As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking forward to the trends and inspiration that these eight uber-talented designers see on the horizon for 2026. From color to comfort, tradition to individualism, it looks like an exciting year in interior design.
Paint photo courtesy of Farrow & Ball
WHAT’S IN | BOLD COLOR
“A recent trip to Majorca, an island off the coast of Spain, had a major influence on us. Something we noticed right off were big pops of color. We saw snow-white houses on the Balearic Sea accented with vibrant shutters in green, yellow, or red; whatever the family wanted. It’s an easy way to update your home or space.” — Arturo Sanchez, Art | Harrison Interiors
Available at MDC: Gunnar Olivier Design paint.
Photo on right courtesy of Tamashi
WHAT’S IN | “ACTIVE” FLOORS
“Flooring takes center stage for 2026. We were really struck by the active floors everywhere we went in Majorca. The image to the left was the floor at the hotel gym balanced with stark white walls. Bring some visual movement to your spaces.” — Arturo Sanchez, Art | Harrison Interiors
Available at MDC: Beaver Tile flooring.
WHAT’S IN | STRIPES
“Stripes are back! Think the 80s, with a nice wide stripe in a vibrant color offset by white. This terrace café is a lovely example with two different styles: one extra-large stripe down the center or large stripes in a row.” — Barry Harrison, Art | Harrison Interiors
Available at MDC: Pindler stripe fabric.
WHAT’S OUT
- Barn Doors! I don’t see any benefit with them. They don’t give any privacy. Opt instead for pocket doors. This type of door has come a long way with self-closing hinges and the mechanisms are so much better than our parents had.
- Austere white or beige-on-beige spaces. They look too institutional and severe.
- Prescribed looks. Spaces that look like they come straight out of a catalog lack personality. Infuse your spaces with items that mean something to you like antiques or personal items; objects that give a house real character. For example, we had a client that inherited a table that wasn’t exactly their taste, but we painted a green apple color and designed a breakfast room around that focal point. It was so much fun. Show some personality.
Photograph by Laura McCaffery
WHAT’S IN | ACRYLIC FURNITURE
“It’s back from the 70s and HOT again. I love the illusion of floating pieces.” — Terry Ellis, Room Service Interior Design
Available at MDC: CAI Designs acrylic counter stools; Kravet/Lee Jofa/ Brunschwig & Fils gold metallic vinyl and cornice fabric.
Photograph by Laura McCaffery
WHAT’S IN | THE FIFTH WALL
“Draw attention to the ceiling, or the ‘Fifth Wall,’ by using wallcoverings or applying custom trim to create a dramatic effect.” — Terry Ellis, Room Service Interior Design
Available at MDC: Designer Group Collection dining table; Rozmallin wallcovering.
Photograph by Laura McCaffery
WHAT’S IN | SHINY SURFACES
“I like lacquered finishes on walls, doors, trim, furniture — anywhere really. I especially love the look on a dining room ceiling where the reflective glow is like adding another layer of candlelight to an intimate setting.” — Terry Ellis, Room Service Interior Design
Available at MDC: CAI Designs table, chairs, and display cabinets; Kravet/Lee Jofa/ Brunschwig & Fils drapery fabric; Tennant & Associates cork wall covering.
Photograph by Laura McCaffery
WHAT’S IN | GEOMETRIC PATTERNS
“Geometric patterns go with everything. They can be contemporary or traditional.” — Terry Ellis, Room Service Interior Design
Available at MDC: Ann Sacks wall tile.
WHAT’S OUT
- Sterile white quartz countertops.
- Overpowering, bright LED lighting. Use dimmable light fixtures and choose the right LED light temperatures to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Left: Photo by Martin Vecchio. Right: Photo by Beth Singer
WHAT’S IN | QUIRKY INDIVIDUALISM
“’Quirky’, and ‘individualism’ are having a moment. People want their homes to reflect their personal style, and NOT an Instagram algorithm. I enjoy helping clients figure out what resonates personally, so I can provide them with a true reflection of themselves.” — Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
Available at MDC: Powder Room: Ann Sacks wall tile; Dining Room: Designer Group Collection dining table and chairs.
Photograph by Beth Singer
WHAT’S IN | LAYERING TIME PERIODS
“Layering the best ideas and pieces from a variety of time periods results in a truly authentic interior. This approach will always be in." — Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
Available at MDC: Pindler headboard and antique chair fabric.
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
WHAT’S IN | FLORA
“A healthy dose of live vegetation (plants and flowers) breathes life into a home. Choose beautifully proportioned, healthy indoor plants and trees in stylish ceramic pots to achieve a touch of nature's drama.” — Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
Available at MDC: Beaver Tile wall tile.
WHAT’S OUT:
- Integrated LED lighting strips in ceilings and walls are overdone and results in a home feeling cold — like a shopping mall or commercial space. LED chandeliers that seem to belong in a hotel or casino will never enhance a home.
- The combination of gold and black on lighting and plumbing fixtures. I've seen enough of that. Pick one finish and use it sparingly.
