The only thing constant is change, and that has never been more accurate than with the emerging interior design and color trends we’re seeing for 2026. For years now, existing homeowners and new buyers alike have had a preference for cool, almost impersonal tones, but there has been a recent shift that’s going to change interior design in 2026.
We surveyed 86 interior design professionals to get their take on emerging trends that actually have staying power in the industry. Across the board, experts agree that style preferences are moving toward embracing warmth, wellness, and personalization.
Interiors in 2026 will embrace a warm, grounded sophistication to create calming, personal spaces that are subtly bold and nature infused.
Key Findings:
Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette is viewed as the most enduring 2026 Color of the Year, chosen by 38% of experts.
Wellness design leads emerging 2026 interior trends, selected by 56% of professionals.
Restorative greens are expected to be the most popular interior color palette in 2026, favored by 66% of designers.
Millennials and Gen Z drive the demand for sustainable materials and biophilic design trends.
To add value in a bedroom, experts recommend warm neutrals(74%).
To maximize value in a living area, soft or warm whites dominate, chosen by 73% of experts.
Stark minimalism is the top trend predicted to phase out in 2026, according to 71% of experts.
A staggering 93% of experts agree that cool, blue-toned grays—widely known as Millennial Gray—are on the way out.
Overly bright siding is the most off-putting exterior option for buyers, according to 83% of respondents.
The most off-putting interior trend for homebuyers is overly thematic décor, cited by 77% of experts.
Interior Design Trends 2026
Defining look of 2026 is "Warm Modernism"—a textured, curved, nature-anchored, and deeply personal space that feels less like a showpiece and more like a cozy, intelligent refuge.
In a world that seems to be increasingly impersonal and disconnected, homeowners are ditching the cool, standoffish colors that have been popular for years and are now embracing warmer tones and a more natural and lived-in feel.
Wellness and Personalized Spaces Take Center Stage
In an era of AI and rapid technological change, 2026 interiors counterbalance the digital pace with warm, tactile authenticity—rich earthy tones, organic curves, and natural textures that feel genuinely handcrafted and human.
-Sandra Akufo, Founder & Principal, Ecothesí
Top Interior Design Trends (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Wellness design | 56% |
Art curation and personalized spaces | 48% |
Architectural details | 42% |
Color drenching | 41% |
Modern heritage | 34% |
Built-in elements | 20% |
Retro revival | 16% |
Modular and hybrid lighting | 10% |
Double color drenching | 10% |
Fat furniture | 7% |
Digital art displays | 5% |
Curtain-wrapped rooms | 5% |
Of the interior design experts we surveyed, 56% agree that homeowners are focusing the most on designs that embrace wellness and a sense of nature.
“Organic and biophilic design will continue to counteract our ever-growing digital world along with a profound interest in wellness design,” said Anita Lang, award-winning Luxury Interior Designer and Founder of IMI Design Studio.
According to 48% of our experts, personalizing spaces is a big trend, too, with elements like curated art and unique décor pieces that stand out in an increasingly homogenized world.
According to Lang, “I am seeing a surge in requests for the design to be very personalized and restorative. 2026 interiors are thoughtful, personalized, and approached with a "conscious consumer" mindset - meaning choosing elements that avoid trends and will instead be cherished for a long, long time.”
Homeowners making major changes to their interiors are even embracing the more natural feel in architectural design. Instead of sharp corners and right angles, “soft curves will remain a trend in furnishings as well as arched architectural details,” said Leslie Anderson, the Owner of Leslie Anderson Interiors. This preference for softer, curved architectural details aligns with the views of 42% of experts we surveyed, who voted them as a top trend.
In addition to the move to warm, earthy colors, homeowners are also changing how they use color in their interior spaces. Color drenching, which involves using a single color across all surfaces of a room, has been rising in popularity over the past few years. This year, 41% of experts named it a top trend, noting that platforms like Pinterest and TikTok are helping push it firmly into the mainstream.
34% of our experts have also noted a modern heritage as one of the top trends in interior design, which is a blending of traditional, historic elements with more modern aesthetics.
“What we're seeing in the 2026 shift toward authenticity and ‘Modern Heritage’ is essentially a collective exhaustion with both the AI-perfection of Pinterest and the rapid cycling of TikTok trends,” said Catherine Shuman from The Intentional Design Studio. “People are craving spaces that feel attainable, livable, and genuinely theirs - not algorithmically optimized for engagement.”
