I vacillate wildly between “trends are dumb, and you can ignore them” to “oh my gosh, here’s what’s up next” because I’m a professional and it’s fun to see what’s gaining traction. However, there’s a lot of predicting {people are angry} out there {my favorite quote under that post is “trends are for the anxious and uninspired”–amen} so I always try to strike a happy balance. You can look at ways to create expressive spaces and appreciate how others do so, without feeling like anything in your home is “not good enough”.
True story: I was once kindly un-included from an Oprah Mag article because they didn’t like the way I answered a question on trends. They wanted a simple answer, and I said something real like “trends are dumb,” so here we are. I feel we’ve taken it too far. So repeat after me: Your own home is glorious just the way that it is. That said, here are 15 home design trends we’ve spied that are headed our way in 2026, and how to utilize them {subtly and authentically aka however you want!} in your own home.
1. Color On the Return. It never went anywhere for us, but it’s definitely back in homes. Byeeeee boring neutrals. I don’t think you really need any more information on this one. This is your year to experiment a little and have fun with it. Too many people have defaulted to nothing out of fear or a lack of knowledge about how to work well with those colors. It’s time to add it back… If you’re looking to do so, you’re in the right place. We’ll hold your hand this year and offer some fun tips along the way! Promise.
2. The Comfy Aesthetic – I’ve seen it kindly called the “messy gal aesthetic”. Think loads of fun books, cozy seating areas, and reading nooks. Just enough reality to remind everyone that this house is for living. Just enough clutter to keep it real because I’m done with the blank fridge. I’m done with the staunch perfection. I feel as though I spent the entire first half of my life pretending no one else lives here. Pretty soon, no one else will live here. So embrace your home where it is, and enjoy making things warm and cozy in the very best of ways.
3. Patterns & Decorative Detailing – a nod to the 90s and not in an overwhelming way – wallpaper has been back for a while now, but think layered personality: fringe and piping, and a fun mix with pattern pairing in fabrics. We really tried to escape that with a purge of the eyeballs and everyone’s overuse of millennial gray. Personality is back, and we applaud it.
4. Collected, Intentional Homes – Down with the mass-produced generic furniture and accents. In with the flea market filing cabinet you scored one day and the gigantic pencil you’ve had since the age of three at your office desk, because it actually means something. We’re here for nostalgia aesthetic with the awesome ashtray, or the repurposed armoire that has now seen three coats of paint. These are the pieces that tell a story, and I’m here for it. We’re celebrating repurposed and vintage with meaning.
5. Circus aesthetic – I’ve been rooting for stripes, color, and expression for a while. Pinterest is here for it, too. Think bolder colors, striped patterns, ceiling play, and so much more. A good example can be found in that link above… or our cabana, too!
6. The Continued Rise of Art Deco – We’ve seen the return of arches in homes and curves in furniture – now we’re here for the next level up with interesting applications of materials, colorful jewel tones, and more. Genuine antique finds in furniture pieces are incredible. We’re loving romantic lines in modern headboards, sofas, and so much more.
6. Brooches for the Win – I’ve read in several places that brooches are making a comeback in fashion. Guess what? You can use it in your decor, too. Yes, I am proclaiming this a home trend on its own, because you’re going to see more of it… even if it files away neatly under “collected”.
7. Colorful Cabinetry and Woodtones – not everything has to match anymore — that applies to colorful cabinetry, too. Bc there’s no reason to live in fear. But for the record, if I see one more person saying white cabinets are “out,” I’m going to flip a kitchen island. Classic for the win, hands down. Do what you want.
8. Earth Tones + Dusty Blues – are having a big moment right now. We just designed an entire home library in the prettiest deep green and can’t wait to share it with you! An easy way to integrate this is with accent pieces throughout your home!
9. Oversized Art – it’s been in for a while, and in our book will always be in, but we’re predicting an even bigger resurgence this year. We love a well-placed, large, and in-charge piece. It’s underutilized in the home!
10. Organic Materials – Quartz was making a big to-do over the last few years, and we always say, please do what works best for you in your own home. However, we are always for natural materials because we adore real things pulled from the living earth and authenticity in our building selections. For us, the marble, quartzite, and soapstone in our kitchen tell a story, and we’re here for its beautiful veining. Natural never goes “out of style.”
11. Saturated Detailing – With trim, woodwork & more. It gives that old house charm in the very best of ways. It’s an incredible way to transform a space.
12. Cozy built-ins – These never went ‘out’ for us, and we think they should always be around. We can’t wait for you to see how we’re integrating more of these with our fabulous clients in the very near future!
13. Outdoor Gardens + Gathering Areas – are still going strong. I believe we saw these become a huge deal in 2020, when the general public realized that outdoor square footage is actually priceless in its own right. There’s a definite therapeutic aspect to this, as well. Ready to see more coming your way in 2026!
And finally, as always… More of what makes you happy! Of course this will always be on our list, no matter what the trends say. What are some of your favorite trends this year? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!
