OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE WARM

2026 Design Ideas

By Noell Wolfgram Evans

any people are looking for a fresh start in 2026, and their homes might be too. Whether your space needs a complete makeover or just a simple refresh, these design trends are worth considering as you plan for the year ahead.

Cozy, Lived-In Spaces

In 2026, we’ll see less of the stark, minimalist designs of recent years, as interiors get a little warmer and more relaxed. “Things don’t have to be polished and perfect,” says Marissa Matiyasic, principal and owner of Reflections Interior Design in Oakwood Village. “That means gravitating towards finishes that are more rough and raw like granite or leather.”

That mindset extends to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Matiyasic adds, “In the kitchen you could use micro-cement. You put it over a surface, you can color it, and it gives this natural warm material.”

Intentional greenery can make these earthy features feel even more natural. “I think adding some plants or a small tree can be a great addition to a space,” says Tehilla Bennett, owner and principal designer of Beachwood-based Teela B Design.

She notes that the 2026 aesthetic is all about letting go of rigidity. “We’ll be seeing a lot of asymmetrical designs so that everything doesn’t look so ‘perfect’ but more lived in,” Bennett says.

Matiyasic agrees, noting that these imperfect touches bring a home’s character to life. “It helps infuse more personality into a space,” she says.

Adding Warmth and Texture

Another trend in 2026 is adding more warmth to the home. Bennett suggests starting with “lots of trim work—things like molding, especially picture molding.” Layering also helps create a sense of warmth through artwork, accent pillows, and rugs. “It’s great to incorporate different textures,” Bennett says, “but it’s important to be intentional so that there’s the right balance.”

She adds that bringing art into a space doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. “There’s all different levels of art both in price points and types of art available. People can be scared of art because of what they assume the price will be, but you can get a really cool piece for maybe a couple of hundred dollars,” Bennett says.

Color is another key element in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. “Warm, earthy colors like browns are going to be big,” Matiyasic says. Bennett agrees: “I like bringing in colors like browns, purples, and even greens that have these warmer, deeper tones.”

Finishes can also add to that feeling of warmth. “You can use materials like Taj Mahal marble, which has a creamy, tannish gray color, to bring warm undertones into spaces like a bathroom,” Matiyasic says.

Old Favorites Make a Comeback

Every year, some trends reimagine classic styles—and in 2026, wallpapers and decorative fabrics are stepping back into the spotlight. “People are getting more comfortable with wallpaper,” Matiyasic says. “We’re seeing it used in every room. It can be kind of tranquil actually.”

For any homeowner who hasn’t considered wallpaper in years, Matiyasic notes that today’s options are far more exciting. “There are some great designs available—you can also customize your own paper,” she says.

Fabrics are also making a major return, with designers embracing both beauty and practicality. “We’ve been seeing a lot of great fabrics out there,” Bennett says. “And they are really great for indoor or outdoor use.”

For families with kids or pets, this evolution is especially appealing. “The technology of fabrics keeps getting better and better,” Bennett explains. “You can get a fabric now that looks like silk but it’s really made of a durable material like polyester.”

Brightening Up a Space

Updating lighting can be about much more than swapping out a table lamp. Bennett describes lighting as “the jewelry of the home,” and says it has the power to transform a room’s entire mood. “People shouldn’t be scared of statement lighting,” she says. “The right fixture can become the focal point of a foyer, dining room, kitchen, even a nice eat-in area. What’s important though is that you pick something that will complement the space, not fight it.”

Matiyasic agrees, noting that lighting offers endless opportunities for creativity. “Most homes have opportunities for unexpected lighting—meaning places that you’re putting lights and the fixtures that you choose,” she says. “I think people are using lighting fixtures that are more playful, like having fabric on them or using iron finishes.”

That sense of playfulness can carry into every room, including kids’ spaces. “In a kid’s room you could put in hanging pendants or sconces over a nightstand, which can be really fun,” Bennett says.