Designers highlight the home looks set to define 2026

2025.12.17

Houzz has identified nine home design trends expected to shape interiors in 2026, reflecting a shift towards nostalgic comfort, refined craftsmanship and practical elegance.

Traditional design is resurging, with homeowners embracing "English country" and "modern Tudor" influences through detailed millwork, muted palettes and soft architectural curves. Art Deco is also back in favour, bringing glossy finishes, geometric motifs and rich jewel tones.

Checkerboard patterns are reappearing in updated colourways, while statement stone slabs with soft veining are becoming a key feature in kitchens and bathrooms. Flat-panel cabinets remain popular for their clean lines and easy maintenance, fitting both modern and traditional spaces.

Practical upgrades continue in bathrooms, where wall-mounted taps free up counter space and simplify cleaning. Warm golden and ochre tones are forecast to become prominent, whether used across entire rooms or as accents.

Purpose-built storage is returning in the form of bespoke built-ins designed for media, bars or concealed storage. Outdoors, homeowners are increasingly dividing gardens into dedicated "rooms" for dining, play or relaxation, using pathways and planting to define each space.