Greater Seattle Real Estate Broker, Mercer Island real estate, Bellevue real estate, 5 Home Design Trends for 2026 | Jake Kanev
Living & Trends February 20, 2026

5 Home Design Trends for 2026

 

In looking ahead at interior trends for this year, it’s clear that 2026 is all about the vibes. Creating warm, genuine spaces that reflect your individual lifestyle and create a mood is much more “in” than passing fads that rely on strict aesthetic rules. Rich colors, handmade textures, and grandma-inspired patterns are infusing into rooms once prized for their understated minimalism. Here are five trends to try incorporating into your home…

Rich, Moody Colors

Warmer, nature-inspired colors continue to dominate the palette but are moving deeper and more saturated. In looking at the top colors of the year chosen by leading paint brands, earthy and nostalgic tones such as chocolate brown, burgundy, and khaki all make a prominent appearance. Moss and blue-greens also continue their popularity. On the lighter end of the spectrum, the neon pinks, blues, and greens that peaked in 2024 have now all softened into powdery pastels. Mauve is also making a comeback.

The monochromatic tonal trend is also shifting toward “atmospheric color,” where varying but closely related hues are carried across walls, furniture, and textiles to set a certain mood. It could be energetic reds and oranges for a fitness room; soothing pastels for a bedroom; or rich browns and plums for a comforting study. “Color drenching” takes it one step further by carrying a single bold shade or pattern across walls, ceilings, draperies, and trim. For inspiration, draw from the color families in Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix 2026 forecast.

 

“Grandmillennial” Style

Continuing on the trajectory of comforting, nostalgic interiors, this movement revives the old-school design fads that millennials fondly remember from grandma’s house. Rather than stiff, polished traditionalism, however, this new take is quirky and deeply personal. Vintage floral patterns are mixed together and layered throughout upholstery, rugs, draperies, and, pillows…perhaps with some skirted chairs, shapely wooden arms/legs, ruffles, buttons, cording, or tassels thrown in. Personal mementos and thrift store finds like mismatched antique furniture, classic art, and stained glass lighting further the lived-in feel (and are a sustainable source of style). Modern touches mixed in keep the room feeling coordinated rather than chaotic…you can also try sticking to a color family repeated throughout the room, and having a base of neutral solids.

 

Small Moment Spaces

While the closed room layouts of the 90s have remained solidly out of style, designers are finding ways to reclaim dedicated spaces within the open layout. This can be done through niches, soft partitions like curtains, or pocket doors. Think cozy reading nooks; highly decorated “jewel box” seating niches layered with sumptuous colors and textiles; built-in desks or bookshelves at the end of the hallways; and semi-separated bedroom sitting areas reminiscent of a boutique hotel room.

 

 

The Fifth (and Sixth) Walls

Where accent walls were once all the rage, we’re now seeing accent ceilings take their place. Bold colors, hand-painted frescoes, and even wallpaper overhead add immediate interest to a room. Floors are following in their wake with bold patterned tiles or rugs adding yet another dimension of variety. Try this in a small space like a hallway, bathroom, or bedroom. Box ceilings can also make a fun canvas for accent colors. Not quite ready to take the plunge? “Color capping” is a more subtle version of this trend with colors gradually deepening toward the ceiling, which is painted a slightly darker shade of the same wall hue.

 

Personal Retreats

Wellness and relaxation have remained priorities for homeowners in the years following the pandemic, and now we’re seeing a rise in private sanctuaries that go beyond (or complement) the basic home gym. These can be anything from pocket size meditation rooms to spa-like recovery rooms complete with saunas and cold plunge pools. Clean, warm wood finishes and natural light are often utilized to create a biophilic sense of calm.

 

Curious about how to incorporate the latest home trends before you sell? Our agents see the latest home styles every day. Reach out for advice!

 

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