Settling into 2026
As the New Year settles in and the first hints of spring emerge, a renewed sense of possibility begins to fill our homes and shared spaces. After months of winter’s stillness, many of us have begun to long for revival. Naturally, spring brings this with a season of transformation, leading interior design choices to mirror this annual desire for change and renewal.
In 2026, interior design trends are embracing this with a blend of tradition and modern expression. Designers are increasingly balancing timeless elements with eclectic and personal details, curating lived in and meaningful spaces. Navigating through the winter months often invites opportunities for reflection on how our surroundings impact us. Did our spaces provide comfort and warmth, or did they mirror the coldness around us?
Our valued interior designers at DAS, Amanda Summers, Katherine Long, and Stephanie Maksin, have observed a shift within the design community away from stark minimalism and toward spaces that emphasize warmth, connection, and personal expression. Across residential and commercial environments alike, spaces are evolving to foster a sense of community and inspire creativity.
Embracing Color: Minimalism is Fading
A notable shift our interior designers are discovering is a renewed embrace of color and vibrancy. For years, many interiors leaned into restrained palettes defined by whites, beiges, and grays. While these tones created a sharp and minimalist environment, they often lacked the warmth and depth that is now being sought after.
In 2026, designers and clients are shifting away from the muted palette and instead embracing colors inspired by nature’s spectrum. Earth toned greens, forest hues, and warm browns are on the rise, reflecting a collective desire to reconnect more deeply with the natural environment.
Alongside these earthy shades, jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, and burgundy are making a confident return. These richer color schemes evoke a sense of individuality, allowing interiors and clients to step into a more expressive mindset. Ultimately, the growing emphasis of color reflects a general movement in design: a celebration of individuality, vibrancy, and warmth in everyday life.
The Return of Textures
Just as color has been making a comeback, embracing textures is becoming a defining feature in interior design. As this shift continues to take shape, overly polished areas are gradually giving way to materials that place emphasis on depth, dimension, and tactile elements, creating spaces that feel more dynamic.
This shift towards these elements reflects a broader desire for authenticity and warmth. Instead of aiming towards perfection, clients are beginning to embrace materials that display craftsmanship and natural imperfections, celebrating the beauty found in subtle details. These elements not only enhance the beauty of a space’s architecture, but also help to curate spaces that provide a sense of warmth and personality, resulting in inviting and distinctively human environments.
Eclectic and Curated Spaces
Another notable trend having an emergence in 2026 is the growing appreciation towards eclectic and thoughtfully curated interiors. As the design landscape continues to evolve, rather than designing spaces that follow a strict aesthetic, designers and clients are increasingly aiming to create environments that evolve organically over time, resulting in more layered, personal, and intentionally collected spaces.
Instead of the extreme minimalist open concept floor plan that dominated years prior, in 2026 many spaces are beginning to return back to a more traditional, defined layout. This shift reflects a renewed focus on purpose and individuality, and in both residential and commercial structures, spaces are being designed intentionally with specific uses in mind, allowing each area to purposely develop their own unique character. When design becomes personalized and expressive, the pressure to follow fleeting trends fades, and instead, spaces become a reflection of unique identity, shared memories, and lifestyles.
Health is Wealth
Wellness has long influenced the way we live, but within the design world, it is no longer just a passing trend, it has become a priority. Across residential and multi-family spaces, there is a noticeable shift toward environments that actively support well-being, comfort, and relaxation.
Design is moving beyond purely visual appeal and into something more immersive. Designers are thoughtfully integrating spa-like elements into everyday living spaces, transforming daily routines into moments of restoration. Features such as cold plunges, saunas, and even pickleball courts are becoming increasingly common in modern developments, offering residents accessible ways to prioritize their physical and mental health.
As the focus on self-care continues to grow, so will the environments that we create. Interiors are evolving to do more than look beautiful, they are now being designed to enhance our quality of life. The future of design lies in spaces that feel as good as they look, supporting a more fulfilling lifestyle.
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