8 Design Trends Designers Think Are Finally Back in 2026

While a few new 2026 interior design trends are starting to appear, a majority are re-emerging after stints in the spotlight already. Trends are cyclical, as they say, so when they’ve proven their staying power, they’ll likely make a return as design choices within homes at some point in the future.

“These returning styles tap into something familiar that reminds us of quality and comfort,” says principal designer Lauren Lerner. “The designs resonating most right now have this sense of calm and permanence, which is exactly what people need when everything outside their front door feels chaotic.”

Lerner joined a few other designers in letting us know about which trends you can expect to see again this coming year.

Earthy, Warm Minimalism

Minimalism lends serenity to a room, and it’s not too much of a surprise to see that it’s returning. But this time, with a friendlier disposition.

“After years of cool grays and stark minimalism, homeowners want interiors that feel comfortable, grounded, and restorative,” says principal designer Kristina Lawrence.

That means it’s less about bare walls and empty spaces and more about putting your own, comfortable touches onto the trend. Yes, still less clutter, but rooms will feel inviting and livable.

“Warm minimalism is evolving from stark simplicity into something richer with texture, depth, and natural materials that actually feel like you live there,” says Lerner.

Color-wise, rather than hanging onto the bright neutrals and tones, warm minimalism will evolve to see beiges, muted green, earthy reds, and deep browns.

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Wood Paneling

The desire for visual warmth continues into this trend: wood paneling.

Principal designer Jade Joyner wants to make it clear this is not the cheap renditions from the ’70s you might be imagining, but instead warm, real wood planks and panels adorning homes.

“Think fluted walls, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and stained oak accents that wrap a room, making it feel grounded and elegant,” she says. “We’re swinging away from stark white everything and back into warmth and architectural soul, and paneling gives that instantly.”

Even without serious home renovations you can bring chic wood elements into your space through coffee tables, lamps, chairs, and shelves.

Statement Lighting

Although there are a few outdated lighting trends heading out this year (looking at you, overhead lights), statement lighting is not one of them. It’s coming back in with plenty of excitement.

“Lighting defines mood and anchors a room; people want sculptural pieces that double as artwork,” explains Lawrence. “As homes become more curated, even functional elements (like light fixtures) are treated as opportunities for self-expression.”

Statement lighting doesn’t necessarily mean maximalism, though if you enjoy bright colors and bold patterns, go for it. But it could also look like large pendants or uniquely-shaped fixtures in neutral colors or natural materials.

Playful Patterns

Nothing adds depth and dimension to a space quite like patterned elements. It could be a statement wall or a thoughtfully-placed pouf—either way, these bring instant vibrancy and visual interest to rooms. There are also plenty of patterns and prints to choose from that are trending this season.

“Even patterns like checkerboard and stripes are making a comeback, but with unexpected color palettes or materials that make them feel fresh,” Lerner says.

These look good in both colorful rooms (as they add to the joyful palette) and in minimalist spaces, as a bold complementary color duo or a classic black-and-white checker print infuses personality.

Curves and Soft Forms

Wavy decor and curved furniture had their moment, and they’re about to have another one. These soft and playful shapes make rooms feel warm and welcoming to be within.

“Curved silhouettes feel nurturing, human, and approachable—a counter to the hard edges of ultra-modern design,” Lawrence says.

Joyner explains that curves and softer corners and edges make room for “lived-in imperfection,” which is far cozier and less museum-like. She suggests embracing this through handcrafted items, plaster walls, and rounded furniture.

Natural Materials and Textures

Homeowners and renters are still leaning into earthy materials and embracing their inherent warmth and ability to symbolize the natural world in our homes. Lawrence points out that our glossy, tech-focused world leads many of us to reach for more grounded decor.

“Natural materials like pecky cypress wood, stone, clay, rattan, and linen all feel tactile and comforting while providing warmth, texture, and dimension in ways color alone cannot,” she says.

Consider wooden surfaces or beams, stone sinks, and clay tiles. For smaller-scale changes, linen hand towels, indoor trees or plants, and stone bowls or trays.

Wallpaper

If the trending paint colors haven’t piqued your interest, then maybe wallpaper and its endless amount of pattern and texture options will. Joyner says that wallpaper never really disappeared, but it certainly is gaining popularity again.

Aside from simply covering the four walls of a bedroom, she’s spotted it in more interesting spaces too, like powder room ceilings and closet backs.

“People want a pattern,” she explains. “They want mood. Wallpaper tells a story faster than paint ever can.”

Modern Nostalgia

“There’s something so current about that tension of old with new, rustic with refined,” says Joyner. “It makes a space feel collected instead of copied.”

She dubs this “modern nostalgia.” It’s mixing old and new, and yes, it trended before and is on its way back. Think antique shop finds like tables and armoires blending in among modern sofas and bed frames. Sleek pendants casting warm light on old artwork or a stack of antique books.

“People are moving away from ‘perfectly matched’ interiors and toward homes that feel layered and personal,” says Lawrence—and blending heritage items or vintage pieces with modern elements quickly creates that feeling.