The Future of Interiors: 2026 Design Trend Predictions
The 2026 trends I’m most excited to explore: rich colors, pattern mixing, soulful spaces, curated collections, and a more thoughtful approach to sustainability.
Rich/Deeper Color Palettes -
Homes anchored in hues like chocolate and camel browns, sun-baked ochres, earthy olive greens, dusty blues, brick-like reds, and complex warm whites. While these have been around for several years and become more popular, I suspect these colors will continue to prosper into 2026. In a post minimalist design era, color is no longer used sparingly or simply as an accent color. Rather rich hues will play a foundational role in shaping emotion, identity, and personality of the rooms.
I have chose some of my favorite colors below that reflect a shift toward grounding, comfort, and authenticity. Deep and camel browns evoke crafstmanship, referencing natural materials like wood, clay, leather, and stone. Olive greens and dusty blues introduce a softened connection to nature, less literal than bright botanical tones, but more sophisticated. Muted reds and terracottas add warmth with slight drama without overwhelming a space, while warm whites act as a balancing element bringing in light and space to breathe while maintaining depth and softness rather than stark contrast.
These colors pair so naturally with the continued emphasis on texture and tactility. Deeper colors amplify the richness of plaster, finishes, woods, bouclé, linen, etc. Light interacts more dynamically with these tones, shifting throughout the day and giving rooms a sense of movement and depth.
Personality Filled Interiors -
For years, interiors leaned heavily on neutral palettes and minimal styling, with the philosophy “less is more”. While timeless in theory feels serene, most spaces often felt sterile and impersonal. In 2026, designers are embracing rooms that tell a not-so boring story. Instead of designing around trends alone, people are investing time in curating and collecting—art, objects, furniture, and materials that hold emotional meaning.
Personality interiors prioritize comfort and individuality over perfection. Spaces are layered thoughtfully, not styled to look untouched. Sofas invite you to sit, shelves showcase family photos and small collections rather than empty space. This approach encourages patience—allowing interiors to grow organically instead of being designed in a single shopping trip. The result is a home that feels personal, warm and unmistakably human.
At its core, your personality reflecting in your interiors is about connection to memories, craft, and to individuality. Homes are no longer designed to impress from a distance but to support real life with real self-expression and emotional comfort. As we look ahead to 2026, the message is clear: the most compelling interiors won’t be the most neutral or pristine, but the ones that feel authentic, collected and unmistakably yours.
Emotion > Perfection Interiors -
Emotion-led interiors focus solely on vibes over appearances.These spaces unfold the moment you enter... using texture, pattern, and color to create a sense of comfort and familiarity. Walls are no longer an afterthought. Textured wall finishes, wallpapers, and painted treatments bring depth and character. Incorporating the “fifth wall” (aka the ceiling) is finally getting its due diligence! Whether you’re color drenching, wallpapering, or adding wood detailing to the ceiling of a room, it will absolutely elevate your space into finishing the design story. Not one spot is “untouched”.
Thoughtful bookshelves and built-ins help anchor these spaces, creating cozy corners. Every room has a purpose, whether it’s for reading or gathering. Rich, moody palettes replace stark whites, grounding rooms and creating intimacy. Deep earth tones, warm neutrals, muted jewel shades, and layered hues set the emotional tone, while curated antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces add soul and history. Lighting, too, shifts from bright and functional to warm and ambient—designed to flatter, soften, and invite you to linger.
Details & Depth -
If emotion is the foundation, details are the differentiator. In 2026, luxury lives in layering that you notice over time rather than at first glance. Contrast welts on upholstery, fringe and trims, custom pillows, and tailored curtain details add a touch of craftsmanship. Pattern mixing, that yes what once considered risky, is now embraced with florals, stripes, geometrics, and organic motifs living together in thoughtful harmony. Designers are increasingly mixing styles and periods, blending old with new, in ways that feel collected rather than styled. A contemporary sofa might sit alongside an antique table, handmade ceramics, or found objects that bring character and imperfection into the space. The mix of new, vintage, handmade, and discovered creates interiors that feel layered, personal, and deeply lived in. Nothing feels too stagnant, rather everything feels intentional.
Ultimately, the shift toward emotion over perfection reflects a broader desire for homes that support REAL life. These are spaces that comfort, inspire, and evolve over time. Finding joy in rooms that feel rich in personality. In 2026, the most compelling interiors won’t chase flawlessness. Instead they’re embracing warmth, depth, and individuality—designing not just for the eye, but for the heart.
Sustainability & Local Efforts -
As a creator I believe in supporting other local or smaller businesses in my personal work. I believe deeply in supporting local artisans and smaller business whenever it is possible, I think many other creators feel this way too. There’s a growing awareness within designers and makers who share this same value, and as we look ahead, the push toward thoughtful and responsible sourcing shows no signs of slowing down. Rather than defaulting to mass-produced options, designers are increasingly turning to what already exists.
There is an abundance of beautiful furniture, lighting, and décor pieces already in the world: vintage/thrifted finds, heirlooms, handmade objects, and small-batch creations that deserve a second life. Choosing these pieces is not only a more sustainable approach, but one that celebrates quality, character, and longevity over disposability. Beyond sustainability, sourcing locally and thoughtfully brings a level of uniqueness that cannot be replicated. These pieces often carry a story, a sense of place, and a level of craftsmanship that elevates a space in a way modern items can’t. By incorporating local elements, you can create interiors that feel layered, personal, and distinctly yours—proving that sustainability and great design are not only compatible, but better together.
Do you have a space—or several spaces—that don’t feel like you? Or rooms that sit unused because they just don’t work for your lifestyle or spark emotion? At Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design, we specialize in creating spaces that not only function flawlessly but also reflect your personality, passion, and artful taste.
Whether it’s reimagining a cheerful breakfast nook or redesigning an entire home, we’re here to help you have a home that truly brings you happiness. Let’s work together to transform your environment into a joyful, personalized haven.