To that same end, people are moving back in time to built-in elements and other retro designs, according to 20% and 16% of experts, respectively, possibly in an attempt to move away from “AI-everything” and return to a simpler, more comfortable era.
The Generational Divide. Who Drives the Trends?
Grandmacore and thrifting is an example of a generation raised on cold minimalism now desiring a time that is more poetry than perfection. The next generation is thirsty for patina, their own roots, and in connecting to previous generations with heirlooms.
-Mahwish Syed, Founder & Principal Interior Designer, Mahwish Syed Designs
Gen Z (%) | Millennials (%) | Gen X (%) | Baby Boomers (%) | |
Sustainable materials | 35% | 45% | 17% | 2% |
Maximalist design | 33% | 16% | 25% | 26% |
Bold color use | 32% | 29% | 26% | 13% |
Biophilic design | 21% | 54% | 17% | 7% |
Minimalist design | 21% | 38% | 30% | 11% |
Neutral colors use | 14% | 37% | 26% | 23% |
We asked experts about which generation leads the following trends in interior design, and we’re seeing that cyclical pattern that has always dominated style; younger generations are now aligning more with much older generations in their preferences.
Sustainable Materials and Biophilic Design - Millennials and Gen Z
Millennials lead the charge when it comes to using sustainable materials, according to 45%, and biophilic design, according to 54% of experts. This generation prioritizes mental wellness, environmental ethics, and a tangible connection to nature within their living spaces to counteract the stress of the digital world. Gen Z follows, with 35% and 21% of experts agreeing, respectively.
Maximalist Design - Gen Z and Baby Boomers
33% of experts say that Gen Z is the primary driver of maximalist design, with 26% believing that Baby Boomers are the primary drivers of this trend. These two distant generations embracing the same trend just supports the idea that everything in design is cyclical. Factors like social media and the desire to create emotional connections with the past have accelerated and influenced this process.
Bold Color Use - Gen Z and Millennials
Gen Z (according to 32% of experts) and Millennials (according to 29% of experts) lead the charge in using bold colors. The younger generations prefer bright and vibrant hues as a fearless, high-impact aesthetic choice that reflects their optimistic, energetic, and visually driven digital culture.
Minimalist Design and Neutral Colors Trends - Millennials and Gen X
Millennials are most often associated with minimalist design (according to 38% of experts) and neutral colors (according to 37% of experts), and Gen Xers follow close behind (according to 30% and 26% experts, respectively) in their preferences. While trends are moving toward warmer, more lived-in aesthetics, these generations still embrace functional, uncluttered spaces and palettes that are unlikely to go out of style.
Color Trends 2026
Color is increasingly shaping how we feel in our homes and everyday environments. In 2026, we’ll see an inclination towards warm, earthy tones—reflecting our collective need for spaces that offer comfort, calm, and a deep sense of belonging.
One of the easiest ways to embrace 2026 interior design trends is to choose popular and emerging colors to freshen up your spaces. Nearly all of the experts we surveyed agree that means staying away from cool, impersonal tones.
“Warm tones like beige, olive, and deep brown are replacing the cool grays we saw for years,” said Erin Rudy, the Principal Interior Designer at Milestone Home Design.
Restorative Greens Define Interior Color Trends
Designs will use warm neutral colors as a foundation, and the richness of earthier tones, including deep greens, rust, and burgundy will be prominent in our rooms.
-Patricia Del Gavio, Principal Designer, Del Gavio Group
Top Color Trends (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Restorative greens | 66% |
Nature-infused neutrals | 59% |
Deep browns and khaki | 56% |
Golden earth tones | 26% |
Burgundy and wine reds | 24% |
Radiant corals and peach | 20% |
Serene blues | 12% |
Soulful mauves and lilacs | 9% |
If you’re looking for the most trendy color palettes for your interior spaces in 2026, you can’t go wrong with deep, natural greens. 66% of our experts agree that these will dominate in the coming year.
59% and 56% of our experts, respectively, also agree that nature-inspired neutrals and deep browns and khakis will be commonplace in 2026, especially if you’re looking for a darker color. “Rich, earthy browns have replaced black in popularity because they provide comfort, depth and a sense of quiet luxury,” said Anich.
