ANNUAL HOMES & DESIGN ISSUE
Warmth, personality, and purposeful design are shaping the homes of 2026. Across the industry, designers are using rich colors, natural textures, and thoughtful craftsmanship to help homeowners create spaces that feel layered, lived-in, and uniquely personal. Here, some of our area’s best interior designers and furnishers discuss interior design trends for 2026.
Lori Mclain Collins“In 2026, I believe we’ll continue to see a strong shift toward homes that feel deeply personal, layered, and reflective of the people living in them. Color is making a beautiful return, whether through subtle accents or fully saturated spaces, as homeowners move away from overly neutral interiors and embrace warmth, personality, and individuality again. I’m also especially excited about the continued return of wallpaper and rich texture. Wallpaper is no longer just an accent, it’s becoming a statement element that adds depth, character, and storytelling to a room. Alongside these trends, I think the biggest movement is designing homes around how clients truly live rather than simply following what is trendy. The most successful interiors are the ones that balance beauty with function and create spaces that feel comfortable, timeless, and uniquely tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle and aesthetic.”
Catherine Fore“I’m thrilled that over the past few years, we’ve seen a return to color in home decoration. And, most recently – RED! People are starting to fully embrace red again. No matter who you are, it’s a color that oozes with nostalgia. We’re using it with our clients in all shades, from traditional Americana red to rusty reds, pinky reds, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid of it. You don’t have to go all in to make it effective – a red-hued accessory, a lamp, or a piece of art can go a long way to add drama to a space. Along with red, plaids are back in a major way. We’ve used plaid in just about every project in the last several months. Like reds, plaids are your secret weapon to help achieve that welcoming, lived-in, cozy look that we all crave.”
Margaret Settle Wingfield“I think we are continuing to see a strong movement away from overly sterile, perfectly polished interiors and toward homes that feel more layered, collected, and deeply personal. People are craving spaces that feel lived in rather than mass produced and are placing greater value on craftsmanship, texture, and pieces that carry a sense of history or imperfection. I am seeing clients drawn toward handcrafted rugs, vintage and antique wood furniture, layered textiles, sculptural lighting, and art that feels emotionally connected to the home rather than simply decorative. Spaces are becoming less about matching and more about creating atmosphere, warmth, and quiet depth. Our homes should truly reflect our stories, our passions, our past, and even the lives we are still growing into. People are becoming more confident in defining their homes for themselves rather than designing around expectations. The goal is not perfection, but spaces that feel layered, soulful, and authentic.”
Frank Nolze“From my personal view, I’ve noticed a lot of homeowners gravitating toward butcher block pieces and warmer wood tones in their homes. It adds more warmth and gives kitchens a rustic feel while still keeping the space clean and modern. I’ve also seen more people leaning toward cozy and inviting spaces instead of super minimal designs. Things like natural textures, soft lighting, and simple statement pieces seem to be really popular right now. Another trend I’ve noticed is people wanting spaces that feel both stylish and functional for everyday life. Whether it’s through versatile furniture, layered décor, or warm neutral colors, homeowners seem to be focusing more on creating spaces that feel comfortable and personal to them rather than just following trends.”
Laura Sewell“This year, I’m seeing a strong shift toward warmth, character, and spaces that feel deeply personal rather than overly curated. Warm wood tones continue to be a major influence, especially rich walnut, white oak, and medium-stained finishes that add depth and timelessness to a space. We’re also seeing clients gravitate toward layered, natural materials like textured stone, plaster finishes, and handmade tile that bring authenticity and softness into the home. Mixed metals are continuing to evolve, creating a more collected and elevated feel rather than everything perfectly matching. Color is returning in a more refined and intentional way. Rather than stark contrasts, many homeowners are embracing muted earthy tones, warm neutrals, deep greens, and soft blues that create a welcoming atmosphere. At Project Eighty-Eight Designs, we’re incorporating these warmer materials and layered tones in ways that feel timeless, elevated, and deeply reflective of each homeowner’s lifestyle.”
Kimberly VarnerKimberly Varner Interior Design
“Designers and homeowners are moving toward rich color hues that anchor a space, focusing on earthy, warm, mood-altering colors. This trend echoes a shift in how spaces need to function. Color can be infrastructure, not just a backdrop. These forecasts show a repositioning of color as architectural rather than just decorative. Color is used to support well-being, create sanctuary, and connect the interior of the home with the exterior. Blues that speak to innovation, greens that denote calm, orange that gives vitality and life, and bold, rich neutrals that ground a space. All these trend-inspired shifts help make designed spaces beautiful and create a fresh, comfortable design that is intentional rather than staged.”
