2026 Interior Design Trends I am Loving and Loathing

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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We’re only a few weeks into 2026, and the design world is already buzzing that the era of the “instant house is officially gone.I am not going to cry about the loss of this one. I am inspired by the shift toward warmth, texture, and personality (things I have been harping on for years) Everyone is talking about spaces that feel like “they’ve been gathered over time” (“collected”) rather than ordered in a single online shopping spree. From the rich, moody rooms to dark woods, and colorful millwork, there is a renewed emphasis on making homes feel personal again. However, there are always a few trends that feel a bit too impractival. (Yes, I’m looking at you, oddly curved furniture that will become dated quickly.) Today, let’s peel back the layers of what’s actually working in 2026 and what we can finally, close the door on. I am joining my design savvy pals Mary Ann, Annie and Carla, and I am sharing the 2026 Interior Design Trends I am Loving and Loathing.

stella weatherall design living space
photo boz gagovski

Beautiful example of a collected design by Stella Weatherall. I love everything about this room including the bright gold sofa and the acrylic coffee table (which keeps the room from looking cramped). This space is filled with what looks like art from the owner’s collection, some antiques, an interesting combination of textiles, and artifacts that the owners collected.

Have you noticed how some design “trends” feel instantly right while others make you wonder who approved them in the first place? The 2026 interior design forecast is packed with both kinds, and knowing the difference could save you from expensive decorating regrets. Some of these upcoming trends solve real problems and bring fresh energy to tired spaces. Others seem to prioritize novelty over livability. I’ve gone through the predictions separating the trends that will actually make your home better from the ones that look great in photos but in opinion are not realistic.

Color Predictions

Brandon Schubert living space
Photo James McDonald

Love this beautiful room by Brandon Schubert

As per usual, the color predictions for 2026 are all over the map, depending on which publication or social media you happen to be reading. This year, the focus seems to be on those moody, saturated tones, the earthy clays, rich chocolate browns, and deep, soulful blues and greens. According to Vogue, we will be seeing a lot of chartreuse or pistachio green and sky blue for Spring.It’s important to remember that these darker shades are perfect for creating that intimate “cocoon” effect, while lighter palettes are designed to “lighten” the mood and create a sense of breathability. You know me well enough by now that I’m certainly not going to run out and repaint my entire home just to accommodate the latest trend! But, I have to say, a library, bath, or a small den drenched in one of these hues would be lovely. Sunny California doesn’t naturally call out for these deep hues, but I might consider painting a small bath, or our den (provided my painter is willing!!)

Loving-

Sofas with personalities-textures & interesting patterns, with detailing such as skirts and or a pretty trim.

Becca Interiors living space
photo kate jordan

There is a lot going on in this beautiful space by Becca Interiors, but the sofas are the standout. The detail is so well-executed it reminds me why custom-made furniture is always worth the investment.

Dark and Natural Woods

harris kenjar photo

I love how Heidi Callier preserved the character of this lovely Craftsman home (including the beautiful dark wood)while keeping it fresh and modern. The project can be found in her wonderful book “Memories of Home”.

Antique and vintage pieces with personality and history

It is no mystery that I love antiques and vintage. In my opinion every room benefits from an antique piece or two or three….

heather chadduck design nelson galt house Colonial Williamsburg
photo annie schlechter

Heather Chadduck’s lovely restoration of the historic Nelson Galt house in historic Williamsburg.

2026 Interior Design Trends I am Loving and Loathing

Sustainable Design

I have never been a fan of the buy-and-replace cycle. Sustainable design is really just about investing in furniture with staying power and avoiding wasteful, trendy clutter, whether its well made upholstered and wood pieces or antiques. Using reclaimed wood, vintage furniture, and repurposed materials hits the sweet spot between environmental responsibility and stunning design. A reclaimed wood dining table or vintage credenza adds character that new furniture just can’t cop[y. Each piece tells a story and brings uniqueness to your space that mass-produced items never will. Furniture built decades ago used solid wood construction and joinery techniques that have pretty much disappeared today.

