2026 interior design trends feel especially exciting because they reflect something I care about deeply: creating moments in your home through design. More than ever, interiors are moving away from generic spreads and picture-perfect showrooms toward spaces that tell a story. The focus this year is on texture, personal objects, color, and dimension, all tuned to the people who actually live there. These trends encourage you to express who you are, not just follow what’s popular.
Here are six big trends defining 2026, plus a few design choices we’re ready to leave behind.
1. Embracing Color and Personality
The days of “agreeable gray” and all-neutral interiors are behind us. People are craving warmth, depth, and emotion in their homes. Even if your walls remain light or white, your furniture, artwork, and textiles can tell a layered color story. Mix finishes and sheens to give neutral tones more life, or try color “drenching,” painting everything from baseboards to ceiling in one tone for an immersive effect.
2. Wallpaper and Feature Walls that Wow
Wallpaper continues its comeback in 2026, from botanical prints to rich, tactile textures. Feature walls help carve out moments in a home that draw the eye or frame an experience, whether it’s your dining nook, reading corner, or bedroom retreat.
3. The Slab Backsplash Revolution
Slab backsplashes are practical and beautiful. Running your countertop material right up the wall creates a seamless look and is much easier to clean than tile grout. It’s a small touch that gives the kitchen or bath a high-end, cohesive feel.
4. Combining Old and New
This year celebrates contrast and connection. Pair antique or vintage pieces with modern elements, like a staircase that combines wood and metal, or a sleek pendant light above an heirloom table. The goal is to layer meaningful items that reflect your personality and life story rather than having a perfectly matched look.
5. Texture Takes Center Stage
Texture is one of the most powerful design tools for creating atmosphere. Plush fabrics, woven wallpapers, natural stone, and hand-thrown ceramics all bring a sense of character and comfort. These tactile elements invite you to feel your home, not just see it. 2026 is about designing intentionally and choosing materials and objects that contribute to moments of beauty and belonging.
6. Choosing Finishes That Fit Your Lifestyle
Paint and material choices should work with how you live day to day. Satin or semi-gloss finishes handle high-traffic areas well (and a few too many magic erasers). In calmer spaces, matte finishes help create a sense of softness and mood.
Recently, I used a mix of neutral tones in my own home, slightly warmer on the baseboards and doors, and a cooler shade on the walls, to create a sophisticated dimension that feels tailored yet timeless. I also chose to custom-texture the drywall, giving the walls a subtle and elegant upgrade. In 2026, it’s completely acceptable to have subtle design moments that communicate endless style in your own signature way. The goal is to make sure every choice feels thoughtful, personal, and connected to how you live.
What We’re Leaving Behind in 2025
- Overly Neutral Palettes: The era of beige-on-beige is fading. 2026 is all about warmth, vibrancy, and individuality.
- Plain Subway Tile: It’s time to rethink basic tile designs. If you love the classic feel, try a herringbone pattern or subtle texture for added character.
- The “Fancy Hotel” Aesthetic: Those sterile, overly polished looks are being replaced by rooms that feel collected, lived-in, and uniquely personal.
If you’re ready to incorporate 2026 interior design trends, like giving your home a dazzling splash of color or adding quietly luxurious touches, but aren’t sure where to start, Kelsey Herrick Design, LLC can help you create a space that feels like you. Reach out to begin crafting your home’s next beautiful moment.
Kelsey Herrick is the founder and lead designer for her company, Kelsey Herrick Design, LLC. Kelsey is passionate about using her experience as an interior designer to create a space you love. Kelsey is known for her creative utilization of space, use of rich colors and textures, and problem-solving skills. Contact Kelsey Herrick to learn more.
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