Imagine waking up on January 1st, 2026, in a home that's not just a place to live, but a vibrant reflection of your boldest dreams and quirkiest ideas—interior designers are already plotting their moves to make that a reality, and you might want to join the fun before the trends go viral!
While many of us are gearing up to boost our workouts or try that trendy new diet, those with a keen eye for beauty are channeling their energy into transforming their living spaces. Interior designers, who seem to have it all figured out, are nonetheless spotting opportunities to level up their own homes for the new year. From daring color choices to embracing the unexpected, let's dive into seven decorating promises these pros are making for 2026—along with smart shopping tips to snag essentials before everyone else does.
- Go Bold and Fearless
(Image credit: Tom Mannion. Design: Studio Hollond)
Tired of the same old neutral tones? You're not alone. Cathleen Gruver from the Northern Virginia-based Gruver Cooley studio (https://gruvercooley.com/) is all in for breaking free from the safe and predictable in 2026.
'With years of crafting luxurious homes under my belt, I've realized that the truly unforgettable rooms are those bursting with genuine enthusiasm and self-assurance,' Cathleen shares. 'My goal is to inspire both clients and myself to choose decor and materials that ignite personal passion. Opting for pieces that truly speak to you, rather than sticking to the 'easy' options, creates a home that's rich with personality and enduring charm,' she adds.
For Cathleen, boldness isn't about being flashy—it's about expressing your true self. Colors can play a big role, of course, but it's just one path. 'It's really about following your instincts and letting your unique style shine,' she reflects.
Z Gallerie
Bronze Tiger Lumbar
HAY
Antiquity Dinner Plate
Inner Child
Hand-Marbled Scallop Waste Bin
- Experiment with Unusual Metal Finishes
(Image credit: Genevieve Lutkin. Design: Hollie Bowden)
Plain, unremarkable metal surfaces are feeling a bit outdated as we head into 2026. Sarah and Rebecca Goesling, the team behind Goesling Group (https://www.goeslinggroup.com/), are eager to shake things up with creative twists.
'We're thrilled to dive into more unconventional ways to treat metals,' the duo tells Homes & Gardens. 'Think etched brass, molten chrome (https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/chrome-decor-edit), and reverse-knurled steel—we adore adding subtle rebellious flair to classic metals,' they explain.
And get this: it's surprisingly easy to pull off. 'A quick switch to textured knobs or pulls can transform everyday kitchen cabinets (https://www.homesandgardens.com/kitchen-ideas) or nightstands into mini masterpieces,' they note. 'Areas you touch frequently become more engaging, offering a fun, tactile surprise that keeps things interesting.'
ARHAUS
Wall Mount Antique Brass Dinner Bell
Ferm Living
Agapé Wall Candle Sconces, Set of 2
Zentique
Diggs Metal Table Vase
- Adopt Wall Textiles for Cozy Warmth
(Image credit: Studio Alexandra)
Just like treating yourself to a dream vacation or that perfect hairstyle, some resolutions are about giving in to desires you've been holding back. If you're like us—or Frankie Rousell, the Founder and CEO of Jolie (https://wearejolie.com/)—wall textiles are your green light. Tapestries (https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/how-to-decorate-with-tapestries) made a splash in 2025, and they're sticking around strong for 2026.
'We're leaning into tapestries, hanging rugs, and framed fabrics as alternatives to pricey paintings,' Frankie says. 'They bring dimension and texture, mellowing sounds and lighting for a more immersive, varied feel on your walls—it's an accessible, standout way to add interest.'
Urban Outfitters
Palmera Fan Floating Headboard
McGee & Co.
Hortensia Wall Tapestry
The Salvaged Vessel
Hand Painted Abstract Textile Art
- Mix Up Exciting Color Combinations
(Image credit: James McDonald)
'Our clients often request specific styles, which can lead to repeating similar palettes across projects,' explains Annie Harrison, founder of Fare Inc (https://fare-inc.com/).
It's like a seasoned musician stuck playing the same hit song forever—comfortable, but limiting. Why not bring daring duos like red and green into everyday life, beyond holidays? That playful tension of hues that shouldn't match but do is what Sarah and Rebecca Goesling from Goesling Group are pushing further.
