Top Interior Design Trends for 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, interior designers are stepping away from anything that feels overly polished or formulaic. Instead, the focus is on warmth, craftsmanship, and homes that feel personal and lived-in.
The trends shaping interiors in 2026 aren’t about starting over — they’re about layering thoughtfully, choosing materials with soul, and creating spaces that feel collected over time. These five themes are showing up again and again in designer conversations, projects, and forecasts — and they translate beautifully into real homes and family spaces.
Clay & Terracotta Revival
Warm, grounded tones are redefining modern neutrals.
In 2026, clay and terracotta are appearing less as heavy architectural statements and more as thoughtful accent pieces paired with warm, earthy color palettes. Designers are using these tones to bring depth and softness to interiors without overpowering a space.
Rather than committing to terracotta floors or tile, the look is layered through decor, ceramics, and paint colors inspired by clay, sand, rust, and adobe.
You’ll see this trend expressed through:
- Clay and terracotta vases, bowls, and planters
- Ceramic table lamps with matte, handmade finishes
- Earthy wall colors replacing cool grays and stark whites
- Warm neutral palettes layered with wood, linen, and stone
Why designers love it:
These tones instantly make a space feel grounded and inviting. They add warmth without feeling trendy or rustic, and they work beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.
How to use it at home:
Start with accent décor — a clay lamp on a console or terracotta vessels on open shelving. Then echo those tones through paint, artwork, or textiles for a cohesive, calming palette.
Organic Botanical Prints
Nature-inspired patterns are returning — softer and more timeless.
Botanical prints are making a quiet comeback in 2026, but in a far more refined way. Designers are gravitating toward muted, oversized botanicals that feel organic rather than busy or decorative.
Inspired by nature — branches, leaves, vines, and florals — these prints often appear in warm, earthy palettes that feel collected and timeless.
Designers are using botanicals in:
- Wallpapered powder rooms and bedrooms
- Drapery panels and Roman shades
- Accent pillows and bedding
- Framed vintage botanical art
Why designers love it:
Botanical prints introduce movement and softness, balancing structured furniture and architectural elements.
How to use it at home:
A single wallpapered wall, a pair of botanical drapes, or layered botanical pillows can add life to a space without overwhelming it.
Statement Trims
The smallest details are making the biggest impact.
In 2026, designers are elevating interiors through statement upholstery trims — subtle but intentional details that bring texture, craftsmanship, and personality into a space.
Rather than relying on bold patterns, designers are using trims to add interest in a quieter, more timeless way.
You’ll see this trend through:
- Contrast piping on pillows and cushions
- Fringe, tape, or embroidered trim on bedding
- Upholstered furniture with tailored edging
- Decorative borders that highlight shape and silhouette
Why designers love it:
Trim adds a custom, collected feel without overwhelming a room. It’s a way to introduce detail and texture while keeping a neutral or tonal palette intact.
How to use it at home:
Start small — add one or two pillows with contrast trim, or layer bedding with subtle decorative edging. Trim works best when it complements the color palette rather than competing with it.
Mismatched Furniture
Collected homes are replacing perfectly matched sets.
Designers are moving away from interiors that look like they were purchased all at once. In 2026, homes feel more personal and layered thanks to intentionally mismatched furniture.
This trend embraces:
- Mixing dining chairs around one table
- Blending wood tones and finishes
- Pairing vintage pieces with modern silhouettes
- Allowing rooms to evolve over time
Why designers love it:
Mismatched furniture adds authenticity and depth, making spaces feel lived-in — especially in family homes.
How to use it at home:
Start small. Swap one chair, add a vintage side table, or mix finishes within the same color family to keep the look cohesive but not overly coordinated.
Color Capping
A softer evolution of color drenching.
Color capping is emerging as one of the most talked-about paint techniques for 2026. Instead of painting a room one bold color, designers use layered tonal variations to add depth and warmth.
Typically, this includes:
- Deeper tones on ceilings
- Softer versions of the same color on walls
- Complementary trim shades
Why designers love it:
Color capping creates dimension and coziness without overwhelming a space, especially in smaller rooms.
How to use it at home:
Try color capping in a powder room, hallway, nursery, or bedroom using warm, earthy tones for a welcoming feel.