Michelle Workman“This year, I’m seeing a beautiful shift toward authenticity in design. People are moving away from homes that feel overly trend-driven and, instead, want to create spaces that reflect who they are and how they live. Interestingly, the biggest trend right now is almost the rejection of trends altogether. Clients are craving longevity, individuality, and warmth. We’re seeing more vintage collected pieces, richer color palettes, custom details, and rooms that feel personal rather than staged. I’m especially drawn to the restoration of older homes and the return to true architectural character. There’s something incredibly meaningful about preserving original details and incorporating period elements while still adapting a home for modern life. To me, design has always been about creating a home that tells your story, not everyone else’s.”
Caroline Shibata“The trend I’m most excited about is ‘The Luxury of Imperfection’ – designing spaces that are beautiful because they possess a unique point of view. Natural materials, the hallmark of my company, Jeffan, embody this ethos: rattan, teak, and coconut shell. When you invite these pieces into your home, you embrace imperfection. Teak grays from the sun; rattan frays from use. Yet, in an era of AI-driven pseudo-perfection, these physical characteristics are beautiful. Aren’t wrinkles a sign of a life well-lived? This is why our collaboration with designer and HGTV host Tamara Day is so timely. She believes home décor should feature conversation starters that are ‘imperfect in a perfect way.’ So, next time you spot a quirky ceramic dog at a flea market, bring it home. You may find it’s the exact piece you needed.”
Kimberly Lemmon
“I love that we’re moving away from open concept floor plans to homes that have defined rooms. Yes, you should work toward cohesion as a whole, but individual rooms provide a great opportunity for each space to have its own identity and personality. And that’s where the fun begins! Beautiful wallpapers, layered color palettes, and personality-driven finishing touches can be fully embraced to reflect the things you value. And an enclosed room always feels more cozy than a wide-open space. I’m also very excited to see a return to individuality expressed through interiors. Interiors have felt copy-and-paste for the past several years thanks to social media. We no longer feel pressured to decorate our homes the same as everyone else. I believe the most memorable interiors include a curated mix of design styles, antiques, color, pattern, and fabulous art. Embrace what you truly love, and your home will fill you with joy!”
Rhett Peeples“As a family-owned business, we are seeing a strong focus on warm, welcoming interiors with colors inspired by nature and designs that make homes feel both comfortable and personal. Warm neutral colors continue to dominate, paired with shades of blues and greens, rich jewel tones, and saturated accents that add personality and depth to a space. Pattern layering is also becoming increasingly popular, with carefully selected fabrics, rugs, and textures creating a cohesive and collected look without feeling overwhelming. In flooring, trends are leaning toward a blend of high performance and natural warmth, including wide-plank hardwood visuals, luxury vinyl plank, statement carpet styles, and ceramic tile with natural textures and earthy finishes. In kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry trends are showcasing warmer wood tones, custom details, and timeless finishes that create a more elevated yet inviting look. Overall, homeowners are leaning toward interiors that feel relaxed, functional, timeless, and full of character.”
Christine Stephens“Private spaces are back. The need for a quiet place to send a text, email a business partner, or just read a book have surfaced again. The great room is still great, but privacy is also needed. Man caves, sun rooms, and outdoor spaces are calling our names, offering comfortable retreats for work, relaxation, and meaningful conversations. Casual dining rather than formal, separated dining rooms have taken over in the American home. Colors are soft again, with sage green being seen in bedrooms paired with white cotton linens or accented with quiet blue and pale apricot accents that come from art, pillows, accessories, and thoughtfully layered décor.”
Sonja Sartin-Kozelichki“Increasingly, decorative fixtures are coming with integrated LEDs that allow you to switch between color temperatures on the same light. This feature facilitates different moods and tasks, as you could use a 5000K temperature (daylight) to work at a dining table and then change to a 2700K (candlelight) temperature for a cozy dinner. In contrast to the pared down minimalism of interiors from a few years ago, fixtures and finishes now are starting to show a bolder personality using colored glass. Not only can these lights complement and enhance your color scheme, but they also cast the most enchanting glow as the light filters through the color. To master the moody, rich look, you need more than just overhead light. Having layers of light at different heights and intensities in a room gives it depth and accommodates different uses. The classic formula for layered lighting in a space is providing ambient, task, and accent light, usually through overhead ceiling light, floor and table lamps, and wall sconces or spotlights.”
