2026 Design Trends—and Why You Should Still Design for You

For the last several years, we’ve lived in a Modern Farmhouse era where kitchens and bathrooms leaned heavily toward white or gray cabinets with matte black fixtures. If wood showed up, it was usually white oak. Everything felt light, bright, and clean.

And to be clear—it is beautiful. (Notice I said is, because it still works.) But as a designer during that time, I often tried to introduce something that made the space feel more personal. Sometimes that meant adding color. Sometimes it was as simple as choosing a metal finish other than matte black.

Because here’s the truth: when we design a home, it should reflect your taste—not a formula, not a trend, and definitely not something cookie-cutter.

We love trends. We just don’t believe they belong everywhere—or with everyone.

The Big Design Shift We’re Seeing in 2026

2026 has officially turned a corner toward warm, rich, and layered design. There’s a noticeable mood shift happening, and it’s a good one—if it fits you and your home.

We’re seeing:

• Deeper stained woods

• Warm, saturated colors like brown, olive, burgundy, cognac, ink, and tobacco

• Spaces that feel collected and lived-in, not showroom-perfect

• Purpose-driven rooms like sculleries (walk-in pantries), libraries, and built-ins

• Natural stone backsplashes and natural materials throughout

• Wellness rooms designed for real daily use

• Visual interest through checkerboard tile, curved doorways, and softer geometry

• Rich finishes like brushed gold

• Color-drenched rooms

• Warmer lighting

• Homes that feel like they’ve been there forever—but elevated

The overall feel? Comfortable, grounded, and intentional.

Loving a Trend Doesn’t Mean It’s Right for You

I’ll be honest—I love what we’re seeing for 2026. But that’s because my personal style has always leaned this way. I’ve always loved deep colors, darker woods, and the moodier side of design.

That doesn’t mean it’s right for you. And that’s okay.

How We Design Around You, Not the Trend Cycle

When we meet with clients, we start with questions—not Pinterest boards.

We ask things like:

• What colors does your eye naturally gravitate toward?

• What do you love about your home?

• What doesn’t work for you right now?

• What do you want this renovation to do better for your daily life?

  
  

Function always comes first. Always.

Once we understand how you live and what you need, then we get into the fun stuff:

• Cabinetry

• Color

• Tile

• Wood floor stain

• Plumbing fixtures

• Lighting

Those early conversations set the tone for everything that follows—and they allow us to guide you thoughtfully instead of pushing you toward a trend.

“Will This Help Resale?” Here’s Our Honest Answer

Clients often ask what’s trending—or whether a certain design choice will attract buyers someday.

My response is usually another question:Are you planning to sell your home in the near future?

If the answer is no, I gently tell them not to worry about that.

Buyers change things anyway. Kitchens get redone. Bathrooms get updated. Trends shift. So if you’ve waited a long time for this renovation, my biggest advice is simple:

Be true to you.

Pick what you love—not what you think will sell or what’s “in” right now.

Design Your Home for the Life You’re Living

So yes—2026 trends are beautiful. But only follow them if you love them too.

Design your home around what makes you happy and what makes daily life easier:

• Love blue? Use blue.

• Prefer cool tones? Great.

• Drawn to warm, rich colors? Let’s lean in.

  
  

We’re all-in on helping you create a space that feels right—for you, your home, and how you live in it.

Don’t design for trend unless you love the trend. Design for yourself—and we’ll take it from there.