Tamra Pfeifer from Set the Stage Interiors agrees: “We’ll also see darker, moodier shades stepping into the spotlight—deep greens and rich burgundy reds that add depth and create that ‘warm hug’ atmosphere we’re all craving in the year ahead.”
Amy Keeley and Kristen Brown from Salt + Pine note that these trends have more to do with feeling and emotion than anything else: “Here at Salt + Pine we see color trends in 2026 embracing earth-anchored neutrals, rich browns, soft ochres, muted greens, and moody organic tones—a palette that feels calming, connected to nature, and intentionally elevated, creating spaces that are both grounding and quietly luxurious.”
For years now, neutral hues like the classic Millennial grays have dominated color preferences, but we’re now seeing a shift back to color.
“Interiors seem to be embracing color again, whether it’s subtle or bold, saturation and inclusion of color is the new direction,” said Marina Umali, the Interior Designer at Marina V Design Studio. “2026 will be about embracing richer color palettes and I'm excited to see where it takes us.”
2026 Color of the Year: The Staying Power of Silhouette
If a general color direction isn’t enough to get your creative juices flowing, you can always rely on specific colors chosen by the main paint companies.
Color of the Year With Staying Power | % of Experts Who Agree |
Benjamin Moore: Silhouette | 38% |
Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki | 23% |
Behr: Hidden Gem | 14% |
Dutch Boy Paint: Melodious Ivory | 7% |
Graham & Brown: Divine Damson | 6% |
Clark+Kensington: Hazelnut Crunch | 5% |
Krylon: Matte Coffee Bean | 5% |
Glidden: Warm Mahogany | 2% |
Silhouette by Benjamin Moore is one of the most popular interior colors of 2026, and it matches the leading color trend of dark and earthy. Not only is it popular, but 38% of our experts agree that it’s here to stay because it aligns with the move toward warmth.
If Silhouette is too dark for your liking, consider Universal Khaki from Sherwin-Williams, which 23% of experts agree is going to be trending for years to come. And if you want something natural but not-so-earthy, 14% of our experts agree that Hidden Gem from Behr is a top green hue.
These specific colors are popular right now, but they also align with the latest paint color trends and are likely to remain mainstream, and experts agree that this big-picture thinking is crucial for design.
“For me, forecasting color trends for 2026 goes beyond pinpointing a single hue,” said Rose Dostal, the Owner of RMD Designs LLC. “It’s about understanding how complementary and contrasting colors and their nuanced tints interact to shape a mood.”
Trends Phasing Out in 2026
The mood trend seems to be happily moving totally away from the grey palette and all white which feels a bit cold and dreary. These trends have run their course over the past 10 years. People want softer, warmer color palettes that allow them to relax in their own warm, comfortable style.
In the world of design, each year seems to bring with it a purging of old trends. The minimalism and modern aesthetic that was popular in the past decade is out as more and more people reject cool tones and impersonal design.
The End of the "Impersonal Era"
Interior Design Trends Phasing Out (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Stark minimalism | 71% |
Impersonal design | 58% |
Fast furniture | 45% |
Accent wall | 38% |
Flat black plumbing fixtures | 34% |
Slatted wood walls/paneling | 24% |
Recessed lighting | 12% |
Oversized "statement" fixtures | 3% |
71% and 58% of our experts, respectively, agree that stark minimalism and impersonal design are trends of the past.
You can still embrace minimalism, though, and remain trendy. “Interiors in 2026 embrace soulful minimalism, favor restraint, soft geometry, and handcrafted elements that bring quiet character to every room,” said Artem Kropovinsky, the Founder and Principal Interior Designer at Arsight Studio.
45% of professionals surveyed note that mass-produced, fast furniture is out, too. It’s simply too impersonal to keep up with the demand for custom interiors.
If you want the best chance at remaining modern, experts also suggest avoiding the following trends:
38% say: Accent walls
34% say: Flat black plumbing fixtures
24% say: Slatted wood walls or paneling
12% say: Recessed lighting
3% say: Oversized “statement” fixtures
Interiors Move Beyond Millennial Gray
Color Trends Phasing Out (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Cool, blue-toned grays (millennial gray) | 93% |
Stark/icy white walls | 70% |
Neon or electric brights | 48% |
Bold primary colors | 23% |
Chalky/washed-out pastels | 20% |
Heavy dark brown (without warm undertones) | 13% |
One of the most agreed-upon trends on its way out in 2026 is Millennial gray on the interior, with a staggering 93% of experts saying it’s out of style.