From our long-held antique cupboard to our twelve-year-old custom sofas, we have always valued furniture that lasts. These pieces have followed us from house to house, adding character and holding up beautifully with nothing more than simple cleaning.

Colorful Millwork

What I like about the move toward colorful millwork is that it feels intentional; it’s a custom look that provides a sense of history and depth, much like the millwork in homes of the 18th century.

photo chris mottalini

This fabulous kitchen is by Hendricks Churchill and happens to be in their personal home. Hendricks Churchill is known for their historic renovations. They have written two books Our Way Home, and Distinctly American. Both are on my wishlist.

Maximalism

I am on the fence on this one. IA successfully layered space works beautifully because it offers a richness and sense of character that minimalist rooms lack. However, the challenge is that the line between abundance and chaoscan be thin. It takes real skill to balance patterns and colors without the space feeling crowded or dated. It’s about being curated, not cluttered.

Loathing

Curved Furniture Trend

I’m not a fan of oversized sofas that dominate a room. While they can work in expansive areas, they often overwhelm standard living spaces. If you have a huge space go for it.

Not a fan of the ’70s curve craze. It feels a bit too ‘trendy’ and likely won’t age well in my humble opinion.

Bye Bye to Open Concept Plans

The experts have been saying this for several years now that open concept plans are out. I personally love my open concept plan for the way we live. Our great room is all about effortless entertaining. It lets me prep in the kitchen without missing a moment of the conversation or the show on TV. While I love a room with good ‘bones,’ an open plan offers a sense of flow that works for our lifestyle,

Shop 2026 Decor

Thanks for reading 2026 Interior Design Trends I am Loving and Loathing. Whenever I do one of these design trends post I always think of the wonderful Joni Webb (Cote de Texas). She used to join us for these and always added her sharp, self-deprecating wit to cut through the pretension of the trends. The last time I asked her she said ” I quit doing those because I realized I said the same things every year”. There are repeat offenders year after year. After analyzing everything coming for 2026, I’m most interested in the shift toward warmth and personality. Spaces are finally moving away from the cold, generic look that made every home feel identical. The embrace of color, texture, and individual expression feels long overdue to me. You have permission to pick and choose, to blend old and new, and to completely ignore trends that don’t speak to you, just as you do in your wardrobe.

Now lets pop over and visit my design savvy friends for their personal forecasts.

Carla Aston

Classic Casual Home

Most Lovely Things

Further reading:

The Collected Look How to Get It

Vogue-These Colors will be Everywhere in 2026

House Beautiful-11 Furniture Trends Designers are Expected to See Everywhere in 2026

AD-The 2026 Biggest Design Trends for 2026

Homes and Gardens-Nostalgic Design Trends for 2026

Benjamin Moore-Color Trends of the Year 2026

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22 Comments

  1. . It is both expensive and exhausting trying to keep ‘on trend’ when it comes to home decorating. I love my antiques and my red Chinese patterned toile theme in my guest bedroom. I think half the problem these days are the young interior decorators don’t have the skill to integrate antique pieces with modern, so they sick to a bland, neutral, soulless look, devoid of any personality. It might be different in America and judging from the above looks, it is and it was refreshing to see the fantastic combinations of colour, textures and looks. Here in Australia, white, white and off white is very much the look and young people would rather a flat pack from IKEA than anything ‘brown’, despite their talk of sustainability.
    P.S. the heat wave here is making me a bit grumpy 😂

    1. Hi Susan

      I think it is a slow process converting the millenials and Gen X’ers, but I believe it is happening. I too am tired of generic decor and instant decor. It is so uninteresting. P.S you aren’t grumpy!!

  2. As a recently retired Interior Designer who practiced for 34 years, I cringe at the word “trend”. What I have learned in my years of working with clients is the best spaces always reflect the personality of the family who lives there. You walk in the home and immediately know them. Their home isn’t going to be in Veranda, it is going to be lived in. “Trends” are trends because they are easy, cheap, and you can find them anywhere (Homegoods). A beautiful home takes time, maybe the assistance of a designer, some expense, and most of all patience.
    Learn what you like (I like rustic furniture, bold art, vintage textiles) and let that be your “trend”.

