Top 10 Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2026

A designers look at how warmth, craft, and character take center stage as interiors continue their shift toward personality-driven design.

If 2025 marked a collective return to warmth and individuality, then 2026 is the year those ideas deepen and mature. We’re not witnessing a dramatic pivot so much as a continuation — a natural evolution away from stark minimalism and toward homes that feel richer, fuller, and far more personal. Over the past few years, color has come back with conviction, natural materials have regained their footing, and maximalism has slowly reintroduced itself with a more refined, layered sensibility.

This year, those themes expand: interiors embrace an eclectic mix of influences, woods take on moodier tones,

curves re-emerge with a gentle retro nod, and textures become the language of comfort. Even color — which some predict will swing back toward neutrality — holds its ground in the hands of designers who understand that personality is rarely expressed through restraint alone.

The following ten trends reflect where interiors are headed: warmer, more expressive, more tactile, and deeply attuned to craft and character. Each one invites you to design with feeling, intention, and a sense of place.

1. The Rise of “Lived-In Eclecticism”

Homes in 2026 continue to move toward a curated, lived-in aesthetic where nothing feels overly polished or overly planned. This isn’t clutter — it’s character. Think layered textiles, mixed eras, worn woods, handmade ceramics, personal collections on display, and subtle imperfections that make a space feel human. What once might have been considered “mismatched” now reads as intentional, expressive, and rooted in a sense of place.

This trend dovetails beautifully with eclectic interior design, where the blending of influences — modern with vintage, sculptural with classic, bold with understated — becomes the point.

Rather than striving for a perfect “look,” interiors this year feel assembled over time, shaped by memory, travel, and personal taste. Warm, inviting, and undeniably individual.

The effect is achieved through thoughtful layering: pairing heirloom pieces with contemporary art, mixing patinated metals with clean-lined upholstery, or combining antique frames with casual, lived-in textiles. Even simple gestures — stacked books, well-used pottery, aged leather, botanical studies, or organic greenery — contribute to the sense that a space has grown naturally rather than been orchestrated in a single sweep. The result is an environment that feels storied and soulful, the kind of home that evolves with its owner and welcomes imperfection as part of its charm.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Remy Transitional LED Naturan Wrapped Floor Lamp @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: Hayes Club Chair @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: 19thC Seascape Painting H Irving Marlatt @ One Kings Lane

2. Moody Woods & Mixed Timber Tones

Warm wood has been on the rise for years, but 2026 deepens the palette. Expect richer stains, expressive grain patterns, vintage or reclaimed timber, burl details, and casual mixing of different species within one space. This shift isn’t about creating a perfectly matched set of finishes — it’s about celebrating the natural variation that gives a room warmth and soul.

Matching your woods perfectly is no longer necessary — in fact, the charm lies in the contrast. Dark walnut beside honey oak, ash paired with teak, a vintage credenza next to a modern dining table— the interplay feels organic rather than orchestrated. Painted finishes join the mix as well, softening or grounding the palette without interrupting the rhythm of natural texture.

Muted greens, deep charcoals, creamy whites, and earthy taupes work beautifully alongside wood tones, offering balance and subtle lift.

In kitchens and dining spaces especially, we’ll continue to see more freestanding “furniture” moments rather than uniform cabinetry — islands treated as standalone pieces, hutches replacing upper cabinets, mixed-wood shelving stacked beside painted millwork. These combinations add depth, variety, and a collected-over-time authenticity that feels both intentional and deeply livable.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Acacia Wood Cutting Board Set @ Amazon

SHOP NOW: Simone Scallop Pendant @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW: Sage Performance Linen Bar and Counter Stool @ Anthropologie

3. Curves, Sculptural Silhouettes & Retro Echoes

Curved furniture continues its quiet rise, but 2026 leans into it with a renewed sense of softness and a subtle nod to the 60s and 70s — decades rich with organic forms, low loungers, and playful silhouettes. This year’s curves feel sculptural rather than whimsical: rounded sofas, arched consoles, pedestal tables, oval backs, asymmetric benches. They add movement to a room and help break up the rigid geometry that dominated the minimalist era. It’s an evolution toward relaxed comfort, nostalgic in spirit but undeniably modern in execution.

