As 2026 approaches, interior designers are urging homeowners to rethink certain once-popular renovation trends that are now falling out of favor. Experts Jennifer Cataldo, Tennille Burnup and Alyssa Anselmo say flat, builder-grade drywall is being replaced by textured, handcrafted wall finishes like limewash and Venetian plaster, which add warmth and dimension. Waterfall kitchen islands, long seen as a modern luxury statement, are also losing appeal in favor of more custom, inviting designs that mix materials, incorporate furniture-style bases and emphasize subtlety over flash. Light blonde oak is giving way to deeper, richer wood tones that add contrast and character, while overly “matchy” interiors, where everything coordinates perfectly, are being abandoned as homeowners seek more personal, lived-in spaces rather than showroom-style designs. Likewise, mass-produced “fake Scandinavian” décor is fading as people recognize that true Scandinavian design is about thoughtful simplicity, warmth and craftsmanship, not trend-driven minimalism.
At the same time, designers and trend forecasters point to bold evolution rather than restraint shaping interiors in 2026, particularly in kitchens and décor overall. Kitchen color trends are shifting toward warmth, depth and personality, with designers favoring grounded greens, herbaceous and smoky shades, muted and inky blues, rich browns, clay and terracotta neutrals, warm whites paired with charcoal, stone-inspired beiges and an increased emphasis on natural wood tones and deep stains. Color-drenching and softer two-tone palettes using muddy neutrals are gaining traction, while kitchens are being designed as intentional, expressive spaces that balance color, wood and metal finishes. Popular looks will include space-inspired interiors with holographic and iridescent accents, circus-influenced designs with stripes and sculptural forms, the return of doily and lace details.
