Design Trends 2026

Closed Floor Plans

The open concept floor plan became standard for most new homes over a decade ago. However, during the pandemic, life changed dramatically, and many people grew frustrated with that kind of layout. 

While closing an open floor plan isn’t usually an option, Jessica Shaw, interior design director at Turett Collaborative, says we are seeing these types of homes function a bit differently these days. “Open concept living isn’t disappearing, but it’s evolving," she says. "We’re seeing a return to rooms with clearer function: dining areas that feel distinct, kitchens with their own identity, and cozy living rooms that can actually close off.”

If your current home has an open floor plan but you’re seeking a little definition and privacy within your space, that doesn’t mean you need to move or break the bank renovating. “Use custom millwork, ceiling treatments, or furniture placement to create subtle divisions," Shaw recommends. "Even a change in lighting or materiality can make a space feel more distinct."

In-Home Wellness Environments

As a society, we've begun to gravitate towards a more holistic approach to health and wellness, especially since the surge of home gyms in 2020. This is now reflected through the popularity of bonus home amenities like wellness spaces, according to Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design. “The hottest home trend in 2026 will focus on creating in-home wellness environments, sanctuaries designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul,” she says.

The designer shared that in the coming year, these spaces will have a variety of noteworthy features, including multi-sensory elements such as full infrared saunas, sound rooms for meditation, and plunge spas. “The goal is to tailor the space to your lifestyle, which can be as simple as transforming a closet into a meditation area and using aesthetically pleasing materials that engage all the senses,” Pochiro notes.

Modular Lighting

Susan Petrie of Petrie Interior Designs anticipates modular lighting will be big in 2026. "It turns function into play—there will be so many mix-and-match shades and adaptable forms that make illumination less about necessity and more about nuance," she says. "It’s lighting that adapts to your mood, proving that practicality can be colorful, interchangeable, and fun.”

Modular lighting is a clever idea because you can buy a lamp or sconce and then change out the shade for the season, a dinner party, or simply because you want to mix things up a bit.

Seamless Tech Integration

Smart home technology will remain essential in 2026, but the days of seeing these things are over, says Joshua Michael Praught of Studio Joshua. He specifically highlights "concealed systems that support beauty and comfort like hidden speakers, short-throw projectors, and integrated lighting.”

While we all appreciate and enjoy the benefits of technology, in the past, it has felt like a choice between aesthetics and convenience. Today, things are different. “Discreet tech creates spaces that feel human again," he adds. "High-functioning but visually quiet, supporting ease and beauty.”

This is something you should definitely keep in mind if you are renovating or refreshing a space. “Hide speakers, projectors, and cables within custom millwork or architectural details, and invest in systems that prioritize design as much as performance,” Praught recommend.

Red Hues

“Red is often overlooked in favor of blue or green (everyone’s go-to), but it’s having a moment,” says Sarah Scales of Sarah Scales Design Studio. “These colors are meant to envelop and cocoon a space rather than recede into the background.”

But not all shades of red will trend—the designer shares that maroon and merlot tones that are “deep, dark, and moody” will reign versus brighter primary reds. 

Scales suggests choosing a small space and going all in. “A powder room or home office works perfectly," she adds. "If you’re not ready for that level of commitment, start with smaller accents like a throw pillow or blanket to introduce the color gradually.”

Soft, Curved Shapes

Madison Morley, interior design service manager at Article, says soft shapes will be very popular in 2026. "Across the board, furniture is becoming both more playful and more versatile,“ she points out. "The move toward softer, more sculptural shapes has been showing up across sofas, dining tables, and side tables, which adds movement and visual calm to a space."

Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean you need to throw out all of your standard hard-edged furniture. It’s more of a subtle shift. The designer suggests tiny tweaks. “Introduce curved or rounded shapes through a sofa, mirror, or side table to soften the room’s flow," Morley adds.