Design Trends for the Year
With the final countdown of the year officially on, if you’re anything like us, your resolution mapping is probably in full force. Not sold on buying or selling after the ball drops? No problem — there are plenty of other ways to stay on top of your real estate game in the new year. A great place to start? Giving your home decor a new look.
Keep reading for some of the top trends to watch out for that could take your space to the next level in 2026!
#1 Curves That Soften the Edges: The verdict is in: straight lines are taking a back seat. Curves — once reserved for accent pieces — are showing up everywhere, from sofas and dining tables to kitchen islands, millwork, and stone details. Rounded silhouettes don’t just look good; they change how rooms function, encouraging conversation, easing circulation, and defining open spaces without blocking sightlines. Even a single curved element — an arched doorway, a bullnose countertop, a fluted cabinet—can transform a room from rigid to welcoming.
#2 Texture Is the New Luxury: Minimal doesn’t mean flat anymore. Today’s interiors are built on layers— velvet with linen, wool with rattan, smooth stone against nubby textiles. Texture has moved from accent to foundation, giving even simple spaces depth and warmth. Pattern is re-entering the conversation too, but quietly and intentionally: florals, murals, mixed marbles, and contrasting stones used to tell a story rather than shout for attention. The result feels collected, tactile, and deeply lived-in.
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#3 It’s All in the Details: After years of pared-back minimalism, detail is back. Think chair rails with cleaner profiles, layered crown molding, decorative toe kicks, and picture-frame walls that add architectural weight — especially in newer homes that lack it. Window treatments are fuller, upholstery is tailored but soft, and bedskirts and lined drapery are no longer optional. These spaces feel considered, layered, and complete — the design equivalent of putting on a well-cut jacket instead of leaving the house in athleisure.
#4 Minimalism With a Pulse: Minimalism has officially softened. The stark, edit-yourself-into-oblivion version is out, replaced by spaces that feel calm and personal. Warm minimalism keeps the clean lines but layers in soul — vintage finds, tonal rugs, subtle patina, and objects that feel chosen, not styled. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s serenity that still feels lived-in, comforting, and profoundly human.
#5 Outdoor Spaces Turned Full-On Living Rooms: Patios and porches are no longer afterthoughts — they’re fully furnished extensions of the home. Plush seating, outdoor rugs, layered lighting, and even TVs are turning exterior spaces into true gathering zones. Whether it’s a front porch or a back deck, outdoor living now mirrors the comfort and intention of interior design…just with better airflow.
#6 Maximalism is Back (and It’s Personal): After years of restraint, bold self-expression is having a moment. Designers are seeing a rise in eclectic, layered interiors that treat the home like a form of personal style — pattern-on-pattern rooms, saturated color, and fearless mixing. It’s not about chaos; it’s about confidence. Homes are becoming canvases again, reflecting individuality rather than adhering to one prescribed aesthetic.
Whether you’re looking for a new home to incorporate these trends or you’re thinking about selling your home, we can help! Get in touch today by email at jsmira@jennsmira.com or call us directly at 202.280.2060.
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