70% of professionals also recommend staying away from cool whites on the interior, and 48% note that bright colors are out, too. Just to be safe, you may want to consider avoiding the following colors, too, as experts flag them for downward trends:
23% say: Bold primary colors
20% say: Chalky/washed-out pastels
13% say: Heavy dark browns
Real Estate Trends: Best and Worst Colors for Selling in 2026
When selling it's best to go with a neutral palette. Buyers do love new properties that are finished in a trendy way. The goal with selling is presenting a home that does not add dollar signs to the amount a buyer would need to spend before moving in.
Soft, Warm Whites Are the Top Choice for Living Spaces
Best Living Area Colors for Selling (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Soft or warm whites | 73% |
Warm khaki | 37% |
Blush earthy tones | 24% |
Taupe | 23% |
Soft greens | 19% |
Greige | 17% |
Beige | 15% |
Dark charcoal gray | 6% |
While color is popular across the board, some white hues are still the most sought-after in living areas. Try to stay away from cool whites, as a massive 73% of our experts agree that soft or warm whites with red or yellowish undertones are the best choice if you are selling your home.
If you fancy a bit of color, 37% of experts agree that warm khaki is a great option, and 24% note that blush earthy tones are a safe bet.
Warm, Neutral Hues Are the Best Choice for Bedrooms
Best Bedroom Colors for Selling (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Warm neutrals | 74% |
Soft or warm whites | 60% |
Taupe | 28% |
Earthy greens | 26% |
Beige | 12% |
Blush tones | 9% |
Deep navy blue | 8% |
Midnight teal | 6% |
Neutral colors also prevail in bedroom design, with 74% of experts noting that warm neutrals and earth tones are the most desirable and restorative. Soft and warm whites are also a solid option, with 60% of experts behind this trend, and 28% agree that taupe is a good color if you want a darker or moodier appearance that’s still trendy.
Bright Siding Is the Most Off-Putting for Homebuyers
Worst Siding Colors for Selling (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Overly bright siding | 83% |
Harsh red brick paintovers | 37% |
Stark, cool-toned gray | 35% |
Builder beige | 29% |
High-gloss white siding | 28% |
Flat, unnuanced black | 21% |
Mixed materials | 5% |
83% of our experts say that you should steer clear of overly bright siding, as most buyers find it unappealing. 37% and 35% of our surveyed interior design professionals, respectively, also recommend staying away from harsh reds and cool gray tones.
Interestingly, 21% of experts note that flat black is on its way out and a bad choice for your siding if you are trying to sell your home. This was a color that was growing rapidly in popularity just a year or two ago, so it was one of the more short-lived trends.
Overly Thematic Decor and Millennial Gray Turn Off Buyers
Worst Interior Design Trendsf for Selling (2026) | % of Experts Who Agree |
Overly thematic décor (farmhouse, coastal, or boho overloads) | 77% |
Millennial gray interiors | 58% |
Grand millennial style/Clashing florals | 45% |
All-white interiors | 23% |
Graphic elements | 19% |
Accent walls | 14% |
Black and white contrast | 12% |
Industrial chic | 10% |
Wallpaper | 5% |
Slatted wood wall | 5% |
Color drenching | 3% |
77% of experts agree that, on the interior, overly thematic décor is on its way out. You may love a home filled with universal farmhouse, coastal, or boho themes, but buyers don’t.
58% of design professionals say Millennial gray interiors are also things of the past, and 45% agree that Grand Millennial style is on a downslide, too, with Modern Heritage inverting the style and taking its place.
Grand Millennial style is characterized by traditional patterns, floral prints, and a nostalgic, “grandma-chic” aesthetic. Modern Heritage, on the other hand, blends classic architectural elements with clean lines, muted colors, and contemporary touches, creating a more updated, sophisticated version of traditional design.
The good news, though, is that while specific trends are “out,” personalization is “in,” so you can customize to your heart’s content.
