15 Home Trends Designers Want to Disappear by 2026
As we approach 2026, the world of interior design is shifting, leaving behind some once-beloved trends. Designers are voicing their opinions about what should gracefully exit the scene. Here’s a look at 15 home design trends that are on the chopping block, according to leading designers.
1. All-White Kitchens
All-white kitchens have been a staple for years, but they are falling out of favor. Designers like Corinne Ekle from C2 Design suggest that the move is towards more layered, atmospheric spaces. Expect to see deeper greens, inky blues, and warm taupes emerging in modern kitchens. White kitchens may soon feel stark and uninviting in comparison.
2. Scallop Headboards
Scallop headboards have offered a playful, romantic touch to bedrooms, perfect for the pre-pandemic aesthetic. However, Christopher Boutlier from Christopher Boutlier Interiors indicates that the trend is shifting towards more tailored, architectural styles. Headboards with strong lines and natural materials will soon replace the whimsical scallop styles.
3. Waterfall Kitchen Islands
The sleek look of waterfall kitchen islands is losing its appeal. According to Colleen Lettich Hyde of ODE Design, while these islands once represented modernity, they are now seen as overdone. The preference is moving towards mixed materials like wood, metal, and natural stone to create warmer, more visually interesting designs.
4. Millennial Gray
The era of millennial gray is quickly becoming a relic as homeowners crave warmth and personality in their spaces. Amber Guyton from Blessed Little Bungalow notes a shift towards richer neutrals and saturated colors, bidding farewell to the cold grays that dominated recent years.
5. Oversized, Statement Pendants
While oversized pendant lights once made a bold statement, they are now being replaced by more refined lighting options. Designers are favoring smaller, thoughtfully scaled fixtures that enhance the room’s architecture rather than overpower it. Corinne Ekle suggests that elegance should come with balance, steering away from excessive ornamentation.
6. Traditional Dining Rooms
As our lifestyles evolve, traditional dining rooms are becoming less relevant. Jamie Lyn Smith from Smith Home Studios highlights that many clients are now focused on creating more practical spaces, like expanded eat-in kitchens or cozy libraries, rather than exclusive dining rooms reserved for special occasions.
7. Understated Craftsmanship
Forget the minimalistic, understated craftsmanship. Designers are calling for a return to detailed woodwork and unique design elements. According to Liz Fraser Wooten from Ashdown Studio, there’s a renewed preference for tailored features, such as crown molding and ceiling treatments that add character to homes.
8. All-Neutral Rooms
A color palette dominated by bland neutrals is losing its charm. Designers like Liz Fraser Wooten foresee clients demanding more vibrancy and warmth in their spaces. The future will likely feature colorful accents, patterns, and natural materials that enliven interiors instead of rendering them monotonous.
9. Modern Farmhouse Style
The modern farmhouse look, with its stark black and white finishes, is falling out of favor. Liz Potarazu from LP & Co. argues that this look has become too ubiquitous and lacks intentional design. Homeowners are now looking for more intentional, cohesive styles that feel curated and artistic.
10. Bouclé
Though bouclé has had a significant presence in design, it might soon be overshadowed by other textured materials. Designers are favoring options like brushed wool and matte chenille that offer depth and comfort without the déjà vu that comes with configured bouclé styles. This shift represents a search for variety in texture and tactile interest.
11. Minimalism
The minimalist trend is being replaced by an embrace of maximalism. Eleanor Tate Trepte from Dekay & Tate Interiors emphasizes that clients desire spaces that feel lively and expressive, favoring bold patterns, colors, and layered design. Homes will resonate with personal stories rather than fitting into the minimalist mold.
12. Matching Wood Tones
Gone are the days of uniform wood finishes. Sierra Schmitt from S-Squared explains that there’s a growing appreciation for mixing different wood tones to create a layered, natural feel. This shift brings warmth and character back into spaces that once felt too polished and uniform.
13. Flat Drywall
The unembellished flat drywall is losing traction in favor of textured finishes. Rosa Stantiago Zimmerman from RSZ Design + Development notes that plaster finishes, fluted details, and rich wallpapers will add dimension and warmth to interiors, stepping away from the simplicity of flat drywall.
14. Catalog-Inspired Rooms
Clients are steering clear of homes that resemble showhouses or catalog layouts. Cheryl Stauffer from Crimson Design Group suggests a move towards spaces that reflect personal stories and style. Homeowners now desire confidence in design, opting for carefully curated rooms rather than overly styled spaces.
15. Café Curtains
Café curtains, once a charming detail, might be fading into obscurity. Designers like Christopher Boutlier argue that fuller, floor-length drapes or simple linen shades create a more intentional aesthetic that doesn’t clutter natural light or interrupt architectural lines.
This outlook on 2026’s design landscape reveals a collective yearning for authenticity and warmth in home environments. As we transition away from these outdated trends, homes are expected to embrace individuality, uniqueness, and deeper emotional connections to their spaces.