Terracotta Tiles
“Terracotta tile and other earthy, natural materials are making a strong comeback for 2026. Homeowners are gravitating toward a warmer, cozier aesthetic, and terracotta offers that timeless, lived-in feel. Whether you choose authentic terracotta or a porcelain lookalike, today’s options come in fresh shapes and new patterns, lending a modern twist to a classic material that has been used for centuries.” — Micaela Quinton, Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Photo by: Anastasia Alkema Photography
Warmth and Personality
“In 2026, we’ll say goodbye to stark, impersonal interiors. The all-white look has had its moment, but homeowners are now craving depth, warmth, and personality—a shift we’ve seen evolving in the last couple years. Expect to see richer, more tactile finishes, patterns, and layering: beautifully stained woods, hand-crafted tiles, rich fabrics, and patinated hardware that bring soul to a space.” — Cortney Bishop, Cortney Bishop Design
Photo by: Katie Charlotte
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Fluted and Reeded Wood Details
“I’m loving the look of fluted and reeded wood in kitchens and beyond. This fresh yet timeless architectural detail works on islands, cabinets, wall panels, and even furniture pieces. There’s an elevated sense of craftsmanship that gives a basic silhouette an unexpected artistry.” — Gil Walsh, Gil Walsh Interiors
Statement Stone
“Natural stone has long been a staple in design, but in 2026, I see a focus on slabs with bold, organic movement, featuring veining and patterns that feel almost sculptural. These surfaces act as both functional materials and artistic statements, bringing drama and warmth to kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. I expect this trend to gain popularity because homeowners are craving unique, one-of-a-kind textures that feel authentic and tactile, helping spaces feel grounded while still making a statement.” — Tehilla Bennett, Teela Bennett Design
Photo by: Crooked River Media
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Moody Color Palettes
“For 2026, I’m expecting color palettes to shift into richer, moodier territory. Saturated maroons and burgundies and other jewel tones are poised to make a big comeback, and instead of stark neutrals, olive-gray hues will lend a grounding feel that’s earthy and soft.” — Jennifer Sissom, Ryan Street Interiors
Photo by: Douglas Friedman
Sculptural Lighting
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Unique Ornamentation
“There’s a quiet return to ornamentation—subtle curves, tailored trims, and architectural detail that adds drama without overwhelming a space. Design is becoming more emotional. Less about what’s ‘in’ and more about what feels lived-in, personal, and lasting.” — Stephanie Martin, Stephanie Martin Interior Design
Brown Hues
“Brown is back in a big way, and it works beautifully across styles—from midcentury to traditional. A mentor once told me that you should only choose browns if they looked like something you would eat, and honestly, that still holds true!” — Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Mirrors As Art
“Mirrors are no longer just functional–they’re becoming a statement in a space. Oversized, sculptural, and uniquely framed mirrors bring depth, reflect light, and act as a focal point in a way standard mirrors can’t. We like to use a statement mirror in living, dining, and powder rooms to add an extra dimensional element to the space.” —Nicole Hirsch, Nicole Hirsch Interiors
Photo by: Jared Kuzia
Decorative Flooring
“Flooring is also getting more decorative. Herringbone, chevron, and Versailles patterns are showing up more often, especially in renovations where we can draw from classic architectural language. These details lend a sense of history and craftsmanship, even in newer spaces.” — Olivia Botrie, Dart Studio
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Smart Home Features & Wellness
“A trend that we see increasing as 2026 approaches are smart home integration and wellness. There are various levels of smart home integration, from a simple thermostat change-out, to appliances, and lighting systems or specific windows that open and close, as well as providing privacy at the press of a button.” — Kristine Anderson, PKA Architecture
Jewel Tones
“Neutrals will always be in our back pocket, but deeper hues are feeling more luxurious and timeless—especially in formal spaces. Colors like cranberry red, sapphire blue, and emerald green ground a room and pair beautifully with layered materials like stone, wood, and brass. Clients are gravitating toward jewel tones in living rooms, dining rooms, and powder rooms to create a sense of mood and sophistication–a subtle departure from the rest of the home, yet still cohesive.” — Nicole Hirsch, Nicole Hirsch Interiors
Photo by: Jared Kuzia
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Pattern on Pattern
“Pattern-on-pattern looks are also making a comeback in 2026, with thoughtfully layered designs that work beautifully together. Mixing complementary patterns adds visual interest while keeping spaces feeling comfortable and inviting—creating rooms that feel cozy, collected, and full of personality, with bold touches that still feel easy to live with.” — Jean Stoffer, Jean Stoffer Design
Photo by: Kyle J Caldwell
Natural Materials
“In 2026, I expect to see a continued return to natural materials that showcase honest texture and depth. Clients are gravitating toward stone with movement, warm woods, and hand finished metals, paired with architectural details that feel purposeful rather than decorative. There is a growing desire for interiors that feel grounded, sensory rich, and connected to their surroundings.” — Elana Tenenbaum Cline, Carta Creatives
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Rooms With Character
“The pared-back, ultra-minimal look can feel cold and impersonal. We’re seeing clients gravitate toward spaces that tell a story—mixing eras, textures, and materials for depth and soul. The best spaces feel evolved, not installed.” — Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