Carter Fowler“One of the biggest interior design trends we are seeing this year is our customers embracing color in a much more confident way. Rich greens, layered blues, and warm gold tones are especially popular, and people are no longer afraid to make bold choices throughout their homes. In upholstery, we are seeing a strong return to bolder patterns, including florals and traditional motifs. There is also renewed interest in painted furniture, particularly French-inspired designs that feel classic yet fresh. Traditional styles overall are evolving to feel brighter, lighter, and airier, while still maintaining a sense of warmth and character. Another major trend is the use of bold prints, wallpaper, and mixed materials. Our designers are blending different wood finishes, metal tones, textures, and fabrics in a way that feels more personal and layered. Overall, we are seeing that customers are increasingly willing to custom order exactly what they want and create spaces that truly reflect their individual style rather than playing it safe.”
Matthew LowmanRiver Valley Blinds, Shades & Shutters
“This year’s window covering trends focus on clean designs, natural materials, and smart-home functionality. Layered looks that combine softness, textures, and practicality continue to trend, creating a calm, timeless feel that works beautifully with most interior styles. Neutral color palettes, including warm whites and soft sands, remain a favorite for creating a calm, timeless atmosphere that complements a wide range of interior styles. Natural materials and textured fabrics are also gaining popularity, adding warmth, depth, and visual interest while maintaining an understated elegance. When combined with smart-home integration, these options offer enhanced convenience, improved energy efficiency, and seamless control at the touch of a button, making it easier than ever to create a comfortable and stylish living environment.”
Danielle Kyle“Textured natural finishes are continuing to define 2026, bringing warmth, depth, and character back into living spaces. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to plaster range hoods, limewash walls, honed natural stone, handmade tile, and layered organic materials that create a softer feel throughout. These materials add movement and architectural warmth without relying on saturated colors or overly decorative details. Alongside stone and plaster finishes, we are seeing unlacquered brass and living metal finishes gain popularity for the way they naturally patina and age over time, bringing texture and authenticity into the home. We are also seeing a shift toward dark-stained and natural wood elements, bringing richer tones into residential design. While features like reclaimed farmhouse beams and Tudor-inspired corbels remain on trend, homeowners are embracing renewed interest in classical molding, alongside more modern interpretations of fluted wood accents, elevated slab paneling, and coffered ceilings. The focus should always be on creating a home that feels true to its architecture and the people living in it.”
Cassie Courtney“Millwork design elements and their relationship to exceptional countertop details are having a real moment in 2026. Details like side splashes with curved edge profiles and a detailed trim molding on a traditionally acceptable shaker panel are now noteworthy. Getting the relationship right between these two elements is really important. Think reeded cabinet fronts with a scalloped backsplash countertop; instead of just one of these items being really central in a room, we are seeing them really act as one and work together almost like a piece of art. This layered approach adds depth, texture, and visual interest, creating spaces that feel thoughtfully curated and uniquely tailored to the homeowner’s style.”
Beth Swann“In 2026, lighting design has evolved beyond mere illumination to become functional art. The overarching theme is emotional minimalism: replacing stark, harsh overheads with layered, mood-enhancing glows, organic silhouettes, and tactile, artisan-crafted materials like fluted glass and natural stone. Here is a quick-glance breakdown of the top lighting trends defining modern spaces this year:
Rodney Simmons“Revival Home has been flourishing in the shift toward interiors that mix periods and style, that combine antiques and modern, and that juxtapose quirky furniture with lush upholstery. People seem to be less interested in homes that look delivered from one truck. Instead, they want pieces from the past — something with story — sitting next to newly-made upholstery. They want procured art hanging alongside beautiful contemporary lighting. That tension is what makes a room feel alive and comfortable instead of staged or soulless.”
Kathie Penland“Design trends for 2026 are leaning into spaces that feel layered, personal, and deeply connected to comfort – a direction that was strongly reflected throughout this season’s High Point Market showrooms. Across the market, designers and manufacturers embraced richer color palettes, tactile materials, and furnishings with a more collected, residential feel. Warm, earthy tones like olive, clay, tobacco, oxblood, and softened charcoal appeared repeatedly alongside creamy neutrals and natural wood finishes, creating interiors that feel both grounded and inviting. Texture also played a major role, with plaster finishes, limewash walls, bouclé, mohair, woven details, fluting, and heavily veined stone adding depth and character throughout the collections. Overall, the trend movement seen at High Point Market points toward interiors that prioritize warmth, individuality, and livable luxury rather than overly polished or minimal spaces.”
