Designers Predict a Move Toward Personal, Collected Home Interiors in Late 2026
Interior designer Cody Brown of Bridges Brown Interiors sees homeowners abandoning staged, uniform spaces in favor of environments that reflect individual narratives. The emerging style emphasizes antique and vintage furnishings alongside handcrafted objects rather than matching sets. This shift points to a broader cultural desire for authenticity in living spaces.
The mid-August 2026 feature compiles forecasts from five national designers, outlining ten enduring trends. Cody Brown observes a move away from uniform, showroom-like rooms toward spaces filled with secondhand treasures and meaningful artwork. Gina Elkins notes growing requests for residential saunas and cold plunges.
Krystal Reinhard highlights a shift away from unused formal parlors toward rooms designed for actual daily activities. Additionally, designers advocate for warm minimalism—employing richer timber and textured finishes—alongside built-in alcoves to foster cozy, deliberate retreats.
This trend toward bespoke, narrative-driven homes could reshape consumer spending, favoring antique dealers and local artisans over big-box furniture retailers. Homeowners may experience deeper attachment to their living spaces, yet the integration of custom wellness rooms and architectural nooks could escalate renovation expenses, potentially making these personalized comforts more accessible to wealthier households while leaving others behind.