What’s shifting now is the range of pieces adopting those contours.

Beyond the expected sofas and accent chairs, we’re seeing curved millwork, softened-edge stone tables, wavy shelving, and lighting with biomorphic profiles. These shapes introduce a sense of flow that guides the eye around a room, making even compact spaces feel more gracious and intentional.

The retro influence is more than a reference point — many designers are incorporating true vintage pieces, reupholstered or refinished to highlight their original craftsmanship. What defines the 2026 version is the material palette: boucle, mohair, warm woods, plaster finishes, soft metals, and toned-down neutrals that lend a sense of refinement. These choices temper the playfulness of the era and steer it toward something more sophisticated. The result is furniture that feels both nostalgic and elevated — silhouettes with a hint of retro attitude, made richer and more lasting through better materials and quieter color stories.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Bozzi Mongolian Sheepskin Chair @ CB2

SHOP NOW: Ramsbury Beige Area Rug @ Style By Cici

SHOP NOW: Moscow End Table, Dark Petrified Wood @ One Kings Lane

4. Textiles, Wall Hangings & Tactile Layers

Textile-driven décor continues to deepen its influence in 2026, evolving from simple accent pieces into one of the most expressive texture trends of the year. Softness is no longer an afterthought — it’s a design strategy. Woven wall hangings, macramé, embroidered art, layered rugs, nubby throws, fringe, tassels, boucle, slub linens, hand-loomed pillows… each element adds dimension, warmth, and a sense of craft that offsets the harder edges of wood, stone, and metal elsewhere in a room.

This direction also dovetails naturally with the bohemian-leaning spaces people are gravitating toward: relaxed silhouettes, global influences, and an abundance of greenery that blurs indoor and outdoor living. It’s tactile, welcoming, and incredibly personal — a contrast to the sleek, echo-y minimalism we’ve slowly pulled away from.

In practice, the key is varied layering. Mix high-pile with flat-weave rugs, pair a structured sofa with oversized knit throws, or flank clean architectural lines with soft, hand-woven textiles. Add one statement piece — a dramatic fiber art installation, a textured mural, or a sculptural fabric tapestry — and balance it with subtler textures in the rest of the space. Even small details like trim, piping, or raised embroidery change the visual temperature of a room.

For those wanting to bring the trend home, think beyond “cozy décor” and consider textiles as artful finishing touches. They absorb sound, soften light, warm up color palettes, and immediately make a space feel lived-in and layered. When done well, the result feels effortless and atmospheric.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Natural Jute Woven Pouf @ Amazon

SHOP NOW: Paige Wall Hanging @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW: Macrame Hammock Chair @ Wayfair

SHOP NOW: Ceramic Flower Vase @ Amazon

SHOP NOW: Vernelda Cream Plush Wool Blend Area Rug @ Wayfair

SHOP NOW: Scallop White Clay Indoor/Outdoor Planter Medium @ CB2

5. Earthy Color Palettes (and Why I’m Ignoring Pantone’s “White”)

Warm, moody color has been trending for several years — jewel tones, deep greens, burgundies, ochres — and while these are still relevant, 2026 starts shifting toward earthier interpretations. Think clay, rust, tobacco, olive, muddy navy, mushroom, and charcoal brown. The look is grounded yet expressive, dramatic yet soothing.

And although Pantone has boldly chosen "white" as the Color of the Year for 2026… I, like many designers, will be politely ignoring that. Color isn’t disappearing — it’s evolving. We’re simply moving from highly saturated tones toward nature-inspired hues that feel warm, wearable, and deeply comforting.

