A Look at What’s Shaping Home Design in 2026

Before we talk trends, we want to talk about intention.

We believe the most compelling homes aren’t designed for a single moment, they’re built to grow, adapt, and collect stories over time. Trends don’t need to be avoided, but they do benefit from perspective. When used with care, they can introduce a sense of delight. A spark of charm or wonder that makes a space feel fresh and personal without losing its grounding.

The key is knowing where trends belong.

Strong homes start with a solid foundation. Architecture that’s respected. Proportions that make sense. Materials that feel honest. When those pieces are in place, everything layered on top feels easier. Trends become accents instead of commitments, showing up in paint, textiles, artwork, and details that can evolve.

Interior design often moves in rhythm with culture, fashion, and memory. As we look toward 2026, we’re seeing a shift away from stark minimalism and toward spaces that feel warmer, richer, and more collected. Nostalgia is still present but it’s refined, intentional, and rooted in craftsmanship rather than novelty.

These are trends that interior designer Shauna Speet shared with us, based on what she’s seeing firsthand in her work. Her approach consistently balances personality with timelessness, which is why her perspective felt like a natural fit for this conversation.

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The “Kathleen Kelly” Aesthetic

There’s a renewed appreciation for homes that feel lived-in and loved. Spaces layered with books, pattern, and comfort. Think florals paired with checks, subtle stripes mixed with classic prints, and generously scaled seating meant for lingering rather than looking.

These rooms don’t strive for perfection. Instead, they celebrate personality and warmth, with each layer added intentionally over time. It’s a style that feels nostalgic without being precious and inviting rather than curated.

This approach pairs naturally with lighting that feels familiar and grounded with fixtures that anchor a space and quietly support the atmosphere rather than compete with it.

 

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Rich, Deep Color Palettes

After years of soft neutrals dominating interiors, color is returning with confidence.

Saturated greens, moody blues, warm reds, and inky neutrals are appearing across furniture, textiles, and walls. Rather than overwhelming a room, these hues add depth and emotion creating spaces that feel enveloping and intentional.

Lighting plays a critical role here. Thoughtfully placed, warm light brings balance to deeper palettes, highlighting texture and craftsmanship while maintaining a sense of comfort. It’s not about brightness for brightness’ sake, but about creating a glow that feels lived-in and welcoming.

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Confident Pattern Mixing

As color deepens, pattern follows.

Pattern mixing is becoming more expressive, moving beyond accent pillows and into rugs, upholstery, and wall treatments. The most successful spaces balance this confidence with restraint—mixing scales, grounding bold patterns with solids, and allowing classic elements to hold the room together.

When the foundation is rooted in timeless design, pattern becomes storytelling rather than distraction. Each layer adds character, reflecting the people who live there and the life unfolding within the space.

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A Final Thought on Trends

Good design is rarely finished.

The homes that feel most alive are shaped through small adjustments over time. Tinkering, refining, and responding to how a space is truly used. This process isn’t rushed. It’s collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in respect for both the past and the present.

Trends will come and go, but homes built with integrity, craftsmanship, and care tend to endure. When we design with longevity in mind, leaving room for evolution, delight, and shared pride in the work we create spaces that feel timeless, not tied to a single year.

 

Happy Shopping!