    1. Hi Becky
      As you know I am not a big fan of that word either. I cringe when someone says “on trend”. You said it perfectly. Thank you…

  3. Cindy! I love your post today and am in total agreement with you! I love a home that looks like it was collected over time with meaningful pieces and not just bought by “adding to cart!”

    1. Hi Annie
      I am not a big fan of trends as you know, but it is always fun to see what’s new, even if we aren’t going to indulge!!

  4. Cindy,
    I agree with you on curved furniture and trendy pieces that won’t last. I also agree with you on the open floor concept, because it now fits our stage of life. -It’s easier, master bedroom and ensuite downstairs, kitchen and family room connected. I realize this won’t work for many families, but it fits this senior citizen pair perfectly with just enough yard to tinker all around! We have lived in a very traditional, beautiful home for thirty years and I can guarantee that if we had stayed 80% of the house wouldn’t be used, or cleaned 🙂 and the maintenance would continue to be high. So to each his own. I see this open space move as a practical option for many couples.

  5. Hi Cindy. Thank you for another amazing post. Always very informative. I also want to thank you for mentioning Joni Webb. I miss reading her posts. Always learned many pearls of wisdom from you both!

    1. Hi Laurie

      I think about Joanie so often. She inspired so many of us, and she had a delightful sense of humor. She is missed…

  6. Cindy. I have to tell you that my favorite chair was out on the sidewalk because an upholstery business was leaving their leased space. I did a double take and turned around and asked to buy it..the shop owner wanted $70 so I took it. I have had this wingback chair upholstered three times over the years. I learned it was old but very well made not like new pieces of furniture. I enjoy a mix of antiques such as a small gate leg table in my small place. Decor that can be switched around is good rather than a set item with one purpose only. My favorite is a heavy, 14 inch, metal Eiffel Tower that a handyman painted with Rustoloeum I found in a thrift shop. and a very old Chinese screen with four panels. I think antique mirrors are a good investment also. Thank you for this post. Donnie

    1. Hi Donnie

      I hope my kids are reading this post! Every wing back chair in our home came from a thrift shop or junk shop. My kids used to hate it when I would drive by and spot a great wing chair. One time I picked up one with “cat barf” all over it. The chair is in my guest bedroom and on it’s third upholstery! Thanks for sharing-love hearing these stories!!

  7. That room by Stella Weatherall is so inviting. Such a good use of furniture and scale in that space.
    Your “shop” widgets are all right up my alley today. Dangerous!

    1. Hi Catherine

      I thought that room was perfection as well. I am glad I found a few things you like!

  9. I call this decorating “sensible”. When we bought our first home many decades ago we purchased a custom made dining room table that we still have. It was refinished about 8 years ago and we swapped out the dining chairs and purchased Parson’s chairs. We will never get rid of it! We purchased all Harden furniture cherry hardwoods, some are lighter finish for the family room, and the living room are darker colors. Again, we will never get rid of them. We are having our Pennsylvania House living room sofa and a chair reupholstered in the spring. One of our pieces of furniture that we are going to repurpose is a large sofa table that we are having coasters put on and a new quartz countertop. We are downsizing soon and will be using this as a combo kitchen island and a lunch table. We have added several antique pieces over the years and still love them. The furniture we see in the stores today for the most part simply isn’t the best quality. If we were starting out again I think we would do the same thing. Take your time, have a plan, save up for your purchases and enjoy every minute.

  10. So nice to connect with all of you here on our blogs again and do another yearly design trends post, Cindy! I am right there with you, especially on the large, bulky curvy upholstered furniture. I’ve seen it all over High Point for the past 5 years and hoping it is almost done! Honestly, they don’t have good back support, better for perching and for younger people to pretzel themselves up into I think. 🙂 I’m loving seeing more color and personality in homes these days and am on the same page with you on your points here. Great to do this again this year with you lovely girls! Carla

  11. This is so true, Cindy, “every room benefits from an antique piece” or at least vintage. I’ve been telling Tommy and Mona this with their first house. Great post.

    1. Hi Mary Ann

      Both of our kids have vintage, antique and new pieces in their homes. They like the mix!

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