“My clients aren’t coming to me with trendy paint names anymore; they’re asking, ‘What colors make me exhale the second I walk in the door?’,” said Lauren Lerner, the Founder and Principal Designer of Living with Lolo.
Armina Kasprowicz, the Owner and Principal Designer at Armina Interiors, agrees: “In 2026, interiors are moving away from the black-and-white and gray palettes—and from the old rule of white ceilings and matching trim. It’s a fresh way of looking at surfaces, architectural details, and millwork as one cohesive canvas. Walls become opportunities to express personality—through bold color or unexpected color mixes.”
2026 Marks a Turning Point in Interior Design
This year represents a notable shift in interior design and color trends. After years dominated by cool tones, minimalism, and impersonal aesthetics, 2026 signals a move toward warmth, personalization, and wellness-focused spaces. Homeowners are embracing organic textures, restorative greens, soft curves, and thoughtfully curated décor, reflecting a desire for homes that feel authentic, comforting, and distinctly their own.
Generational influences highlight how Millennials and Gen Z are redefining interiors with sustainability, bold colors, and biophilic design, while older generations are finding new ways to integrate timeless, classic elements. The result is a convergence of modern needs with personal expression.
As Rudy explains: “In 2026, people are designing from a place of comfort and confidence. More than anything, there’s a refreshing sense of freedom. Clients aren’t trying to impress anyone or follow someone else’s rulebook. They’re creating spaces that reflect their real lives, their personal style, and what makes them feel at ease in their own home.”
In short, 2026 is the year interior design finally shifts from rigid trends to thoughtful, human-centered spaces. It’s a year that celebrates individuality, warmth, and a conscious approach to living, setting a new standard for how homes can truly support the lives of the people within them.
Expert Contributors
We want to extend our sincere thanks to all the industry experts who shared their insights and expertise, helping us shape the 2026 Interior Design and Color Trends report. Your contributions brought depth, inspiration, and real-world perspective that make this report truly valuable for our readers.
Alene Workman | Alexzandra Aguirre | Alice Decker |
Ally Whalen | Amy + Kristen Keeley / Brown | Andrea Sinkin |
Anita Lang | Anna Gibson | Armina Kasprowicz |
Artem Kropovinsky | Ashley Southworth | Ayesha Usman |
Birgit Anich | Brad Ramsey | Brandi Oldham |
Carissa Byrne Hebert | Catherine Shuman | Chelsie Butler |
Colleen Bennett | Cory Rodeheaver | Cristina Lehman |
Dahlia Mahmood | Dawn Bane | Deborah Dimare |
Ellen Kennon | Erika Hollinshead Ward | Erin Rudy |
Garrison Hullinger | Gloribell Lebron | Helen Bartlett |
James Kuester | Janet Lorusso | Jeff Kaper |
Jessica Love | Jessica Shaw | Joann Kandrac |
Julie Corcoran | Karen Otto | Katelyn Spacek |
Kathleen Jennison | Kathleen Jennison | Kelly Mcdougall |
Kerrie Kelly | Kerrie Reid | Laura Medicus |
Lauren Ashley | Lauren Lerner | Lesley Myrick |
Leslie Anderson | Lori Dennis | Mahwish Syed |
Marcia Moore | Marina Umali | Marshall Erb |
Meredith Mckenzie & Shivani Vyas | Michele Plachtter | Michelle Accetta |
Michelle Cortizo | Michelle Minch | Minol Shamreen |
Monica Lewis | Nikki Watson | Nureed Saeed |
Paige Garland | Patricia Del Gavio | Paulina Hospod |
Rachel Blindauer | Rachel Moriarty | Robin Burrill |
Rodrigo Buelvas | Rose Dostal | Ruthie Staalsen |
Sandra Akufo | Sarah Barnard | Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson |
Sarah Trop | Sarah Walker | Shirin Sarikhani |
Stacey Dobrovolny | Tamra Pfeifer | Terry Mainord |
Tessa Kluetz Pernell | Val Nehez | |
Methodology
The statistics featured in this report are based on the results of a survey completed by 86 top interior design and home staging experts in November 2025. These professionals were asked a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Most multiple-choice questions allowed for more than one answer to be selected. All percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number.
See our:
2025 Paint and Color Trends Report
2024 Paint and Color Trends Report
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.