Top 8 Home Decor Trends For 2026 - And 5 That Are On Their Way Out

Many of us will be looking at ways to refresh our homes for the year ahead. The key factor to bear in mind is that interior design is shifting in subtle but meaningful ways and the next wave of home decor blends warmth, tactility and personality, favouring handcrafted materials, soft forms and flexible living.

Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty shares the top decor trends for 2026 and practical tips for bringing them into your own space, plus five styles that designers predict will fade out this year.

1. Nature-First, Authentic Materials

In 2026, there's a strong return to genuine, tactile materials. Rather than glossy, artificial surfaces, designers are embracing raw timber, terracotta, clay, stone and woven natural fibres, all of which bring a sense of permanence and craftsmanship.

This shift reflects a growing desire for homes that feel rooted in nature, both visually and ethically, prioritising sustainable sourcing and age-worthy materials.

How to incorporate it:

• Choose solid-wood furniture (oak, ash, walnut) rather than veneers.
• Add handcrafted ceramics, clay pots, or terracotta planters for character.
• Use natural-fibre textiles like linen curtains, jute rugs, or rattan baskets for texture and warmth

2. Sculptural and Curved Forms

Straight lines and sharp right angles are giving way to organic, curved shapes. Sofas, armchairs, and tables are adopting more fluid, gentle silhouettes, while architectural elements such as arched doorways and rounded shelving are softening room layouts.

Designers say these curving forms make spaces feel more human and relaxed.

How to incorporate it:

• Pick one standout curved piece- a plush "fat" sofa or sculptural chair- to anchor your space.
• Incorporate arches: think arch-shaped shelving, mirrors or architectural details.
• Offset the curves with a few straight-edged pieces (like a rectangular console) to maintain balance.

3. Warm, Layered Neutrals & Earthy Hues

Cool greys and bright whites are gradually being replaced by what experts call "new neutrals": warm, layered shades like clay, honey, sage, blush and mushroom. These tones help create a calming yet sophisticated backdrop-grounded, but full of character.

How to incorporate it:

• Try "colour drenching": paint your walls, trim, and even ceilings in the same warm tone to create a cocooning effect.
• Layer tones in your textiles: mix desert clay cushions with sage throws and honey-coloured wood furniture.
• Use these richer neutrals as a backdrop for more dramatic accents (jewel greens, teals, ochres).

4. Texture & Tactile Layering

Texture is taking centre stage in 2026. Flat, mass-produced surfaces are making way for plastered walls, carved wood, boucle upholstery, linen and stone- materials that invite you to touch and linger.

These tactile layers bring depth and warmth, turning rooms into sensory retreats.

How to incorporate it:

• Use textured wall treatments: limewash, plaster, wood panelling or slatted walls.
• Layer rugs: perhaps a richly woven rug on top of a flatter, natural fibre one.
• Bring in a variety of materials- boucle upholstery, rattan furniture, brushed metals- to contrast and complement.

5. Biophilic & Wellness-Centred Design

Wellness isn't just a trend, it's becoming central to how we design homes and biophilic design-connecting indoors with nature- is being woven into living spaces through large plants, natural materials, and daylight, but also via healthy finishes such as low-VOC paints and breathable fabrics.

Adaptive design also plays a role: layouts and lighting are being crafted to support rest, productivity, and well-being.

How to incorporate it:

• Go big on plants and bring in a selection: large potted trees, hanging planters or even a living wall.
• Use low-VOC paints, natural finishes, and breathable fabrics to help indoor air quality.
• Design for well-being: ensure plenty of natural light, introduce zones for rest or work and use smart lighting systems that mimic daylight rhythms.

6. Flexible, Multi-Purpose Spaces

Homes in 2026 are less rigid: rooms are no longer single-purpose and furniture is becoming more modular and convertible. Whether it's a fold-down desk, modular storage units or pieces that serve more than one function, flexibility is now essential.

Designers are focused on creating interiors that evolve with our daily routines and changing needs.

How to incorporate it:

• Invest in versatile furniture: modular sofas, fold-out desks, or convertible coffee/work surfaces.
• Use zoning tactics: define areas for working, relaxing, entertaining, especially in open-plan spaces.
• Think built-in: custom joinery or clever storage can help a room flow without sacrificing design.

7. Statement Stone and Bold Marble

Stone is making a bolder comeback in 2026. Rather than subtle accents, designers are embracing dramatic slabs, strong veining and sculptural marble in unexpected places. This isn't just about kitchens and bathrooms-stone is being used as a visual and tactile statement throughout the home.

How to incorporate it:

• Introduce small marble accents first: a lamp base, a tray, a side table.
• For a bigger statement, choose a marble top for a kitchen island, a bathroom vanity, or a media wall.
• If real stone is out of budget, try high-quality faux marble or stone-effect surfaces to capture the look.

8. Artistic and Modular Lighting

Lighting is no longer simply functional- it's becoming sculptural, versatile and deeply personal. In 2026, modular lighting systems like magnetic tracks, flexible LED panels, reconfigurable ceiling grids are gaining traction. Lighting is being used to define space, mood and even architecture.

How to incorporate it:

• Try modular ceiling lighting: magnetic tracks, LED panels or flexible grids that you can reconfigure.
• Use a dramatic statement fixture — a sculptural pendant, oversized floor lamp, or wall sconce to anchor a room.
• Layer lighting: combine ambient, task and accent lights to create mood, practicality, and design interest.

Five Trends Falling Out of Favour in 2026

As the design tide shifts, several previously dominant styles are being quietly phased out. Here are five trends on the wane:

1. Cool, One-Dimensional Grey: Grey as a default neutral is being replaced by warmer, richer shades.
2. Sterile Minimalism: Minimalism with a cold or clinical feel is losing ground in favour of textured, layered, and character-filled spaces.
3. Matching Wood Sets: Uniform wood furniture in matching tones is being discarded in favour of mixed woods and varied finishes
4. Ultra-Gloss & High-Shine Finishes: Smooth, glossy, mass-produced surfaces are being replaced by handcrafted, imperfect materials that celebrate texture.
5. Cold Metals like Chrome: Cool metallic tones such as chrome are being swapped out for warmer, more inviting metals - brass, bronze, copper.

Why These Trends Matter

The emerging trends of 2026 say something about how we want to live: more connected to nature, more comfortable, more flexible and more expressive. It's not simply about chasing a "look" - it's about designing homes that feel grounded, personal and resilient. These interiors are made to age well, physically and emotionally.

This year's direction pushes homeowners to think beyond the surface: to prioritise wellness, sustainability, craftsmanship and emotional resonance. It's less about fast decorating fads, and more about building spaces that support real life, with dignity and warmth.

Bringing It Together in Your Home

If you're inspired by these trends but not sure where to begin, here's a simple roadmap:

1. Choose a foundation palette - start with warm neutrals or earthy tones on walls or key furniture.
2. Introduce one sculptural piece - a curved sofa, arched mirror, or circular table can set the tone.
3. Layer in texture - mix tactile materials like plaster, woven baskets, stone, and soft textiles.
4. Add nature - bring in plants, use natural materials, and design for light and air.
5. Incorporate flexibility - use modular furniture or convert areas to fit different needs.
6. Use lighting as art - invest in statement or modular lighting to shape mood and space.

These design trends invite us to rethink what 'home' really means. It's not just about style, it's about creating spaces that feel intentional, soulful, and deeply human.