2026 Interior Design Trends We Hope to See More Of

If 2026 had a design moodboard, it’d be all about comfort—with character. The shift is real: homes are moving away from looking picture-perfect and stepping into a cozier, more personal space. Think: rooms that feel lived in, layered with meaning, and full of soul. It’s not about perfection—it’s about personality.

Here’s what’s on our interior designer’s wish list for 2026: the trends we’re excited about, and simple ways you can weave them into your home in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

1) Plaid, everywhere (yes, even tile)

Plaid has officially graduated from cozy throw blankets. We want to see it show up in upholstery, wallpaper, and especially statement surfaces like bathroom floors, backsplashes, or fireplace surrounds.

How to make it feel fresh (not theme-y):

• Keep the palette tight: tone-on-tone plaid reads modern and tailored.
• Use it like an accent wall: a powder bath, mudroom, or bar nook is perfect.
• Try plaid tile in a small area first (it’s impactful fast).

2) Kitchen islands that look like furniture

We’re ready to retire the giant “block of cabinets” island as the default. Instead, we love islands that feel like a beautiful piece of furniture: open legs, lighter visual weight, and details that look crafted.

Easy ways to get the look:

• Turned legs or chunky posts (more on that next)
• A worktable-style island with open shelving
• Mixed materials (wood base + stone top) for that collected feel

3) Ornate, chunky table legs (yes please)

This is the detail that makes a kitchen feel designed instead of “standard.” Chunkier, more traditional leg profiles add warmth and help the island read as furniture rather than built-in cabinetry.

Where else it works:

• Bathroom vanities that look like a dresser
• Laundry room folding tables
• Built-in banquettes with furniture-style bases

4) Rooms with zero recessed cans

We love a ceiling that feels calm. More designers are shifting away from recessed lighting as the primary plan and leaning into layered lighting instead: sconces, pendants, lamps, picture lights, and subtle architectural glow.

What to do instead:

• Start with a statement fixture (or two) that adds personality
• Add sconces anywhere you want warmth and softness
• Use lamps like “mood makers” in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms

5) Rich, moody color that shows some confidence

Neutrals will always have a place, but we want to see more depth: dark greens, deep reds, moody blues, and those grounded, cozy browns that make a room feel finished.

Try it without regret:

• Color drench a powder bath (walls, trim, ceiling) for instant drama
• Use rich color on cabinetry, then keep counters and tile calmer
• Start with one “anchor” piece: a sofa, rug, or built-in painted a saturated tone

6) Hidden doors to all the best rooms

We’re rooting for more “wait, where does that go?” moments. Concealed doors (often called jib doors) are equal parts practical and magical: they keep walls visually clean and let you tuck away a bar, library, guest room, or pantry.

Best use cases:

• Bar or beverage room off the kitchen
• Guest suite entry in a hallway
• Home office when you want the room to disappear after hours

7) A stained glass comeback

Stained glass is re-entering the chat, and not in a churchy way. Think modern geometry, unexpected color, and privacy-friendly applications that still let light move through the home.

Where we’d love to see it:

• Pantry walls or room dividers (especially in open layouts)
• Bathroom windows where you want privacy without losing daylight
• A front door moment that instantly makes the house feel special

8) Bigger cabinet hardware (make it a feature)

Hardware is getting bolder. Designers are calling for statement pulls, larger scale, textured finishes, and pieces that feel substantial in the hand.

What this changes in a space:

• Simple cabinet fronts look more custom
• Rooms feel more “designed” with minimal effort
• It’s one of the highest-impact upgrades per dollar in a kitchen or bath

9) Materials that age on purpose

Bring on the living finishes: unlacquered brass, patinated metals, oxidized copper, and materials that deepen with time instead of looking worn out. We’re seeing a broader appetite for finishes that develop character, not perfection.

And yes, even living elements, like moss or compact indoor gardens, are showing up more as people look for nature inside the home in ways that feel intentional and functional.

Where “aging materials” shine:

• Kitchen and bath hardware
• Statement lighting
• Accent details like shelves, rails, and decorative grilles

The through-line: homes that feel personal, not performative

The best trend is the one that fits how you actually live. 2026 design conversations keep circling back to warmth, craft, character, and spaces that feel collected over time.

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel this year, our team can help you translate these ideas into choices that still feel like you five, ten, and fifteen years from now.

Ready to start with clarity? Book a Brief Initial Virtual Remodeling Meeting, and we’ll help you map out a smart next step for your home.