'The pairings we're loving: smooth periwinkle with plush chocolate, shiny chartreuse alongside soft baby blue, and flat tangerine paired with shimmering moss,' they share. 'These blend lively, emotive shades with steady, practical ones—think joyful yet cautious vibes softened by earthy tones, ushering in a lively new chapter.'
Threshold
Velvet Contrast Fringe Dec Pillow
Palais Lampshades
Thalassa Palm & Cinnamon Lampshade
Anthropologie
Adele Martini Glasses, Set of 4
- Refresh Those Forgotten Hardware Pieces
(Image credit: Kensington Leverne. Design: De Rosee Sa.)
We've all heard it (and just did in the last point): skip the full cabinet overhaul and update the hardware instead. It's straightforward, budget-friendly, and always gets put off. Annie Harrison from Fare Inc. thinks 2026 could be the time to finally do it.
Changing out door pulls—on cabinets, drawers, or even basic knobs—is, in Annie's words, 'a subtle yet hands-on upgrade you interact with daily.' It's the sort of tweak that revives a room's vibe, with repeated touches making your space feel fresh and intentional.
West Elm
Modernist Wood & Antique Brass Hardware
AnthroHome
Odessa Jewelry Knobs, Set of 2
Berenson
Iron Cabinet Handle
- Dive Into Surrealism
(Image credit: Summerill & Bishop)
We're navigating uncharted waters these days—for obvious global reasons. We've got more knowledge than ever, yet certainty feels elusive. For Sarah and Rebecca Goesling, this vagueness isn't a problem to ignore—it's fuel for creativity.
'We're welcoming surrealism (https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/why-you-should-make-your-home-weirder) and the unknown,' the designers say. 'The world feels surreal, from clever illusions to misleading fakes, so we're embracing the mystery.'
This shows in quirky details: 'Think flowing 1920s circus stripes, mysterious prints, plant-inspired shades, glass blocks, and ethical opulence,' they elaborate. 'Key trends? Green as the hero color, stripes as the go-to pattern, glass block as the material, and an oil-slick sheen that captivates.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is surrealism in home decor a thrilling embrace of our chaotic times, or just a risky plunge into the bizarre that might clash with everyday life? What if blending reality with fantasy makes your space feel disconnected—does that add intrigue, or just confusion?
Crate & Barrel
Cubey Linen Table Lamp 33.8" by Brigette Romanek
Birch Lane
Jebb Upholstered Ottoman
Zodax
Clam Shell Serving Dish With Spoon
- Minimize the Clutter
(Image credit: Sarah West Interiors)
While some designers are ramping up the drama and boldness for 2026, others are opting for the opposite—streamlining and decluttering to create serene spaces.
'The most powerful change is to subtract,' declares Philip Thomas Vanderford, Owner and Founder of Studio Thomas James (https://www.studiothomasjames.com/). 'Getting rid of extras elevates what's left, feeling purposeful and refined—way more elegant than piling on more stuff.'
'I remind clients that decluttering isn't about draining life from a home,' echoes Christopher Boutlier from Washington, DC's Christopher Boutlier Interiors (https://boutlier.com/). 'It's about silencing the distractions. This year, I'm urging folks to evaluate each room critically and discard what no longer fits their lifestyle. Lightening the visual weight lets proportions and materials take center stage, fostering a tranquility that's truly indulgent.'
And you don't need a complete overhaul. For Annie Harrison at Fare Inc., it's all about organizing shoes (https://www.homesandgardens.com/ideas/storage-ideas)—'We handle this for clients all the time, but my own home still needs fixing,' she jokes.
Casafield
Open Weave Wall Hanging Basket
BELOVED
20 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet
H&M Home
Foldable Storage Basket
And this is the part most people miss: These resolutions aren't just for pros—they're a call to rethink how we live in our spaces, blending personal expression with simplicity. But is simplifying really more 'luxurious' than adding flair, or could it feel too stark for those who thrive on visual excitement?
Beyond individual goals, check out the bigger interior design movements (https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/interior-design-trends-2026) influencing homes in 2026.
What are your thoughts? Do you side with the bold, surreal twists, or prefer the calm of decluttering? Is embracing uncertainty in decor a smart move for modern living, or does it just invite chaos? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments—we'd love to hear how you're planning to refresh your home this year!