This palette shift is also closely connected to materiality. As interiors embrace more handcrafted elements, we’re seeing an increase in raw silks, hand-finished leathers, natural ceramics, textured stone, unvarnished woods, and botanical dye-inspired textiles. These materials inherently carry earthy undertones, so the colors and the materials reinforce each other — each making the other feel richer, more tactile, and more connected to the natural world. This is where the warmth really comes from: not just the paint on the wall, but the tones that live in the objects, fabrics, and finishes throughout a room.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Tall Terracotta Pot with Earthy Gray-Brown Finish @ Amazon

SHOP NOW: Leslie Semi-Flush Mount, Gilded Iron @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: Alemany Leather Pouf @ Wayfair

6. Mixed Materials & Highly Textural Surfaces

Hard surfaces in 2026 are anything but flat. Instead of slick, uniform finishes, we are seeing tumbled and honed stone, hand-glazed tiles with soft variation, ribbed or reeded glass, hammered or brushed metals, and hardware that shows a hint of patina. The eye reads those tiny irregularities as richness and age, which instantly makes a space feel more considered.

This mixed-material approach adds dimension, depth, and a sense of authenticity. Designers are layering metal finishes (bronze with blackened steel, brass with nickel), pairing stone with textured glass fronts, or using decorative metalwork against deeply toned tile. The contrast between smooth and rough, matte and reflective, becomes the visual interest rather than heavy pattern.

Because these finishes are so exposed and so frequently touched, there is a growing emphasis on quality. Think solid bronze or unlacquered brass faucets instead of anonymous stainless, handmade tile rather than generic sheet materials, artisan metalwork in place of flimsy hardware. These are surfaces that are meant to age in place. This focus on tactile, well-made details sets the stage for the next big theme of 2026: a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and the people behind the work.

7. Craftsmanship, Custom Work, Antiques & Intention

After years of fast décor and disposable trends, 2026 places real value on pieces with soul — items shaped by human hands, time, skill, and story. This goes beyond buying from small shops (though that’s certainly part of it); it’s a broader shift toward interiors built from a thoughtful blend of handcrafted work, antiques, artist-made objects, and select retail finds that earn their place through quality.

People are looking for furniture and decor that feel considered: a custom wool rug with subtle irregularities, a vintage cabinet with decades of patina, a hand-thrown vase from an emerging ceramicist, or framed photography from a local artist. These pieces don’t match — they harmonize. They bring depth and age to rooms that might otherwise lean too new, too polished, or too generic.

What’s emerging is a more discerning approach to sourcing. As many mainstream online retailers drift toward a fast-furniture model — quick trends, lower quality, short lifespans — designers are doubling down on pieces with longevity and intention. That often means mixing trade-only furnishings with custom upholstery, hunting through antique galleries, commissioning local artisans, and pulling in boutique-made soft-goods or accessories. The result isn’t precious or purist; it’s a layered mix where the investment pieces carry the weight, and the supporting elements create depth, story, and soul.

The result is a home that feels layered and lived with — not just styled. A space where every piece contributes something meaningful, whether it’s craftsmanship, history, or the simple pleasure of knowing exactly who made it.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Louis Double Wall Sconce, Antiqued Gold @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: Textures and Patterns of Agra Framed Print @ Style By Cici (FAA)

SHOP NOW: Choros Two Tier Chandelier, Aged Iron @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: Henry Chair, Café Crypton Leather @ One Kings Lane

SHOP NOW: Mid-Century Macassar Sideboard, France, 1960s @ 1stDibs

SHOP NOW: Faux Fur Cable-Knit Sweater Pillow @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW: Cable Knit Cashmere Throw, Ivory @ Quince

SHOP NOW: The Gleaming Primrose Vanity Tray @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW: Archive New York Striped Antigua Pillow @ Anthropologie

8. Maximalism Evolves: Layered, Refined & Collected

Maximalism is still very much with us — but in a more curated, intentional way. What emerges in 2026 is a layered sensibility rooted in storytelling: patterns mixing with textures, vintage pieces styled beside contemporary pieces, and rooms designed to be experienced rather than simply viewed.

This isn’t the maximalism of over-the-top clutter — it’s the continuation of an aesthetic that celebrates abundance. Color-drenching, pattern layering, richly decorated walls, curated shelves, oversized florals — these all blend into a playful yet sophisticated whole.

