The past year in design had a little bit of something for everyone.

For the maximalists, there were rooms color-drenched with moody paints and spaces covered floor to ceiling with patterned wallpaper. For the less-than-maximalists, the stark whites of the last decade entirely gave way to gentler earthen shades as "biophilia" — the human tendency to want to engage with nature — became a commonplace term.

One thing 2025 wasn’t: a year for mass-produced black-and-white minimalism. Despite color giant Pantone settling on a shade of white as its color of the year, designers told us time and time again that rigid, pared-back aesthetics were out. Instead, the people wanted something cozy, something personal, something inspirational. In some cases, they seek the imperfect, embracing the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi.

"People love things that have a definite hand in them," said Todd Smith, founding partner of Syndicate Smith in Leavenworth, Washington. Although the topic has been in the zeitgeist since the Industrial Revolution made mass production commonplace, "what we're seeing now definitely revolves around a desire for something to be 'evidently made,'" Smith said. "An artisan loaf of bread versus Wonder Bread. A wooden chair as opposed to a plastic molded seat."

So, what interior preferences will drive consumers in 2026? Will our spaces resemble circus tents as maximalism pushes into kitsch? Or like spaceships as smart-home features nest into appliances and systems?

Here, architects, interior designers and other home decor experts weigh in on what they’re keeping an eye on for 2026 — and what they want to see more of.

Khoi Vo, CEO of American Society of Interior Designers in Washington, D.C.

Keeping an eye on: "In 2026, technology will play an even bigger role in homes, from smarter appliances to energy and water systems that make everyday living easier and more efficient. These innovations are reshaping how homes are built and used, creating healthier, more comfortable and more sustainable living environments.

"We’re also seeing wellness move to the forefront of residential design, with clean air, natural light, healthy materials and water quality becoming essential considerations. These elements are increasingly seen as foundational to how people feel and function in their homes every day."

Looking forward to seeing: "I hope to see more creative solutions to the ongoing housing shortage, so that more people have access to safe, comfortable and functional homes. Designers are playing a bigger role in turning ideas like smaller-scale housing, adaptive reuse and "missing-middle" developments into livable, welcoming spaces.

"Collaboration across policy[makers], builders, and design teams will be key to making these solutions real. Thoughtful design can bridge innovation and practicality to create homes that meet the needs of communities now and into the future."

Jessica Shaw, director of interior design at The Turett Collaborative in New York City

Keeping an eye on: "Lighting in particular is moving away from hard edges and shiny surfaces toward something softer and more sculptural. We’re seeing pendants and sconces that feel organic, inspired by Wabi-sabi principles and natural forms, rather than rigid geometry. Textured walls in neutral palettes, organic shapes in furniture and lighting and metal finishes that patina over time, like antique brass, are everywhere. People want their homes to evolve and age gracefully.

"This shift reflects a larger movement toward human-centric design. Curved silhouettes, warm materials, and lighting that changes with the day all contribute to wellness and comfort. We’re getting more requests for custom, locally made furniture that emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship. There’s a growing appreciation for pieces that feel human and enduring. Fast furniture is out; mindful purchasing is in. Clients are craving authenticity. Wabi-sabi continues to inspire. Organic shapes, textured finishes and an appreciation for things that show the hand of the maker. It’s a beautiful counterpoint to the digital world we live in."

Elizabeth Rees, co-founder of Chasing Paper and author of “Wall Flowers: A Love Letter to Wallpaper,” in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Keeping an eye on: "One of the top trends that I am keeping my eye on in 2026 is layering. Layering is the art of combining multiple different prints, patterns and textures within a space to create dynamic, visually interesting interiors. One of my favorite ways to bring this trend to life is through the combination of wallpaper and design-forward art prints. With thoughtful curation, the right combo of art and wallpaper can evoke similar feelings to walking through an art gallery, where pieces are cohesive without matching, inspiring creativity. This is a great way to elevate the standard gallery wall for 2026!

"I think that we are going to see a resurgence of traditional design elements and motifs in 2026, reimagined and modernized. Block prints, for example, are one of the oldest printing techniques, dating back to ancient China, but we have seen increased interest from our customers recently in wallpaper that highlights the style. Since block prints have an artisanal hand-stamped charm, they strike the perfect balance between timeless tradition and modern simplicity without feeling dated, and I expect this trend to continue in home design throughout 2026."

Looking forward to seeing: "My hope for 2026 is that people are willing to take risks and embrace their own unique design styles. Over the past few years, people have started to spend more and more time in their homes, so it only makes sense to create spaces that evoke positive, feel-good emotions. Color, print and pattern are transformative, so I encourage people to play with their choices and try new things, even if it scares them. I like to remind people that no wallpaper or design choice is truly permanent, and this often opens the floodgates to creativity, leading to some of the most personal and exciting designs."

Todd Smith, founding partner of Syndicate Smith in Leavenworth, Washington

Keeping an eye on: "In our world, region and business model: I'd like to suggest that things are trending toward people thinking more seriously about the environment in which they're living and or inheriting or going to be living in, as opposed to thinking about a home and a purchase. This circumvents trends in the fashion sense or fleeting sense. ... It locks in the value of architecture as a necessity with reverence for the land, location and environment in which it sits because of the unknowns of the future our world gives us and that we command."

Those shifting areas of focus also have clients thinking about their homes and designed spaces as heirloom investments, especially as the cost of building materials rises, Smith explained.

"The people we are getting to work with are valuing topics more focused on resiliency and quality as opposed to home value, market setting and real estate transaction," he said. "This suggests a larger legacy mentality on home building as opposed to something that they can turn a profit from after construction."