Published January 9, 2026
Six Sensational Design Trends for 2026
Home décor and interior design play essential roles in making any house feel like home. As the calendar page flips to 2026, we’ve curated a list of the latest and most exciting style trends. May they inspire you to update the form and function of your living spaces – transforming every room into your favorite room of the house!
It’s Only Natural
Although painted accent pieces have ruled the proverbial roost for many years, there’s been a back-to-basics return to natural woods. In addition to natural wood’s timelessness, Parade reports that it’s being embraced for its charming “imperfection and authenticity.” And unlike painted pieces that can chip and look worn, quality natural wood pieces only improve with age. Pair it with other materials such as limewashed plaster, unlacquered metals and handwoven textiles.
Exciting Interpretations on Flexible Spaces
There’s beauty to be found in flexibility. Actively creating purpose for every nook and cranny of your home will not only improve your use of every square foot, but also your enjoyment. With a growing desire to unplug and unwind, consider converting existing spaces into mobile device-free zones. For instance, a book nook may serve as a desirable interpretation of spaces under stairs, nestled beside a window or carved out of a larger living space. Even if you don’t have an entire room to spare, you could add a game table to a larger space – particularly one that can serve a variety of functions when not in use for card or board games.
As wellness continues to gain emphasis across all aspects of our lives, we’re seeing it reflected in home design as well. While home gyms are nothing new, there is increasing interest in updating them to include a sauna. Plus, with a growing demand for natural light and increased wellness, biophilic design continues to thrive, between houseplants that filter toxins from the air to design elements that blur the line between indoors and out.
A Touch of Creativity and Whimsy
From awe-inspiring artwork and vintage pieces to bespoke décor and personality-rich details, curated uniqueness trumps cookie-cutter looks in 2026. Authenticity, personality and individuality are what it’s all about this year. Fill your home with items that serve as an extension of your personality. Your décor may include an eclectic blend of finds you unearthed at a local thrift shop or antique store, a mix of heirloom and custom furniture, walls that read like a gallery of collected artwork and family photos, and intentional cozy touches that invite guests to gain a captivating insight into your daily life. Interiors should feel more personal rather than the polished perfection of a traditional home design magazine spread.
It’s a Red-Letter Day for Paint Colors
With this leaning toward art, whimsy and individuality, an impactful interpretation can be found in paint and wall coverings. Zillow’s Home Trends Report points to what it terms “color-drenched drama” as a rapidly growing trend. One single color coats the walls, ceilings and trim, occasionally including the floor and even furniture. In addition to crafting a cohesive look, this color-drenching method makes living spaces feel dramatic and immersive. Although neutral shades always have a place in interior design, feel free to embrace more on-trend, vibrant statement shades as a form of personal expression.
If you’re not feeling brave enough to paint an entire room in a bold shade of blue, you may feel more comfortable embracing equally chic warmer neutrals, such as creams, caramels and clay tones, to serve as the foundation of the rooms of your home.
If you’d prefer to add a little visual interest beyond a single solid color, consider adding complementary print wallpaper, texture with well-rendered trim work on one accent wall, or both! For even more color inspiration, take a look at our 2026 Colors of the Year guide.
Furniture That Helps a Room Take Shape
In 2026, furniture design will undergo a 180-degree shift away from the Scandinavian minimalist influence, which has cycled back every few decades and dominated the furnishings market for the past several years. Instead, curvy and cozy will now light the way in furniture design. Designed for both visual impact and comfort, you can expect to find oversized, yet lush, seating on furniture showroom floors. Break away from hard edges and opt for more sculptural profiles and irregular shapes when shopping for furniture this year.
A Fresh Take on Tech
A rising trend toward digital art and virtual displays are changing the game in home décor. Decorilla suggests that by incorporating paper-thin OLED panels in various rooms of your home, you can set a mood through “dynamic, one-off visuals.” You can display everything from moving naturescapes, such as the sun rising, the waves hitting the shore or the wind blowing through the trees, to static images like classical artwork from famous artists or a family portrait to create a sophisticated focal point.
For additional design tips, be sure to check out our other home design ideas and tips.