The difference now is intention. Rather than layering endlessly and hoping it works, 2026 maximalism is planned with a designer’s eye: pieces are chosen for how they speak to one another — in tone, in texture, in silhouette — long before they ever share a room. Collections feel curated and collected. Patterns relate through scale or palette. Layering is deliberate, allowing each element to support the overall mood of the room. It’s maximalism shaped from the outset, where every risk is considered and every flourish has a reason. The result is an aesthetic that feels expressive, personal, and confidently composed.

9. Plaster, Limewash & the Return of Artisanal Wall Finishes

Walls take on a much more expressive role in 2026 as textured finishes become a defining feature of the home. Limewash, clay paint, tinted plaster, and hand-applied finishes create soft movement across a surface — a gentle matte glow that shifts with the light. These aren’t loud statements; they’re quiet layers of depth, subtle variation, and a sense of quality that flat paint simply can’t achieve.

This renewed interest in textured walls ties directly back to craftsmanship and the use of quality materials that age gracefully rather than need replacing. Whether it’s a limewashed living room, a plastered bedroom archway, or a softly mottled dining room wall,

these finishes feel inherently handmade, grounding the home in something timeless. They pair effortlessly with the other trends shaping 2026 — warm woods, sculptural silhouettes, earthy palettes, and the ongoing shift toward spaces that feel collected rather than constructed.

In a year defined by tactility and longevity, plaster and limewash offer a quiet luxury: surfaces that don’t just look beautiful, but feel crafted with intention.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Avril Capiz Shell Wall Mirror @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW:  Journey 60" Terracotta Red Velvet Bench @ CB2

SHOP NOW: Broche 2-Light Wall Sconce @ One Kings Lane

10. Statement Art, Sculptural Pieces & Unexpected Focal Points

Art in 2026 isn’t just decorative — it’s spatial, dimensional, and intentionally commanding. Oversized paintings remain a staple, but we’re seeing a renewed embrace of large-scale sculpture, carved stone forms, kinetic mobiles, water features, and mixed-media installations that anchor a room in a completely different way. Instead of merely hanging something on the wall, designers are treating art as a structural presence that shapes the flow and emotion of a space.

These pieces interact beautifully with the other trends — imagine a sleek metal sculpture set against a natural split-face stone wall in a home’s entry.

It’s dramatic, modern, and deeply connected to the widening appreciation for layered materials and organic texture. Rooms feel fuller, more expressive, and anchored by artistry.

What’s new in 2026 is the confidence behind these choices. Homeowners are seeking focal points that feel intentional: a single commanding artwork rather than many smaller ones, or one sculptural object placed where architecture and furnishing meet. It’s less about filling space and more about creating moments — thoughtful, expressive, and deeply personal statements that elevate even the simplest room.

Shop The Look

SHOP NOW: Golden Handkerchief Planter @ Anthropologie

SHOP NOW:  Socca 67'' Taupe Sheepskin Upholstered Bench @ CB2

SHOP NOW: Fiberglass abstract sculpture @ Wayfair

A Final Look at the Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2026:

If there’s one thing this year makes clear, it’s that design is shifting toward intention. The interior design trends to embrace in 2026 aren’t about chasing statements for the sake of novelty — they’re about creating spaces that feel personal, textured, and deeply lived-in. Across the board, we’re seeing a renewed respect for craftsmanship, honest materials, expressive silhouettes, and a richer sense of character. These ideas overlap, speak to one another, and quietly build a collective aesthetic language: warmth layered with refinement, nostalgia balanced with modernity, simplicity elevated by nuance.

What ties these trends together is the move away from perfection and toward resonance. Rooms feel curated rather than “done,” shaped by choices that privilege longevity, comfort, artistry, and story. Whether it’s a lived-in eclectic corner, a sculptural curve, a moody palette, a mixed-material moment, or a treasured antique, each element contributes to a home that feels intentional and emotionally dimensional.

Design in 2026 is less about following rules and more about cultivating a point of view — blending eras, exploring texture, supporting artisans, and choosing pieces that hold meaning. When all of those layers come together, the result isn’t just stylish. It’s atmospheric, expressive, and unmistakably yours. At its core, this year is about designing homes that feel lived, loved, and layered — spaces shaped by the people in them and the stories they tell.

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