Ashley McCaul“My year began with attending the Paris Déco Off, the inaugural design show of the year, the best glimpse of what’s to come in design. The most striking trend I observed was the resurgence of rich colors. Minimalist interiors are a thing of the past, replaced by vibrant hues like chartreuse, chocolate browns, and terracotta. These colors are paired with heavy textures and fabric trims. A return to traditional patterns such as florals, damask, and stripes are seeing a huge resurgence. I’ve already noticed these trends manifesting in my clients’ homes. They’re requesting traditional dining rooms adorned with bold color trims and matching patterns. Game tables are being paired with funky, patterned chairs, while smaller intimate lounge spaces are being transformed with accent trims and a mix of textures.”
Lindsey Frost“Luxury these days is not based on perfection, but on intention and personal connection. Through warm colors, textured walls, personal touches, meaningful use of family heirlooms and art, and timeless furnishings, you can create a relaxed atmosphere that truly says, ‘Luxury feels human and deeply meaningful.’ Gone are the days of stark minimalism, while creating spaces that feel like a sanctuary that supports everyday life is the new way that luxury is defined. People are investing in pieces that tell a story, spark emotion, or bring a sense of ease to their homes. Plaster or limewash walls, layered ambient lighting, the use of artisan objects, handwoven textiles, and natural stone furnishings, such as fluted travertine consoles, are all ways to personalize and make your home feel authentic.”
Dylan Dudley“A current trend I am really excited to see is a renewed appreciation for some traditional, craftsman-style looks. You may recognize this trend, finding darker colors, nuanced fabrics, subtle patterns, and more interesting, but simple, wood features. This look is very fun to me because we are seeing hints of tradition – like a spindled chair that reminds you of your grandma’s oak furniture, or old wool blankets from the attic – but styled up and appreciated more. The familiar but updated style works well in traditional, transitional, modern, or fun and funky design schemes. The result is a home that feels collected, comfortable, and full of personality rather than overly polished.”
Will Jones“The biggest trend Tom’s Carpet & Flooring is seeing this year, so far, is a move toward ultra-wide planks, typically ranging from seven to 10 inches, replacing traditional, narrower boards to create a cleaner, more expansive look. Patterned installations are also being creatively designed, with enlarged herringbone and chevron layouts used as architectural statements that introduce rhythm, depth, and visual drama. One brand gaining popularity is the International Flooring Company’s Canopy line. Known for its thoughtfully curated visuals, sophisticated color palettes, and commitment to attainable luxury, Canopy reflects exactly where design is heading. As the only retailer in our area offering the Canopy collection, we’ve seen growing excitement from homeowners looking for flooring that feels distinctive, elevated, and anything but standard. What’s falling out of favor? Flat, cool-gray flooring and overly standardized finishes. Homeowners and designers are moving away from generic, builder-grade looks in favor of more intentional choices, including mixed-width planks, curated color variation, and flooring that feels customized to the home’s overall design story.”
Megan Bond“We’re seeing a return to natural, health-conscious materials that create warmth, texture, and authenticity. Homeowners are moving away from overly polished, synthetic finishes in favor of handcrafted surfaces that bring depth and character to a space. Lime-based plasters, mineral paints, and other low-VOC finishes are especially popular as people prioritize indoor air quality alongside aesthetics. Decorative plaster walls and ceilings have become a standout feature, offering subtle movement, softness, and a timeless appeal that paint alone cannot achieve. These natural finishes pair beautifully with organic textures, warm wood tones, natural stone, and layered textiles. The result is an environment that feels both elevated and livable – a home designed not only to look beautiful, but also to support wellness and connect occupants more closely to natural materials.”
Ryan Kopet“Clients are gravitating toward warm, nuanced palettes that feel grounded and sophisticated instead of stark or overly neutral. Earth-inspired tones like clay, ochre, mossy greens, and softened blues are especially appealing for their depth and emotional warmth. These hues are often layered with warm whites and natural finishes to create spaces that feel elevated, comfortable, and inviting. We may experience this warmer palette in everything from plaster range hoods to enameled ranges, intentional and colorful marble selections, or living finishes throughout the home that gracefully patina with time. Always on trend, we love connecting clients to spaces that are personal and intentional, whether it is an inviting dining room, a fresh living space, or a comfortable primary suite. Your home should reflect your story, honor your memories, and inspire your future.”
