The New Year's Revolution: 7 Interior Design Trends to Watch in 2026
As the new year approaches, it's not just about hitting the gym or eating healthier; it's also a time for interior designers to reinvent spaces and set trends. While some of us focus on personal goals, the design world is buzzing with fresh ideas to transform our homes.
But here's the twist: these designers aren't just following trends; they're setting them! Here are seven resolutions that will shape interior design in 2026, along with shopping suggestions to get ahead of the curve:
- Dare to be Different:
Beige is so last year! Cathleen Gruver from Gruver Cooley is ready to ditch the safe choices. She believes that a home should reflect joy and confidence, encouraging the selection of furnishings that spark personal connections. It's about choosing items that resonate, creating a unique and lasting impression.
But what does 'bold' really mean? It's not just about bright colors; it's about trusting your instincts and letting your personality shine through.
Suggested Pieces:
- Bronze Tiger Lumbar by Z Gallerie
- Antiquity Dinner Plate by HAY
- Hand-Marbled Scallop Waste Bin by Inner Child
- Unconventional Metal Finishes:
Flat metal finishes are so 2025. Sarah and Rebecca Goesling from Goesling Group are all about subverting expectations. They're excited to explore etched brass, molten chrome, and reverse-knurled steel, adding subtle twists to traditional metals.
And here's the best part: this trend is accessible! A simple change of knobs or hardware can transform everyday items into artistic statements, inviting a tactile experience.
Suggested Pieces:
- Wall Mount Antique Brass Dinner Bell by ARHAUS
- Agapé Wall Candle Sconces by Ferm Living
- Diggs Metal Table Vase by Zentique
- Wall Textiles: A Sensory Experience:
Tapestries and wall textiles are having a moment, and they're here to stay in 2026. Franky Rousell from Jolie sees them as a way to add depth and texture to walls, softening acoustics and light. It's an accessible way to bring variety and richness to your space.
And this trend is for everyone:
Suggested Pieces:
- Palmera Fan Floating Headboard by Urban Outfitters
- Hortensia Wall Tapestry by McGee & Co.
- Hand Painted Abstract Textile Art by The Salvaged Vessel
- Color Pairings: Daring Duos:
Annie Harrison from Fare Inc. wants to break free from predictable color palettes. Why limit bold pairings like red and green to December? The Goesling Group agrees, pushing for unexpected combinations that create a vibrant, new era.
But what makes a pairing daring? It's about contrasting energetic hues with pragmatic tones, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Suggested Pieces:
- Velvet Contrast Fringe Dec Pillow by Threshold
- Thalassa Palm & Cinnamon Lampshade by Palais Lampshades
- Adele Martini Glasses, Set of 4 by Anthropologie
- Hardware: Small Changes, Big Impact:
It's time to update that hardware! Annie Harrison believes 2026 is the year to make this simple yet impactful change. Swapping door hardware adds a tactile touch, transforming the energy of a space. It's an affordable way to make your home feel new and considered.
And it's not just about aesthetics:
Suggested Pieces:
- Modernist Wood & Antique Brass Hardware by West Elm
- Odessa Jewelry Knobs by AnthroHome
- Iron Cabinet Handle by Berenson
- Surrealism: Embracing Ambiguity:
In a world of deepfakes and uncertainty, Sarah and Rebecca Goesling choose to embrace surrealism. They're leaning into the ambiguity, creating spaces that reflect the times. From draped circus stripes to elusive patterns, their designs capture the essence of the moment.
But what does this look like in practice? Think green as the standout color, stripes as the pattern, and glass block as the material.
Suggested Pieces:
- Cubey Linen Table Lamp by Crate & Barrel
- Jebb Upholstered Ottoman by Birch Lane
- Clam Shell Serving Dish With Spoon by Zodax
- Minimalism: Cutting the Clutter:
While some designers go bold, others are embracing minimalism. Philip Thomas Vanderford from Studio Thomas James believes subtraction is the most impactful resolution. Removing unnecessary items elevates the remaining pieces, creating a sophisticated and intentional space.
And it's not just about aesthetics:
So, will you embrace the bold and unconventional, or find luxury in minimalism? The choice is yours. Which of these trends speaks to your inner designer? Let us know in the comments below!
