As an interior designer I don’t pay too much attention to trends but I do need to be aware of what’s hot because these are the things clients will ask about. I love to incorporate trends in small, significant ways but I generally try to avoid using too many expensive or difficult to remove items, i.e. flooring or tiles. I prefer small touches of a trend with a backdrop of classic style. This leaves more room for being playful with trends without investing too much into the trend.

Each new year we see trend reports telling us what to expect and while they can differ greatly there’s usually an underlying theme. It’s often associated with the times we’re living in and it makes sense that this year’s trends seem to be about connecting to our own authenticity.

In a time driven by social media and performative videos it appears we’re all getting tired of seeing perfect lives lived in perfect homes. Instead, we’re looking for comfort in spaces that feel like sanctuary and that truly reflect our own values and preferences. This is definitely a trend that I can get behind and here are the ways that I’d personally incorporate these “real home” trends for my clients.

5 Design Trends Worth Adopting This Year

1/ Homes that Display Personality

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I think we should all be able to tell what type of person or family lives in a home based just on how they’ve decorated their space. A home that truly feels like you will showcase your history and your story. This could be via travel photos and momentos, collected artwork or family heirlooms.

This trend gives us permission to have a house that’s quirky, eccentric, cozy, art-filled or any other version of home that feels connected to you and the other members of your home. A home that has no personal mementos feels like a show home void of personality but there is a fear that incorporating too many of our personal items will leave your home looking amateur or kitschy. Having our personal items gives character, depth and warmth to a home so pull out all the stuff that makes you the happiest.

2/ Incorporating Nature

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This encompasses more than throwing a plant in the corner of the living room and calling it a day. This is about embracing the calm and vitality that we feel when we’re surrounded by nature. Plants are going to top the list but if you don’t have a green thumb, no worries. There are plenty of ways we can bring nature into our homes without any greenery at all.

Wood furniture, particularly wood without heavy varnish on top will give a natural feel to your space. You want these wood pieces to feel worn and timeless versus something that was recently manufactured. Pieces made with very high gloss finishes can look great in sleek, modern spaces but generally a softer finish will lend a more natural feeling to your space.

Any material that feels natural will meet the standard for incorporating this trend. Think about natural stone like marble or a more textured slate. And finish off with accents of natural fibres like rattan or bamboo. Even a couple of well placed but small items can add a more natural feel to any room.

3/ Small, Personal Nooks

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It looks like a lot of us have had enough screen time and are starting to opt for a more analog lifestyle. This has led to an increase in the amount of offline activities we’re engaged in at home and beyond. These well-designed nooks are essentially dedicating a small corner of your home and dedicating it to something you love to do.

Reading nooks are the most obvious because we’ve seen those in the past but it’s more than just reading. Love to DIY? If you’re really short on space but want to spend more time offline you can create an analog bag. This has become popular for people in small spaces who can’t have their nook but want the same benefits. Fill a large bag or a cart with your crafts, journal analog activities and settle in. Love to listen to music? Grab your headphones and create your own special corner for listening. From crossword puzzles to a cozy tea nook there’s something for everyone.

4/ The Longevity of Antiques

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Collecting antiques isn’t new or unique but it’s more than just displaying something old. This is about embracing history and collecting unique and interesting items. Even just a single piece can transform an entire room because antiques have unique shapes, wood with gorgeous patina and they’re often one-of-a-kind.

In a world that’s consumed with disposable items there’s something beautiful about embracing a piece from the past that still has years of use ahead. And if it’s an item handed down from someone in your family, even better. The way to build a home that feels uniquely like you is by embracing what you love and if that includes people you love, it’ll feel extra special.

It’s also a great way to make a personal statement that feels unique and not like any cookie cutter furniture that you can buy at a big box store. Your home will feel layered and interesting in a way that can’t be accomplished without unique pieces. For more ideas on how to transform antiques into everyday items, read this post.

5/ Creating Collections

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Aside from antiques there are plenty of ways we can incorporate unique pieces into our space. It’s hard to define what a collection could be because it will be unique to each of us. We’ve probably all been in a home with a bowl of hand-picked seashells displayed in a bowl. That’s a lovely way to collect mementos from vacations but don’t stop there. Do you love copper pots or vintage glass bottles? Records, books, matches and on and on.

Collecting can be a fun hobby because you’ll always be able to spend time hunting for new additions to your collection. And a great way to add to your collection is often by visiting unique shops, thrift stores and garage sales. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to be a beautiful statement in your home.

If you don’t currently have a collection but like the idea of it, start there. What do you always gravitate towards when you go thrifting or antiquing? It could be cut crystal, old cameras, fountain pens or buttons. There’s no shortage of ideas and any single thing you love can become a beautiful collection that you proudly display.

6/ Tapestries & Floral Prints

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With the embrace of real homes versus manufactured design we’re also seeing the rise in storytelling throughout our homes. Fabric can do so much of that for us and none more than tapestry. This year we’ll be seeing a lot of tapestry hung as oversized artwork along with furniture upholstered in oversized florals and other loud patterns. Say goodbye to the minimalism of the last decade and say hello to fabrics that tell a story.

If you love to shop in vintage stores or even thrift stores you may have seen those gorgeous 1970’s down filled sofas that have loud floral prints. Usually we’re told to skip it or reupholster it but if you want to get ahead of this trend you should grab the next one you see that pulls at your heart strings. It may not be there for long. If you do want to reupholster a piece, read this post to find out whether it’s worth it or not.

I hope this helps you understand the trends as well as the mood for what’s ahead in 2026. If you need help with an upcoming project this year, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help you.

Warm regards,

Adrienne