Parade Magazine

In 2025, we saw the rise of cozy modern cottage spaces, the Nancy Meyers aesthetic and dopamine decor, and 2026 is expected to usher in an even softer, warmer era for home design. Think earthy hues, natural material and spaces built around well-being rather than perfection.

Designers from around the country shared that next year’ s interiors are about comfort, craftsmanship and individuality— and they shared the five trends they predict will define the look and feel of 2026 homes.

Wellness Becomes the Heart of the Home

“ Home design is moving toward spaces that feel calm and grounding,” says Shawn Simons, owner of Simons Design Studio in Utah.“ It’ s less about showing off and more about creating a place where people can really live and recharge.”

From smart lighting that supports better sleep to layouts that bring in more natural light, designers agree that wellness is no longer an addon— it’ s a guiding principle.

“ Saunas are being added to home gyms, becoming the number one wellness request for our firm as of late,” adds Theresa Ory, founder of Theresa Ory Interiors in Atlanta.“ People want homes that support how they actually live, and that’ s not changing anytime soon.”

Expect to see biophilic design continue to flourish. Think houseplants, organic textures and

sustainable finishes that blur the line between indoors and out.

Earthy Color Drenching and Warm Neutrals Take Over

Crisp white walls? They’ re taking a well-earned rest.“ We’ re moving away from stark whites toward warmer, grounded tones,” says Meredith Cameron of Simons Design Studio.“ Color drenching— painting the walls, trim and even the ceiling in one shade— is still big, but in colors like olive, clay and mushroom.”

In the Midwest, Dessie Sliekers of Slick Designs says homeowners are embracing soft, sun-baked, warm neutrals.“ Layering a range of warm neutral colors across paints, fabrics, fixtures and finishes has been used to bring a rich, inviting vibe to homes, and I think it will be around for a while.” And she’ s seeing the same appreciation for warmer whites.“ I’ ve used Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray, Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil and Sherwin- Williams Mushroom from trim colors, and they lend themselves well to that soft, warm palette trend.”

Maggie York, founder of Margaret of York, sums it up beautifully:“ Walls painted in soft ivory, complimented by mid-toned furniture in English oak or walnut will create cozy, golden-hour interiors.”

Natural Woods and Honest Materials Make a Comeback After years of painted cabinetry,

natural wood is back in a big way.“ Medium tones like walnut and mahogany are replacing painted cabinetry,” says Simons.“ There’ s something timeless about real wood. It instantly warms up a space and adds character.”

York adds that the most luxurious homes will lean into craftsmanship.“ Finishes that age gracefully, such as limewashed plaster, unlacquered metals and handwoven textiles, tell a story over time,” she explains.“ It’ s about embracing imperfection and authenticity.”

Curves, Layers and Architectural Softness

If you thought curves were a passing phase, think again.“ Curves are staying— rounded corners, arched details and furniture that feels softer and more inviting,” says Cameron.“ We’ re seeing fewer oversized‘ statement’ fixtures and more subtle designs that let the materials and the light itself shine.”

York calls this look“ flexibly traditional,” blending flow and structure.“ Walls aren’ t disappearing entirely,” she explains.“ They are being softened with casement openings, glass panel doors and archways that create a feeling of flow. It’ s a connected but now totally open concept.”

The key, designers say, is layered comfort: textiles, textures and silhouettes that create a space you actually want to sink into.

Individuality and Artful Curation Take Center Stage

Cookie-cutter interiors are officially out.“ Individual, handcrafted and vintage” is the 2026 trifecta, says Ory.“ In a world where mass production and artificial intelligence are prominent and prolific, having your interiors reflect your individuality will be more celebrated than ever.”

That authenticity shows up in small but meaningful ways: a thrifted lamp, a mix of heirloom and custom furniture or walls filled with collected artwork instead of gallery-wall symmetry.

We’ ll see more artfully curated maximalism, predicts Sliekers.“ While maximalism isn’ t new to some, it had seemed daunting to others. With careful collection and styling, I think even our more neutral spaces may start adding maximalist elements in minimal applications.” York calls it“ soul over symmetry.” She adds,“ Design is slowing down, returning to grace, craftsmanship and comfort.” Cameron echoes the sentiment.“ We’ re seeing people care less about perfection and more about how their space makes them feel,” she says.

Across every region, 2026 home design is about warmth, authenticity and wellness. Expect interiors that feel more personal than polished, where natural light, layered textures and timeless materials come together to create homes meant to be lived in, not just looked at.

Source: https:// parade. com / living / home-