We’re off to a strong start for 2026 with lots of design projects coming up! As we take a look at the trends, they are primarily revolving around how a space feels. This is a beautiful development, as it means that people are longing for homes that are supportive, calming, and personal. Stark minimalism is out, with soft, serene neutrals and cozy textures taking its place.

From wellness rooms to reading nooks, these are the trends in home design that have caught our attention for 2026.

Personalized Storytelling

One of the most notable trends in 2026 is a move away from “perfect showroom” interiors and toward homes that feel personal. People want their spaces to reflect them, not a cookie-cutter template. Rather than buying new decor, a lot of homeowners are using their family heirlooms, custom art, and pieces collected during travels to weave together their personal story in their home. We’ve always loved doing this for our clients. For inspiration on how to let your lifestyle guide your design, explore this recent blog.

Reading Nooks

We’ve finally reached a point where people are pushing back against constant screen time and craving more tangible ways to connect, learn, and unwind. One of the biggest shifts is a return to analog hobbies like reading, which helps explain why reading nooks are gaining popularity. Yours might take the shape of a window seat with layered pillows, or a cozy lounge chair. Add a lamp, a small bookshelf, and a throw blanket, and you’ve got yourself a personal reading nook.

Warm, Earthy Palettes

The color story of 2026 is rooted in the earth: clay, terracotta, ochre, tobacco, and olive. These colors inherently feel cozy and comforting, which ties in with the other themes we’ve discussed so far. If you’re trying out a new earth-hued palette at home, start with rich neutral tones as your foundation, then add texture through fabrics and finishes so the space feels layered and cohesive.

Colorful Ceilings

Speaking of color, don’t forget about the fifth wall: the ceiling. Painting your ceiling is one of the easiest ways to add personality without overwhelming a room. It instantly makes an impact and draws the eye upwards. If you’d like to try out this trend, test a shade on the ceiling that’s one to two tones lighter than your wall color for a polished, color-drenched look.

Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

2026 is the year homeowners are stepping into their wellness era. In bathroom design, that’s translating into spaces inspired by upscale spas with freestanding tubs, elevated finishes, and beautiful bespoke tilework. For some, the experience goes even further with features like an at-home sauna or a dedicated red-light therapy zone. If you’d like to bring this trend into your own space in a smaller way, start with dimmable lighting and introduce a sense of luxury through rich textures like plush towels, layered bath mats, and accessories made from organic materials.

Use Risers for LevelsStatement Lighting

In 2026, lighting is no longer an afterthought. Sculptural pendants, dramatic chandeliers, and artisanal ceramic lamps are becoming essential to the overall design, making a statement that is more than just functional. The best lighting should look like art!

“Grandma Chic”

Classic design is also back, and we’re seeing more homeowners embrace antique accents and “grandma chic” decor. These are traditional elements that instantly add charm and architectural character, like wainscoting and china cabinets. If you’d like to try out these trends in a way that feels fresh, not fussy, mix old and new pieces to keep your space grounded in the present.

A Fresh Start for a New Year

The biggest takeaway from 2026 design trends is that homes are becoming more human again. Warmth, texture, and personal meaning are shaping the way we live and the spaces we create. If you’re planning a renovation or refresh this year, start with one question: How do you want your home to feel? We’d be happy to help you create a design plan that fits your life & style in 2026.