The end of the year is fast approaching and if you're thinking about refreshing your home, there couldn't be a better time to do it. Even though you may not want your rooms to feel like that excessive Even if it's trendy, it still helps to know what's hot in the design world right now, and it's worth learning what designers are likely to have in store in the coming year.
Here, we asked a few interior designers to share with us the decorating trends they predict will shape 2026, as well as their top tips for incorporating them into your home.
Closed floor plans
The open floor plan became the standard for most new homes over a decade ago. However, life changed dramatically during the pandemic and many people became frustrated with this type of arrangement.
While closing an open floor plan isn't usually an option, Jessica Shaw, interior design director at Turett Collaborative, says these types of homes function a little differently these days. “The open living concept isn’t going away, but it is evolving,” she says. “We’re seeing a return to spaces with clearer function: dining areas that feel different, kitchens with their own identity and cozy living rooms that can actually be closed off.”
If your current home has an open floor plan, but you want a little definition and privacy in your space, that doesn't mean you have to move or break the bank on renovation costs. “Use custom millwork, ceiling trim, or furniture placement to create subtle divisions,” recommends Shaw. “Even a change in lighting or materiality can make a space feel more distinct.”
Wellness environments for the home
As a society, we are trending toward a more holistic approach to health and wellness, especially since the rise of home gyms in 2020. According to Autumn Pochiro of Autumn Dawn Design, this is now reflected in the popularity of additional home amenities such as wellness rooms. “The hottest home trend in 2026 will focus on creating wellness environments at home, sanctuaries designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul,” she says.
The designer shared that these spaces will feature a variety of notable features in the coming year, including multi-sensory elements such as full infrared saunas, sound rooms for meditation and immersion spas. “The goal is to adapt the space to your lifestyle. This can be as simple as converting a closet into a meditation area and using aesthetically pleasing materials that appeal to all of the senses,” notes Pochiro.
Modular lighting
Susan Petrie of Petrie Interior Designs expects modular lighting to play a big role in 2026. “This will make function a game – there will be so many mix-and-match tones and adaptable shapes, where lighting becomes 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 smart idea because you can buy a lamp or sconce and then swap out the shade depending on the season, a dinner party, or just because you want some variety.
Seamless technical integration
Smart home technology will remain essential in 2026, but the days of See “These things are over,” says Joshua Michael Praught of Studio Joshua. He particularly highlights “concealed systems that support beauty and comfort, such as 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 comfort. Today everything is different. “Discrete technology creates spaces that feel human again,” he adds. “Highly functional, but visually calm, supports lightness and beauty.”
This is definitely something to keep in mind when renovating or refreshing a room. “Hide speakers, projectors and cables in custom millwork or architectural details and invest in systems where design is as important as performance,” recommends Praught.
Red shades
“Red is often overlooked in favor of blue or green (everyone is), but it's having a moment,” says Sarah Scales of Sarah Scales Design Studio. “These colors are intended to envelop and envelop a space rather than fading into the background.”
But not all reds will be on trend – the designer shares that maroon and merlot tones that are “deep, dark and moody” will dominate over lighter primary reds.
Scales suggests choosing a small space and doing everything. “A powder room or home office works perfectly,” she adds. “If you're not ready for this level of commitment, start with smaller accents like a pillow or blanket to gradually introduce the color.”
Soft, curved shapes
Madison Morley, Interior Design Service Manager at Article, says soft shapes will be very popular in 2026. “Furniture overall is becoming both more playful and more versatile,” she emphasizes. “The trend towards softer, more sculptural shapes can be seen in sofas, dining tables and side tables, adding movement and visual calm to a room.”
Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you have to throw away all of your standard furniture with sharp edges. It's more of a subtle shift. The designer suggests small changes. “Introduce curved or rounded shapes through a sofa, mirror or side table to soften the flow of the room,” adds Morley.