2026 Interior Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere (And How to Use Them)

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I often joke that I’m still emotionally recovering from millennial gray. And while that’s absolutely true (and while I did just paint my entire home a creamy shade of off-white), I have to admit—the design forecast for 2026 is looking bright. And I mean that literally.

Data shows it’s not just millennials shedding the drab, minimalist interiors of the last decade. The entire design world is shifting toward bold, character-driven interiors that embrace personality over perfection. Eclectic spaces, expressive color, and intentional design choices are officially back—and experts predict these interior design trends will define homes in 2026.

If you’re not really a trend person and you’re craving practical home refreshes that actually last, I shared exactly that in New Year Home Refresh (Unsexy Swaps That Actually Matter).

Now let's get into the trends.

Bold Design Styles You Probably Haven’t Heard Of (Yet)

From Neo Deco to Afrohemian, with a little FunHaus (yes, borderline clowncore) energy thrown in, 2026 interior design trends are all about bold choices that still feel curated and intentional. The once-ubiquitous Cottagecore and Y2K moments are stepping aside to make room for something more expressive—and more grown-up.

Neo Deco: Modern Glam Makes a Comeback

Of all the emerging design styles for 2026, Neo Deco might be the one I’m loving most. Think 1920s glamour with a modern edge—the kind of space that feels luxurious but not costume-y, dramatic but still livable. It’s rich, moody, and confident in a way that feels intentional rather than overdone.

Velvet and leather upholstery, marble accents, geometric shapes, and warm gold or brass finishes are what define this aesthetic. A plush, sculptural piece like this Oversized Curved Green Upholstered Modular Sectional Sofa fits perfectly into this look, adding softness and color while still feeling elevated and architectural. Paired with a statement piece like the Saint Mossi Tadio Double Layer Glass Coffee Table, which layers smoked glass with a darker base, the space immediately starts to feel polished and dimensional. Ground it all with something substantial—like this Fluted TV Stand in Dark Walnut with a faux marble top—to bring in that classic Deco-inspired materiality without tipping into old-fashioned territory. The result is a modern-day Gatsby moment: bold, dramatic, and unapologetically glamorous, but still grounded enough for real life.

Afrohemian: Where Culture Meets Comfort

Afrohemian design is exactly what it sounds like—a thoughtful blend of African influences and bohemian style, rooted in bold color, natural materials, and organic shapes. This trend puts craftsmanship front and center, favoring handcrafted art, layered textiles, and pieces that feel collected over time rather than bought all at once.

One of the easiest ways to bring Afrohemian style into your home is through layered rugs and texture, like with this geometric, high-traffic, durable area rug. Woven materials, vintage rugs, and imperfect patterns add warmth and depth instantly, making a space feel grounded and lived-in instead of overly styled. You can build on that same sense of texture vertically with something like a three-piece woven wall basket set, which adds visual interest without feeling heavy or overly formal. I go deeper into this in How to Use Rugs to Warm Up a Space, where I break down how rugs can completely shift the mood of a room—especially if your home is feeling a little flat or sterile.

Textiles and sculptural accents are where Afrohemian spaces really start to feel personal. A two-pack of boho decorative throw pillows is an easy way to layer in pattern and softness on a sofa or bed, while resin abstract tribal statues bring in that collected, artisan feel that makes a space feel intentional rather than trendy. These are the kinds of details that tell a story—pieces that look like they were found, not fast-tracked.

What makes Afrohemian interiors so compelling is that no two spaces look the same. Each room reflects the people who live there, shaped by artisan-made pieces, meaningful objects, and textures that invite you to slow down. It’s cozy, expressive, and deeply personal—everything 2026 interiors are moving toward.

FunHaus: Playful, But Make It Intentional

Lastly—hope you’re not afraid of clowns—FunHaus is bringing bright colors, bold stripes, and sculptural silhouettes into the 2026 design conversation.

If you were a crochet-lover who followed TwinkieChan on Instagram back in the day, you already understand the vibe. The key to this trend is balance. A playful pop goes a long way. Too much, and you risk crossing the line from FunHaus into… nut house.

This full length wall mirror from Honyee comes in a variety of colors (the green or pink fit this aesthetic very well) but it's subtle enough that the personality shines without being over bearing. And I don't care what you think of the circus you can't convince me that you'll find a cuter wall fixture than this resin monkey wall light. These striped throw pillows are another low-risk way to incorporate the trend.

Bring It Back to the Earth

For years, we’ve seen a steady shift toward eco-conscious design, but in 2026 it truly comes to a head. Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s an expectation.

From incorporating vintage and thrifted finds to choosing sustainable materials, homeowners are becoming more intentional about the environmental impact of their spaces. Alongside that shift is a renewed love for earth-inspired interiors.

Natural materials that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living—raw wood, woven fibers, stone, and clay—are defining this trend. Earth tones layered with texture create homes that feel grounded, warm, and connected to the natural world.

Personalized, Story-Driven Spaces Are the Real Trend

At the heart of every 2026 interior design trend is one core idea: personality matters.

The design world is officially tired of copy-and-paste interiors. What we want now are homes that tell a story—spaces shaped by the people who live there, not just what’s trending online. I want to walk into a room and immediately learn something about its owner.

That’s also why color is making such a strong comeback this year. Not in a loud, overwhelming way—but in intentional, mood-shifting moments that make a home feel alive again. If you’re craving a visual refresh without repainting or renovating, I shared simple ways to incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 in a way that feels calm, livable, and personal.

If a space isn’t personal, if it doesn’t hold meaning or memory, it doesn’t have a place in 2026. This year’s design trends aren’t about chasing what’s new—they’re about creating homes that feel like they belong to someone. And honestly, that’s the kind of design that never goes out of style.