Designing for 2026

More Soul, More Story, More You

Every year, the design world loves to declare what’s “in” and what’s “out.”

But real homes, the ones that feel warm, personal, and lasting, don’t come from chasing trends. They come from creating spaces that reflect the people who live there.

What we’re seeing more of as we move into 2026 isn’t about rules. It’s about a return to depth, personality, and spaces that feel collected rather than copied.

Here’s what’s showing up more and more, not as mandates, but as a reflection of how people want to feel in their homes.

Homes Are Becoming Richer and More Layered

We’re moving away from flat, one-note interiors and into spaces that feel designed over time like years past.

   •   Draperies are returning in a beautiful way. Soft valances, tailored panels, and even classic cornice boards

   •   Walls are becoming galleries again, with plates, art collections, and meaningful groupings

   •   Frames are bolder and more substantial, often in warm gold tones

   •   Lacquered walls and ceilings are adding depth, sheen, and drama

There’s a sense of presence in a room again, not emptiness.

Color Is Back — But With Intention

Neutrals aren’t disappearing, but they’re being joined by deeper, more expressive color.

We’re seeing:

   •   Rich greens, blues, browns, olives, and cognac tones

   •   Painted cabinetry and walls that add character instead of defaulting to white (although classic white cabinets never fade).

   •   Even brighter colors — chartreuse, salmon, apple green, royal blue, tomato red and purples used beautifully when grounded by warm wood tones and contrast colors and materials.

Color isn’t chaos. It’s confidence.

Materials Feel More Honest and Warm

Shiny perfection is giving way to materials that age and tell a story.

   •   Unlacquered brass that develops a patina

   •   Natural materials with texture and variation

   •   Layered warmth instead of stark minimalism

Homes are feeling more human and less like a showroom.

Collected, Not Cataloged

One of the biggest shifts is away from “copy-and-paste” homes.

Instead, we’re seeing:

   •   Curated collections displayed with intention

   •   A well-traveled, lived-in look as if pieces were gathered over years

   •   Antiques mixed with artisan pieces and custom upholstery

   •   Fewer matching sets, more meaningful combinations

Personality is replacing perfection.

Lighting Is Softer and More Thoughtful

Harsh overhead lighting is fading into the background.

   •   Fewer recessed lights

   •   More lamps, sconces, and portrait lighting

   •   Everything on dimmers

Lighting is becoming part of the atmosphere, not just function.

Spaces Within Spaces

Homes are also becoming more experiential.

We’re seeing intentional zones like:

   •   Library nooks

   •   Mahjong or game areas

   •   Speakeasy inspired spaces

   •   Sculleries and working back kitchens

Rooms are being designed around how people actually live, gather, and unwind.

And Here’s the Most Important Part

None of this means you should have these things.

If your heart leans minimalist, that’s beautiful too. A simple space filled with just a few deeply loved pieces can feel just as powerful as a layered one. The key is curation. Choosing what matters and letting it breathe.

Good design isn’t about following what’s next.

It’s about creating a home that feels right to you. One that tells your story, supports your life, and still feels good years from now.

That’s what lasts. And that’s always in style. That’s how it should be.

Design in 2026 is feeling less like “what’s in” and more like who lives here which has always been my heart. 

Homes are becoming richer, more layered, and more personal. Collected art and objects, deeper colors, unlacquered brass, meaningful lighting, and spaces that feel gathered over time instead of copied from a catalog. But the goal isn’t to follow a look. It’s to create a home that reflects YOUR story.

And if your heart is minimalist? That’s just as beautiful. Curate what matters, let it breathe, and design in a way that feels right to you, because the most timeless homes are the ones that feel personal, not trendy.

Live beautifully,

Kate

From consultations to full-service turn key interior design, we bring elevated interiors to life - beautifully and seamlessly.

As always, we at Kate Dague Interiors greatly appreciate your referrals of prospective clients.

Prospective clients can contact us on our webpage or email us at:

kate@katedagueinteriors.com

katelynn@katedagueinteriors.com