2026 Ins & Outs: According to Designers

It is officially 2026! Here are our takes on what trends will emerge and which will become irrelevant.

In: Blue 

Liz Carlson, Owner and Lead Designer, says, “Green was so big last year. I think it’s a natural cycle of trends where we haven’t seen blue in a while, specifically a dusty blue.” As observed by Liz, green has been the color of choice for many. Society’s love for green and blue is as natural as the places these colors are found. We live on a green and blue planet. Other colors that aren’t as prominent in nature, such as purple, aren’t utilized in homes as frequently. It is no coincidence we feel most at home surrounded by the colors that define our natural home.

Out: Rules

Optimistically, Liz declares, “It’s your house, do what you want!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In: Large Format Tile

Josie Denman predicts that large format tiles will continue to grow in popularity. Large format tiles are showstopping statements, making rooms feel larger and more grandiose. When integrating large format tiles in your home you can expect fewer grout lines. While large format tiles tend to be somewhat modern, the tiles people are gravitating towards have an organic look. Stone, wood, and rock are all relevant styles.

Out: Small Tiles

Oftentimes smaller tiles can create a messy look and with more grout lines, these small tiled spaces can be harder to keep clean. While small tiles DO have their spaces to shine, going into 2026, people will lean away from them.

 

 

In: Rooms 

According to Amber Peluso, privacy is in! In 2026 there will be a return to traditional home layouts. Arguably more convenient for day-to-day life, having separate rooms has multiple advantages. It is more energy efficient to cool and heat individual rooms. It offers more isolated areas for focus and individual pursuits, such as work-from-home offices that arose during COVID19. Each room can embrace a different interior style. Open floor plans tend to require an overall cohesive style to look good. Having individual rooms means that there can be a different look behind every door.

Out: Open Concept Floor Plans

Open concepts floor plans were all the rage, but their time is over. They tend to be unfavorable in our everyday lives. Messes are always visible since you can’t hide them behind doors. Noise is increased since it cannot be contained to separate rooms. Storage is limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In: Physical Media 

Jada Carlson says “there will be a resurgence of physical media in the home. Not only to consume, but to display as decor”. Think magazines, books, vinyls, CDs, and DVDs. Physical media is proof of personality. Each item is a physical indicator of an interest, hobby, or belief. In 2026, nostalgia will be cutting-edge and personality will be cool.

Out: The Newest Technologies

Keeping up with the latest technological developments is becoming increasingly challenging. While it is important to stay informed, your home does not need to be a magnet for every new iPhone, gadget, or home assistant. These things are impossible to moderate in the outside world, not in your home. Be picky when it comes to integrating tech in your home. Balance out the technology you do have with physical media so your space doesn’t feel devoid of character. Read more about the relationship between emerging tech and the return to physical media here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In: Arches

Taya Carlson predicts that, with a welcoming and organic feel, arches are a design trend to look forward to. In windows, doorways, mirrors, shelves, vases, and frames, arches are a classy way to add interest to your space without overwhelming it.

Out: Overconsumption

In 2026, minimalism is dead, but this does not mean overconsumption is in. Maximalism and overconsumption do not have interchangeable definitions. An overconsumer is allured by the accumulation of stuff, a maximalist is enthralled by the significance the stuff holds. This means you CAN be a conscious maximalist. Educate yourself with the quality of what you’re purchasing. Familiarize yourself with the origin of the product. Emphasize items that have personal significance. Your shelves should be full of souvenirs and hand-me-downs, not impulse buys, microtrends, and fast fashion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whose take do you agree with? Do you have your own ins & outs? We want to know. Tag us on facebook!

                                                                                                              All photos included belong to their rightful owners unless otherwise specified. 

Written by Jada Carlson                                                                                                                         Center of Design, Inc.                                                                                                                          1/06/2026