5 DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026

admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Just because we turned the page on a new calendar year doesn’t mean you need to throw out everything and start over with your interior design. At the same time, it can’t hurt to get a peek at what the design buzz is about for 2026, can it? Predictions are all over the place, but here are five that keep showing up.

1. DRAMA!

Image: MyDecorInspo

Simple, clean lines and minimalism are so 2025. This year is all about drama and has Pinterest boards bulging with what MSN calls “Opera Aesthetic.” Think velvet drapes (on windows and beds), tufted furniture, deep jewel tones, and crystal chandeliers. The trend isn’t just for interiors, either, with one architect noting that ornamentation is making its way outside onto buildings. Inside or out, if you want to make your home diva-worthy, all we can say is “Bravo!”

2. NATURAL WOOD

Image: Amazon

The trend toward natural materials is nothing new, but over at Real Simple one designer is calling for “natural finish” (aka unpolished and presumably not stained) wood and other materials that will “develop character over time.” Is that really a design trend or just an excuse for stains, nicks, and scuffs? You decide.

3. RICH COLORS

Image: Tumbler

Never mind Pantone and their “lofty white” color of the year. Word on the design street is we can expect to see more saturated colors adorning walls in 2026—possibly in high gloss and lacquered finishes. If that feels a little bit much, you can dip your toe into this trend with richly colored accessories, like throws, pillows, etc.

4. PERSONALITY

Image: Aulivin

Whether it’s the latest “core” trend—grandma-core seems to be the one in favor at the moment—or the addition of more prints and textures to generic gray rooms, impersonal is out and personality is back. And why not? Shouldn’t a home’s decor reflect the people who live in it? You do you!

5. CURVES

Image: Foter

There’s no doubt that sharp angles and clean lines are striking. However, their appeal may fade when what those edges are striking is your shin, hip or other body part that dared to get in their way. Maybe that’s why curves—especially in accent furniture—are keep popping up in 2026 designs. Rounded chairs, ottomans, and the like soften all those angles and look good doing it. Probably still best to avoid running into them, but if you do, at least it will be less painful.

Will these be the trends that take over magazines and TV design projects? We’ll just have to wait and see. One thing you can count on is that when you have a painting project, we’ll be ready to help make your home look fabulous, whatever you choose.