Every new year brings a fresh wave of inspiration to the world of interiors, and we are so excited to share what we think will be the dominant trends of 2026. 2025 was about modern aesthetics with a nod to classic influences, and 2026 will take those ideas further, but with a touch of whimsy.
Whether you’re planning a home refresh or developing a large-scale commercial project, here are the trends we see defining the year ahead:
Warm, Earthy, Jewel-Like Palettes
The verdict is in: gray is out! After years of dominating your Pinterest and Instagram feeds, cooler tones are taking a backseat to richer, earthier hues. The colors people are asking for are colors like clay, terracotta, olive greens, and browns. These shades evoke warmth and a grounded connection to our landscapes.
But that doesn’t mean we’re leaving color play behind. The wine-to-pink spectrum is also emerging as a favorite, and it’s much more versatile than you may initially think. Ranging from jewel-like burgundy to soft rose, these tones provide a surprising amount of neutrality and flexibility. Burgundy feels refined and dramatic in a dining room, while blush pink softens a bedroom or lounge. Together, they deliver both warmth and elegance.
Cordless Lights & Lamps
One of the most surprising and practical trends of 2026 is the rise in popularity of cordless lighting. A quick internet search will show results for cordless lamps and fixtures that are stylish, bright, and versatile enough to stand alongside traditional wired lighting.
Cordless lights allow you to add light and visibility exactly where you need it, without worrying about outlets or extension cords. For homeowners, that means the freedom to highlight a dark corner, add a reading lamp to a cozy nook, or even set a glowing accent on a bookshelf or side table with no visible wires. Outdoors, cordless lanterns and table lamps are transforming patios and porches into ambient, flexible spaces.
They’re especially beloved by people living in historic homes, where outlets are not as plentiful or thoughtfully placed compared to modern construction. Instead of rewiring or hiding cords, cordless lights provide an elegant, non-invasive solution. Many designs are rechargeable, energy-efficient, and come in finishes that complement every style.
A Moodier, Layered Aesthetic
2026 is leaning heavily into a moody, layered look. Instead of the light-and-airy minimalism that defined the past decade, we’re seeing rooms that embrace shadow and depth. We are seeing lots of dark wood cabinetry, darker countertops, antique gold finishes, and softly patterned wallpapers.
But “moody” and “layered” doesn’t mean that rooms have to feel heavy. The secret will be layering textures and finishes: rich wood against soft fabrics, matte metals paired with glossy accents, antiques next to modern silhouettes. The result will be sophisticated and cozy, dramatic yet inviting.
Commercial Interiors
This “modern classic” approach feels particularly relevant for commercial interiors, where businesses want to communicate longevity and personality. Rather than stark, hyper-modern lobbies, clients are leaning toward warmth, depth, and design that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Drama via Drapery
Speaking of layers, drapery is also making a comeback! The right draperies create drama and add softness simultaneously.
Secret Doors & Hidden Spaces
We have also noticed a playful, imaginative trend emerging: secret doors and hidden rooms! Not just in storybooks or grand old estates, these creative design features are becoming more common in modern homes.
We love the sense of surprise and delight that comes with discovering a tucked-away nook, hidden library, or private workspace concealed behind a door that looks like a bookshelf or paneled wall.
These secret spaces aren’t just whimsical, they can be practical. Under-stair hideaways become cozy reading corners for kids, while disguised doors can conceal pantries, wine cellars, or home offices. In some cases, they provide a way to maximize square footage without disrupting the flow of a room.
Materials That Make a Statement
We had slab surfaces on our 2025 trend report too, and they aren’t going anywhere. Bathrooms and kitchens will continue to see a shift toward large slab surfaces.
In showers, these create a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines, offering both beauty and practicality. Slabs in marble, quartzite, or engineered stone deliver drama at scale.
That said, tiled showers won’t disappear completely. They remain a more affordable option, and the pendulum is likely to swing back and forth as budgets and availability shift.
Curved Silhouettes
Rounded and curved silhouettes are showing up around every corner. Clean, minimal lines have been dominant for the last decade or so, but this latest trend is bringing a sense of softness and calm to modern spaces.
Last year, we shared that curves and arches were showing up in architectural contexts (doorways, built-ins, etc.), but this year it extends out to furniture and lighting. From oval dining tables to gently sloped sofas and sculptural lighting, curves introduce movement and visual flow, making rooms feel more dynamic and harmonious.
Imperfection & Storytelling
Perhaps the most meaningful shift is toward spaces that tell a story. This has been something that has always been important to us, but it looks like the design world is catching on.
Instead of pristine, magazine spread interiors, clients are craving environments that feel layered and collected. Including elements like irregular shapes and hand-painted details are a great way to harness this trend in your own home.
What This Means for You
At Allison Smith Design, these 2026 trends feel like a natural continuation of what we’ve always believed: design should balance function with personality, comfort with longevity.
For our residential clients, that may mean helping you transition from gray palettes into richer tones or finding ways to layer in mood without losing light.
For our commercial clients, it’s about building spaces that leave an impression, whether through dramatic lighting, materials that make a statement, or an updated color palette.
Either way, 2026 isn’t about following rules (not that we’ve ever been rule followers anyway). It’s about embracing character, layering materials, and choosing elements that reflect your story and how you want to feel in your space. Whether you adopt one trend or several, the result should be a space that feels timeless, personal, and built to last.
