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What does 2026 have in store? In Design Psychic, our community of editors, experts, and tastemakers predicts the trends coming soon to a house near you.
It’s getting harder and harder to guess what year a home was built just by looking at the interior, and that’s because designers want it that way. “Overall, the direction in renovations is shifting from spaces that feel overly new and toward designs that feel intentional, collected, and inherently timeless,” says Calgary-based designer Alykhan Velji. For pro Sarah Akbary, that’s playing out in the form of dark woods like walnut and smoked oak, richly veined stones, handmade tile, and limewash walls. For others, it looks like antique fireplace mantels and intricate crown moldings. Here’s what 25 designers had to say when we asked them what types of renovations will be big in the new year.
Moldings, Paneling, and Unique Architectural Details
We’re seeing a renewed appreciation for moldings—larger baseboards, crowns, and architraves—that bring a layered, curated sensibility back into the home. Wood panelling is also making a major return, particularly in entryways and transitional spaces. –Alykhan Velji, creative director at Aly Velji Designs
Incorporating architectural elements into design and bringing them back into the home. Think: beefy baseboards, plaster crown, ceiling details, and paneling. I want less perfection and more human touch. –Sam Sacks, founder of Sam Sacks Design
Architectural arches, limewash and plaster walls throughout, and accent ceilings. These elements bring softness, depth, and character to new builds and renovations. –Justine Wolman, founder of Justine Wolman Interiors
In 2026, I think we will see more natural stone, warm woods, textured plasters, and thoughtful architectural moments that support a sense of ease. –Elana Tenenbaum Cline, founder and creative director of Carta Creatives
Intricate crown molding, arched doorways, and charming traditional features just make a home feel warmer and more lived-in. There’s definitely less interest in the super modern, minimal look, and more excitement around designs that feel historic, soulful, and full of character. –Alissa Johnson, founder of Alissa Johnson Interiors
Stone Used in Surprising Places
Expect to see stone used in unexpected ways, like curved backsplashes and archways. Custom built-ins that merge timeless craftsmanship with everyday function will be a focus in 2026. –Christina Cruz, founder of Christina Cruz Interiors
Limewash and Plaster Walls
We’re seeing more clients explore limewash and Roman clay as an alternative way to bring interest to their walls. Instead of relying solely on patterned wallpaper, these textured finishes offer a softer, more subtle kind of impact. –Amy Courtney, founder of Amy Courtney Design
Hardware That’s Like Jewelry
We’re seeing a resurgence of bold, sculptural hardware that refreshes even the most understated millwork. Rounded silhouettes, hand-cast textures, and unique bronze or marble compositions are adding personality and polish to the kitchen. Some of my personal favorites come from Lo & Co Hardware. –Kimberly Oxford, founder of Kimberly Oxford Interiors
We expect to see a rise in mixed hardware, whether using a single finish across multiple shapes and styles or leaning into playful statement hardware for added personality. –Shaolin Low, founder of Studio Shaolin
Spaces That Force You to Disconnect
I think everyone is craving real right now—hardware that actually tarnishes, terracotta tile, stone that’s not polished to death—and a move back to analog spaces (no more refrigerators with TV screens on them!) People want a home where they can unplug and not fight with Alexa about dimming the lights. –Leanne Ford, founder of Leanne Ford Interiors
Old-World Details
Travel-inspired warmth is driving demand for reclaimed materials: hand-hewn beams, antique mantels, cobblestone flooring, and centuries-old–style hardwoods. Homeowners are shifting away from cold, minimal surfaces toward grounding, soulful interiors. –Cynthia Ferguson, founder of Cynthia Ferguson Designs
A Renewed Focus on Wellness
I think we are going to see a more aggressive shift into wellness, playing a major role in design. Not only [concerning] what our furniture is made of, but how lighting affects our mood or how our kitchens function; the appliances we bring into our homes. And more of a focus on bringing the outdoors in as much as possible. –Kristin Harrison, founder of Georgia & Hunt Design House
Clients are increasingly carving out areas dedicated to relaxation and self-care. Think: plunge pools, saunas, massage rooms, and upgraded home gyms. I’m leaning heavily into light woods, beautiful tiles, and subtle textures to create serene, restorative environments. –Amy Kalikow, founder of Amy Kalikow Design
Softer Corners
Rounded edges, cerused woods, and natural textures are defining interiors right now. These softer, more sculptural shapes add movement and comfort without relying on color to make a statement. –Emily Del Bello, founder of Emily Del Bello Interiors
In 2026, I’m expecting to see a continued rise in rounded and curved kitchen islands, which bring a softer, more sculptural feel to the heart of the home. –Britany Simon, owner of Britany Simon Design House
Lighting with Trim
Personalized lighting is trending. Visual Comfort’s new color program shows just how customizable fixtures have become. Shades are going bespoke as well, with tailored fabrics and trim-heavy detailing. Consider it the era of more trim! –Hillary Cohen, founder of HCO Interiors
Moody Paint Colors
Homeowners are choosing nuanced mid-tone colors such as plum brown, ochre, and mauve, paired with layered textures like mohair, suede, and patterned velvet. The greige detox is real. –Jay Jeffers, founder and principal of Jay Jeffers Inc.
Personalized Layouts
Floor plans are becoming more tailored to the way each client actually lives. For some, that means a home office with doors that close; for others, it’s a walk-in pantry that doubles as a workspace, or a separate den that can flex between reading nook and guest room. –Olivia Botrie, creative director and principal at Dart Studio
Angular Ceilings and Eye-catching Doorways
We anticipate that in 2026, angles and lines will take center stage as design moves away from predictability. Sloped ceilings meeting clean verticals, material changes in thresholds (such as shifting from stone to wood), and subtle shifts in ceiling height, flooring texture, and lighting tone, will define movement through a home with intention. –Jen Dean, principal designer of Jede Interiors
Eco-Friendly Features
I am seeing a strong push toward materials and finishes that offer both durability and environmental benefits. Expect extensive use of reclaimed wood, bamboo, and other rapidly renewable resources. And we’ll see a surge in features like vertical gardens, large windows, and skylights to maximize natural light and bring greenery inside. –Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan
Roomy Pantries
For kitchens, butler pantries are a big request; a place where all the messy stuff lives (appliances, coffee set-ups, etc.). The pantry is typically concealed from the kitchen but always adjacent for convenience—sometimes even concealed through a hidden door. –Kevin Kaminski, architect and cofounder at Kaminski + Pew
Art Deco Nods
Art Deco influences will rise. Think stepped ceiling crowns, motif-driven stair railings, and bespoke shelving that bring timeless glamour to renovations. –Coco Greenblum, founder of Studio Coco Greenblum
Cork
Cork seems to be seeing a boost in popularity recently, whether it’s a wallcovering or a coffee table, we are seeing it pop up all over. –Karen Asprea, founder of Asprea Studio
Glass Bricks and Tiled Countertops
Glass bricks, tiled countertops that continues on to the cabinetry, and metal finishes are all making a strong comeback, each adding its own texture and personality to interiors. Glass bricks now appear in modern applications that soften light and subtly divide spaces, giving homes a sculptural, luminous feel. Tiled countertops, once written off, are returning with larger-format tiles, handcrafted ceramics, and cleaner grout lines that bring craftsmanship and visual depth without the old maintenance issues. –Huma Sulaiman, founder of Huma Sulaiman Design
Built-in Furniture
Built-in furniture will be a major movement, from integrated bookcases and sculptural window seats and cushions to custom millwork that feels architectural rather than decorative. –Jaime Rummerfield, founder of Rummerfield’s