Home Decor Trends for 2026: Embracing Comfort and Creativity

A Fresh Start for Home Decor

As we step into a new year, homeowners and designers alike feel the excitement of new beginnings. The phrase “new year, new me” resonates across many aspects, particularly in the realm of home decor where fresh trends emerge, reshaping our living spaces. The significance of a new year extends beyond personal resolutions; it signifies a shift in how we perceive and curate our environments.

In 2026, home decor trends will indeed reflect a dynamic mix of creativity and comfort, offering inspiration to express individuality and embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.

1. The Mood: Comfort and Relaxation

2025 saw a rising prioritization of cosiness in home aesthetics, and this trend will only amplify in 2026. Dayna Isom Johnson, a trend expert from Etsy, emphasizes the growing need for homes to function as serene retreats. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyles have ignited a collective yearning for calm spaces that encourage relaxation.

As we move towards an era of “slow living,” our homes will be designed not merely to impress but to provide solace amidst the chaos of daily life.

2. The Colour Trend: Blues

In the vibrant spectrum of color trends, various shades of blue have emerged as the champions of 2026. Renowned establishments like Pinterest, Dulux, and Lick have highlighted blue as a pivotal color choice, with Dulux even identifying three distinct shades of blue that reflect different living rhythms.

Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux, explains that this year is about choosing colors that resonate emotionally and respond to the various paces of life. Blue hues promise not only aesthetic appeal but also evoke feelings of tranquility and joy, making them a purposeful choice for interior spaces.

3. The Decorating Trend: Personalization

Individuality is the heart of next year’s decorating style. Last year’s bold dopamine-decorating approach has paved the way for even deeper personalization in our living spaces. With searches for customized decor soaring, 2026 is set to usher in a transformational shift towards homes that truly reflect personal identity.

From bespoke artwork to curated collections of meaningful items, the idea is to create an environment that tells your unique story, distancing ourselves from generic, cookie-cutter designs.

4. The Sofa Trend: Deep-Seated Comfort

As the trend for comfort continues, deep-seated sofas are gaining momentum. This shift reflects a collective yearning for relaxation; sizes and shapes that invite lounging and calmness over strict aesthetics are now favored.

Liz and Sarah Hellmers from Lathams point out that clients are searching for furniture that provides an inviting presence, melding elegance with ease. This trend is not merely about looks but about creating sanctuary-like surroundings in our homes.

5. The Furniture Trend: Burl Wood

Burl wood finishes are on track to become a significant furniture trend in 2026. Previously noted by retailers like John Lewis, burl wood is celebrated for its unique grain patterns and warmth, bringing a touch of individuality and organic charm to interiors.

Lisa Jones, an editorial design manager at Dunelm, notes that the swirling grain of burl wood can effectively incorporate artistry into home furnishings, contributing a subtle luxury that’s approachable and inviting.

6. The Kitchen Trend: Earthy Shades

Earthy tones are taking the lead in kitchen designs for 2026. Unlike traditional palettes, next year promises spice-inspired and cozy hues that evoke warmth.

Holly Cockburn from Ideal Home highlights how embracing colors like burgundy or earthy shades can turn kitchens into character-rich environments encouraging social connection—a perfect reflection of our desire for comfort and familiarity.

7. The Bathroom Trend: Bathrooms as Part of the Home

In 2026, bathrooms are poised to transition from sterile spaces to integral parts of our home. The current trend aims to integrate baths with home decor, making them cozy environments rather than forgotten corners.

The maximalist palettes and patterns will pave the way for bath spaces that feel lived in and welcoming. The aim is to create an atmosphere where one can unwind, redefining bathrooms as havens for both cleanliness and tranquility.

8. The Era: Art Deco of the 1920s

Stepping into a nostalgic aesthetic, 2026 will see a revival of Art Deco influences characterized by luxurious materials, geometric patterns, and soft curves. Pinterest has named this retro-inspired style “Neo Deco,” reflecting a contemporary twist on classic opulence.

This shift towards nostalgic designs, interwoven with modern sensibilities, will define the architectural and interior elements of the coming year.

9. The Lighting Trend: Sculptural Shapes

Lighting design is evolving beyond mere functional implementation to embrace artistic expression through sculptural shapes. Retro-inspired lighting pieces will dominate 2026, featuring soft lines and tactile finishes.

Mara Miller of Industville highlights that these chic pieces are more than functional; they serve as striking centerpieces in a home, contributing to a narrative of warmth and depth.

10. The Wallpaper Trend: Art-Inspired Murals

The craving for artistic expression continues to rise, especially with the increasing popularity of mural wallpapers. Their immersive and creative qualities allow for bolder decor choices, transforming spaces into personal galleries.

David Harris from Andrew Martin suggests that today’s murals offer a depth and character that surpasses traditional wall treatments, enhancing the overall atmosphere of a room.

11. The Material Trend: Natural Textures

As we enter 2026, a distinct appreciation for natural textures will flourish, with a focus on materials like washed linen and terracotta leading the charge.

Dayna from Etsy mentions the tangible warmth these materials bring to spaces, marking a return to authenticity and organicity in home designs. The tactile nature of these elements enhances the overarching theme of comfort and personalization.

12. The Paint Trend: The 6th Wall

Following the trend of painting ceilings, 2026 will introduce the “6th wall” concept, centering on flooring colors and designs. Joa Studholme from Farrow & Ball emphasizes the transformative power that painted floors can have, encouraging individuals to see their flooring as an opportunity for creative expression.

From bold colors to playful patterns, this trend offers an additional canvas to reimagine spaces within the home.

Through these trends, the journey of home decor in 2026 represents more than mere aesthetics; it is about creating meaningful, comfortable, and expressive environments. Together, these elements are a deliberate embrace of personal storytelling and genuine warmth within our homes, ensuring that each space reflects its inhabitants’ unique narratives.