, stick to a subtle, more neutral palette for the furniture and finishes,’ Kathy suggests. ‘Curate decorative elements in colors that complement the wallpaper or paint color to tie the overall design together.’
West Elm
Pierce & Ward Leaf Jacquard Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Anthropologie
House of Hackney Hollyhocks Small Print Floral Spring Wallpaper
Perigold
MINDTHEGAP Tyrol Apres-Ski Home Wallpaper
After speaking with so many designers, it’s clear that 2026 isn’t about stepping into a new era of extremes but instead a growing desire for rooms that comfort, cocoon, and inspire, whether through softer kitchens, wellness spaces, or the small-but-mighty confidence zones that turn everyday blank corners into cozy destinations.
The common thread? A shift toward spaces that feel intentional, emotive, and richly personal. As Franky Rousell puts it: ‘Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be all about atmosphere and layering. Curved joinery, bespoke shelving, and thoughtful partitions add interest without taking over, while materials with texture and depth, from matte plaster to hand-finished wood and soft fabrics, make rooms feel grounded and approachable. Color theory will be at the forefront of minds for design experts and design enthusiasts alike, with color palettes being chosen based on the desired mood of the room.’
Of course, these trends aren’t prescriptive; they’re inspirations and invitations to rethink. Overall, there’s a move away from designing for perfection and toward designing for real homes with feeling – the kind you sense the moment you walk through the door.
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