Local Interior Designers Share Trends to Watch in 2026

INTERIOR DESIGNER MOLLY LUCAS INCORPORATED SHADES OF INDIGO INTO THIS RENOVATED, FAMILY-FRIENDLY MEDIA ROOM. | PHOTO BY MOLLY LUCAS

The new year is here — and with it comes a fresh start. And if that fresh start extends to updating your home decor with the most current design trends, you’re in the right place.

For 2026, design experts are predicting warm, earthy color palettes, curated rooms that emphasize individualized details over perfectly perfected minimalism, flexible work — and play — spaces, plus a desire for spa-like bathrooms as some of the biggest trends for the new year.

“I’m seeing a return to personality and storytelling in interiors,” says interior designer Molly Lucas, founder of Pittsburgh-based Maison de Molly. “I think people are really desiring curated, lived-in spaces that don’t feel overly new. That can include vintage pieces, handmade ceramics and found objects.”

For interior designer Meghan McDermott, owner of Pittsburgh’s Blue and Blanc Design, 2026 is the year of another curated space — the elevated gaming nook.

“Definitely a hot thing right now is the corner banquette seating that really utilizes every inch of space in a room, coupled with game tables and chairs,” McDermott says. “Everyone’s jumping on the Mahjong trend going on right now, so the loungey game room, game tables and chairs in different colors and bold patterns are becoming more popular.”

The opposite of the big, open-concept layouts that have been de rigueur for years, McDermott describes these personalized zones as “cozy little spaces that you can utilize on a daily basis.”

Here’s a closer look at what else is trending for 2026.

COLOR DRENCHING TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THIS PROJECTS BY BLUE AND BLANC DESIGN. PHOTO BY DAVE BRYCE

Color Drenching — with an Earthy Twist

Color drenching — the design technique that uses a single color on walls, trim, ceilings and doors for a seamless, yet dramatic, effect — has been popular for a few years, but for 2026, expect the style to take an earthy turn.

Trending are organic-inspired hues such as olive, clay and mushroom. Also making a statement are jewel-like colors such as rich greens and blues, which McDermott says can make a room feel warm and cozy.

“It creates just an overall hug of warm color,” she says, adding that she sees color drenching as a lasting design choice. “I don’t typically like to jump on trends, per se,” she says. “I tend to stick to classic things that will look beautiful for years and years.”

Despite color institute Pantone’s controversial choice in naming “Cloud Dancer,” a stark white, as its 2026 Color of the Year, Lucas (who describes it as a “weird call”) doesn’t see the minimalist shade making an impact on home interiors anytime soon.

Instead, for those who love neutrals, design experts recommend giving warmer hues, such as terracotta, sage green and rich browns, a try instead of a cold white in 2026.

Spa-Like Sanctuaries

For both new and renovated homes, the bathrooms are only getting bigger — and more luxurious.

“People are wanting to bring a personal wellness retreat to their homes,” Lucas says.

Helping create that spa-like sanctuary are expansive, walk-in showers, large-format porcelain or stone slabs, built-in saunas and even cold-plunge pools, part of a relatively new wellness trend that uses the cold water to reputedly reduce inflammation and soreness, boost circulation and promote overall well being.

“I’m seeing a lot of increase in that and in his-and-hers toilet rooms,” Lucas says.

Adding to that high-end feeling are furniture-like vanities (including fluted cabinetry), integrated LED lighting, flattering, backlit mirrors and relaxing standalone tubs with special details.

“Instead of just putting a standalone tub in the corner, there are little niches on the sides, or an arch above,” adds McDermott. “There are a lot of custom options.”

A GAMING TABLE WITH BANQUETTE SEATING IS A MAJOR TREND FOR 2026. PROJECT BY BLUE AND BLANC DESIGN | PHOTO BY DAVE BRYCE

Specialized Spaces

As previously mentioned, McDermott has documented a rise in corner banquette seating paired with gaming tables that are perfect for cozy family nights in, and it’s also true that homeowners are embracing more personalized spaces; this includes cozy reading nooks, home gyms, curated office spaces and, for the outdoors, pickleball courts.

In addition to home theaters, Lucas says she has clients adding golf simulators to their homes. She also sees lap pools — long, narrow swimming pools designed for exercise — becoming more popular.

“I think people are trying to create more family moments at home so that you don’t always feel like you have to go out to enjoy something,” Lucas says.

In the Kitchen

Often the heart of the home, kitchens that don’t look like kitchens are on-trend for 2026. What that means is getting rid of the utilitarian, stainless steel or white aesthetics and adding in welcoming details, such as vintage pieces, warmer-toned woods and cabinetry in an array of colors.

“I’m seeing a lot of people go for more saturated cabinet colors; deep greens, blues and muted clay tones,” Lucas says.

Related: Renovating Your Kitchen? Look to These Local Makeovers

No longer just stainless steel, artisan hood ranges also are having a moment, according to McDermott. “I feel like there’s so many options — copper hoods, or custom hoods with wood trim,” she says.

Lucas says full-height backsplashes, butler pantries and concealed appliances are other top kitchen picks for 2026.

It’s Personal

“Modern heritage” is the buzzword on every designer’s lips for 2026. The design style blends classic architectural details with modern functionality; think mixing antiques or handcrafted pieces with bold patterns or contemporary clean lines.

To achieve a more personalized, collected look, Lucas recommends combining modern art with more traditional pieces, such as an overly padded armchair, or bringing in lacquered furniture for a fresh spin on a classic look. She also suggests playing with color and pattern combinations for a lived-in, European-style vibe.

“I think there’s going to be a return to more traditional interiors as opposed to the more minimal modern interiors,” she says. “Where there’s always going to be a space for that, I think people are finding that they’ve pushed minimalism a little bit too far, and now they’re trying to find their way back.”