Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.

Every year, interior design shifts just enough to make us rethink our spaces and 2026 is no exception. Lately, I’ve been noticing that homes are moving away from looking perfectly styled and more toward feeling warm, personal, and lived-in. And honestly? I’m here for it.
Instead of chasing what’s “in,” this next wave of design is about creating spaces that feel good to come home to. If you’ve been craving a refresh but don’t want to overhaul your entire house, these six trends are a great place to start.

For a long time, neutrals ruled everything. And while I still love a good neutral base, 2026 is about adding richer, warmer color back into our homes.
Think clay, terracotta, olive green, moss, caramel, deep blues, and warm browns. These colors instantly make a space feel grounded and cozy without feeling heavy.
If you’re nervous about committing, I get it. Start small. Pillows, a throw, artwork, or even one accent wall can completely change the mood of a room.

One thing I keep seeing over and over is that texture matters just as much as color, sometimes even more.
Smooth, flat finishes are taking a back seat to fluted wood, reeded cabinets, chunky stone, plaster walls, and woven fabrics. Texture is what makes a space feel layered and interesting, even if your color palette is simple.
An easy swap like textured pillow or a woven rug can instantly make a room feel more intentional.

This is one of my favorite shifts. Homes in 2026 are moving away from looking like they were styled in one afternoon. Instead, they feel collected over time.
Mixing old with new, modern pieces with vintage finds, and polished items with imperfect ones makes a home feel personal and real.
If something means something to you, it belongs in your space, even if it doesn’t perfectly match.

I love a light and airy space, but there’s something really special about a moody room done right. Deep, color drenched spaces are showing up more and more, especially in bedrooms, offices, and dining rooms.
Painting the walls, trim, and even the ceiling the same deep shade creates a cozy, wrapped in feeling that’s surprisingly calming.
If you’re curious but hesitant, try it in a smaller room first. You might be surprised how much you love it.

Stone isn’t just practical anymore. It’s becoming a focal point. Bold veining and organic patterns are being used to add movement and character to kitchens, fireplaces, bathrooms, and even furniture.
And don’t worry, you don’t need a full renovation to lean into this trend. Stone inspired tables, trays, vase or decor pieces can give you the same effect on a smaller scale.

Plants are no longer just something you add at the end. In 2026, greenery is part of the design. Large, sculptural plants help soften richer colors and heavier textures, and they make a space feel finished.
At the same time, it’s the little details that elevate a room. Statement lighting, warm finishes, oversized mirrors, and subtle design choices quietly pull everything together.
Sometimes, one good lamp or one well placed plant is all a room needs.
What I love most about 2026 design trends is that they’re not about rules. They’re about comfort, warmth, and creating spaces that feel like you.
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