INTERIORS 2026
Interior Designs to Avoid in 2026
Written by: Caitlin McFarlane
From all whites to accents, these design trends are going to be “last season” in 2026, however don’t be bummed because workarounds are here to save your home.
Out With the Cold, In with the Neutrals
Rooms that are one color scream claustrophobia. White walls, white, furniture, and white accents leave no room for color variety which can make a space feel open. For a client that likes the monochrome vibe, I reccomend neutrals to spruce it up. Ivory accents, warm beige tones and barely there earth tones should do the trick. If you’re a texture person, addig a painting or some wallpaper may make the space more inviting.
Fast & Temporary Furniture
I get it. We all love Target or Macy’s for their fast furniture, made to fit a certain look. However, interiors are always changing, and could leave your brand new fresh look a bit “outdated.” Instead, I would look for items a bit outside the price range that offer durability and higher quality fabrics and designs that will become a classic and last longer. I believe that this investment will make your furniture thank you.
Accent Walls of a Different Color
Unlike monochrome, accents make a space look more inviting. However, it can be overdone. Accents should be smaller elements like a splash of color or a decorative furniture piece that adds a hint of color. I see this a lot, where homes will have a whole wall that looks different from the rest, whether it be a different color or texture. This accent wall is often drastically different while the rest all looks similar. If the rest are similar in texture or color, then tthey should all be similar. If you want it to look different, I would suggest making that wall the same color as the rest with a different texture.
Heavily Textured Fabrics
That looped bouclé fabric used on your sofas and chairs are out for the season. This fabric will make people who are sensitive to texture uncomfortable with it’s carpetlike appearance. Moreover, it is overused and it is time to switch it up in 2026. If you like your fabrics, go ahead and throw in a mix whether it be velvet or a blend. Furniture should be cofortable for yourself and your guests.
Light wood tones & grey wood floors
Grey flooring and light tones for wood have been the go-to in staging. However, they can make your space look a bit bland and “cookie-cutter” because it is so similar to the rest. In many homes, the go-to has been to rely on what is popular which is the idea of matching furniture sets with that perfect grey flooring that seems to match almost anything. But in 2026, we are looking for a mixture of colors when it comes to furniture and warmer tones when it comes to flooring. A sugggestion would be a nice Brazillian cherry or a lighter mahogony.
Open Shelving & Exposed Metal
The concept of open metal shelving has proved to be popular for a while now in the interior design world, however, we are looking for a change. Open shelving has it’s pros and cons. A lot of people like it because it is accessible and it stands out. However, it is starting to look “too industial” or some might say that it has too much of a “warehouse vibe.” If you like having that industrial look, which can look cool, a new trend suggests incorporating closed storage while incorporating those exposed metal elements. A good example of this would be a nice wooden cabinet with metal handles or accents of metal. Closed starage will still have the same accessability, just with a more sleek look and a finished design.
Strictly Folowing a Single Style Theme
Alright, alright, I get it. Sometimes we just like something so much that we religiously depend on it again and again. We find something so succesful that we get stuck in a rut, especially in the design world. Knowing that something works for us, allows us to live in that comfort zone; however, it is always good to take risks and try something new. Now, with that said, from farmhouse to mid-century modern, everyone has adopted at least an element of these two styles. Yet, there are some who love these styles so much that their entire house mimics them. In 2026, we are starting to look at that as more of a declining trend. Instead, we want to fuse modern design with older versions. That includes colors, textures, and everything in-between. Instead of just going with one theme, why not have fun and go with two or more?
Grey, Dark, and Moody Color Palettes
If you have seasonal depression, this color design is not for you. After a gloomy, rainy day, there is nothing like going into the comfort of your home. Comfort looks a lot different depending on your style, and some like grey and moody colors. The trends of grey and dark color palettes for any indoor space are going out the door in 2026. These colors are typically not inviting and feel cold. Often times, designers stray from these colors as they are seen as a bit depressing. However, there is a cure and that is adding accent colors and mixed materials to your home decor.
An OCD Paradise
Whether you have OCD or if you are one of those who love to make sure that everything matches perfectly, this design trend may have you jumping for joy, but for the rest, it can be a complete nightmare. For me personally, I see a maze when I notice that everything is the same. Same pattern, color, texture, and matching furniture. It almost makes me feel trapped. If you like having things match, a suggestion would be to branch out a bit and play around with different colors, textures, and accent pieces. Start out small. They may not be the same, but they will definitely compliment each other!
Old Accent Trends
These accents really had a chance to shine in years past. We are talking amoeba-shaped rugs, word art that says “live, laugh, love,” and everything in-between. Although this trend was fun, it is time to say goodbye and
introduce another trend....embracing pieces that reflect one’s own style. It is not always required that you follow a trend.
“The trend of grey and dark color palettes for any indoor space are going out the door in 2026.”