The Interior Design Trends Set To Take Over in 2026

’90s Nostalgia

Forget minimalism — Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town says it’s giving way to nostalgic color and patterns reminiscent of our childhoods. “There’s something so comforting to me about the ’90s and the nostalgia of upholstered furniture and living rooms full of maximal color and patterns,” Napier says. “I want a house to feel like your story. It should be full of things you’ll love long after the magazines have moved on.”

Darker Woods

Interior designer Amy Pigliacampo predicts dark woods will return in softer, modern ways. If you’re hesitant to fully commit, try a single piece, such as a coffee table or shelving. “It is all about adding contrast and warmth so the home feels grown-up, collected, and personal without feeling heavy,” Pigliacampo says.

The Return of Maximalism

Designer Kathy Kuo is thrilled about a more thoughtful form of maximalism. “It’s not the approach that more is more, but a kind of maximalism that layers collected, personal objects throughout a home,” Kuo says. “They’re the kinds of nostalgic pieces that have been slowly picked up on travels or passed down from family members over time that tell the story of the people who live there.”

Textured Neutrals 2.0

“Neutrals aren’t going anywhere, but 2026 is going to bring more dimensional neutrals — brushed stone, matte limewash, ribbed woods,” says Cole DeBoer, co-star of HGTV’s Down Home Fab and owner of the home goods store Down Home by DeBoers. Cole and his wife, Chelsea, recommend incorporating textured neutrals into your home via limewashed walls or fireplaces, upholstery with depth (think bouclé, heavy twill, or ribbed velvets), chunky wool or jute rugs, or ribbed cabinet fronts.

Elevated Western

“Cowboy contemporary, which is so our vibe, is becoming more popular — earthy tones, rugged textures, metalwork, handcrafted pieces,” Chelsea DeBoer says. To try the style at home, she recommends refined cowhide accents, leather-wrapped cabinet pulls, warm woods (such as walnut, oak, or ash), and hardware in blackened steel, aged brass, or bronze.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

A renewed appreciation for handmade pieces is growing, according to Paige Henney of Bunkhouse Hotels and JdV by Hyatt. “After years of minimalist, almost anonymous interiors, there’s a real desire for pieces that feel handmade, textured, and personal,” Henney says. “These items have a history or a sense of narrative behind them.”

A Shift Toward Ambient Lighting

People are finally moving beyond harsh overhead lighting, much to interior designer Alicia Roche’s delight. Wall sconces, portable and non-hard-wired fixtures, and mini lamps create softer, layered light. “This trend offers a great opportunity to introduce playful design elements through ceramic, stone, or metal bases, patterned or pleated fabric shades, and unique glass treatments that double as functional art,” Roche says.

Hospitality-Inspired Features

Designer Andrea Goldman is seeing increased demand for boutique hotel comforts at home, including floating bars in living spaces and in-suite coffee stations. “These details bring a sense of quiet luxury to daily life,” Goldman says.

Heritage Design, Reimagined

Lindsey Jamison, partner and lead designer at Rumor Designs, is calling it: Classic elements such as wall paneling, checkerboard floors, and gallery walls are returning in 2026. This time they’ll have cleaner lines and tonal palettes.

Living Finishes

Materials that age gracefully — including stone, wood, and metals — are gaining favor, according to interior designer Sarah Hart. “Clients are embracing imperfection and patina as part of a home’s evolving character,” Hart says.

Incorporating More Vintage Pieces

There’s an upside to rising product costs, Roche shares, as more people will opt for preloved items. “These pieces bring character, charm, and a sense of history into the home,” Roche says, citing everything from framed art to cane chairs to decorative plates.

Wall-to-Wall Bedroom Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting has returned in a strong way, according to Ashley Nath, studio director of interiors at Marmol Radziner, as it provides warmth, softness underfoot, and a quieting effect.

Honoring Your Home’s Inherent Character

Designer Chad Hogan of Chandler Farms says individuals are moving away from forcing their homes into aesthetics that don’t suit them. Instead, folks are embracing original architecture and “the roots of the style and design that was intended.”