- Massive ad hoc family picture walls with small photographs in various eras and in a mishmash of frames. Be intentional! Select the best images, blow them up, and coordinate the frames with mat board (white preferred) to elevate each image.
Photography by Martin Vecchio
WHAT’S IN | WARM, EARTHY, & NATURAL
“In response to fast-paced, screen-driven lives, collectively we’re seeking balance and need spaces that ground us. Homes are becoming sanctuaries where we can let the sun in, breathe deeply, and reconnect with something larger than our daily routines. Warm palettes, organic textures, and natural materials offer a sense of calm and comfort. These create a gentle reminder that there is an entire world outside of our computer screens.” — Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors
Available at MDC: Bedroom: City Lights Detroit chandelier; Bathroom: Cercan Tile tile.
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
WHAT’S IN | CURVED, ORGANIC FORMS
“Soft, organic forms invite ease and break the monotony of rigid, perfectly aligned furniture. These shapes feel inherently human, approachable, and a break from the norm. As design moves away from sharp edges and strict symmetry, curved silhouettes welcome a sense of individuality. They soften spaces, encourage flow, and create environments that feel both intentional and inviting.” — Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors
Available at MDC: CAI Designs sofa and tables; Cercan Tile pavers.
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
WHAT’S IN | ARTISANAL OR BESPOKE ITEMS
“Maximalism taught us that it’s okay to layer, and layer some more. But out of that movement came a deeper desire to curate with meaning. We’ve shifted from simply filling space to layering with intention — choosing pieces that tell a story. Bespoke elements like custom wallcoverings, hand-forged side tables, and thoughtfully curated art collections bring a sense of individuality and authenticity that mass production can’t replicate. They make a home feel personal, soulful, and entirely one of a kind.” — Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors
Available at MDC: City Lights Detroit chandelier; CAI Designs sofa, side table, and lounge chairs; Decoroom pillow fabric; Schumacher pillow fabric.
WHAT’S OUT:
- Sterile and ultra-minimal spaces. These refined, sleek spaces may be beautiful but lack the tactile nature and texture that makes a house a home and aren’t very inviting. It may look perfect, but falls short on personality.
- Boucle on everything. The go-to texture for a cozy, organic atmosphere has been completely overused. Give the fabric a little space. Consider a select piece and layer it with mohair or natural linen so it feels more timeless and less trendy.
- High-polished brass. There is something very enduring about a non-lacquered brass finish — patina is part of its charm. But highly polished, bright brass is a bit flashy and can over dominate a space.
Photograph by Hedrich Blessing
WHAT’S IN | RICH COLORS
“Deep, rich color saturation — think dark greens, sienna, burgundy tones, and deep golds. Also, contrasting palettes for a ‘more-is-more’ approach.” — Michelle Mio, Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co.
Photograph by John D’Angelo
WHAT’S IN | TRADITIONAL INTERIORS
“Traditional interiors are making a big comeback. We’re seeing a mixture of traditional aestetics with clean lines. More ornate trim packages and architectural details with new construction is also popular.” — Jill Schumacher, Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co.
Photograph by Justin Maconochie
WHAT’S IN | MAKE IT PERSONAL
“Homeowners are finding comfort in being surrounded by personal items that remind them of good memories—a beautiful blanket from a trip or a ceramic collection that was a family heirloom.” — Michelle Mio, Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co.
Photograph by Justin Maconochie
WHAT’S IN | LOW TECH
“Our world has gotten so busy! Clients are prioritizing a slower lifestyle and creating comfortable spaces without technology. We’re currently working on a solarium that doesn’t include a television. It will be a fun space for the family to gather and engage with one another without the distraction of phones or electronics.” — Jill Schumacher, Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co.
WHAT’S OUT:
- Monochromatic grey rooms — especially cooler grey tones.
- Stark minimalism. Homeowners are instead looking for an added sense of comfort. Color and detail brings warmth into the home.
- All-white kitchens. Although classic and never truly out of style, people are taking bigger risks and adding color to their kitchens or natural wood tones — not just on the island. We are seeing a bigger mix of textures and tones.
- Barn doors. It was a big trend but was impractical if more privacy is needed. Traditional French doors or upgraded pocket doors are a modern solution.
Photograph courtesy of CR Laine
WHAT’S IN | COLOR IMMERSION
“Subtle to bold color palettes that enhance the feeling of being immersed in a space are becoming prominent in interior design. We all love a good hug, and a well-balanced room will give you that feeling. What do you want to be embraced with? A calming, soothing, spa-like atmosphere, or a rich and decadent energy that begs for a chocolate martini and Coltrane filling the air? Using materials that complement and contrast will make for interesting and unique spaces.” — Joanne Ledbetter, Joanne Ledbetter Designs
Available at MDC: Joanne Ledbetter Designs cocktail table and sofa.
WHAT’S OUT:
- Monochromatic rooms where the walls, furniture, etc. are from the same color family or saturation level.
- Woodstained surfaces that have a glossy finish.
- Beds embellished with six or more decorative pillows.