Top 5 Design Trends Fading Away by 2026
As the year comes to a close, homeowners are reevaluating their design choices for 2026. With the changing seasons, it’s the perfect time to consider refreshing your living spaces. Several interior design trends have recently gained popularity, but some are forecasted to become outdated. Below are the top five design trends that are expected to fade away by 2026, along with more innovative alternatives to incorporate into your home.
Top 5 Design Trends Fading Away by 2026
1. Formal Dining Rooms
The trend of formal dining rooms is on the decline. Homeowners are moving towards relaxed and flexible dining areas that foster comfort and creativity. Interior designer Clare Kennedy emphasizes the importance of creating inviting spaces that reflect daily living. Cozy dining nooks with built-in seating are becoming preferred spaces for gathering, replacing traditional, rigid dining setups.
2. Deep, Dark Cabinetry
While deep and dramatic kitchen tones like burgundy and emerald have been popular, a shift toward lighter and more playful colors is anticipated. Pastel shades such as lilac, sunflower yellow, and bubblegum pink will likely dominate kitchen cabinetry in 2026. UK-based designer Rebecca Corley suggests that these softer hues create an inviting atmosphere and can be complemented by bolder accents.
3. Flat Walls
Flat, one-dimensional wall finishes are falling out of favor in favor of textured wall treatments. Designers now emphasize the importance of tactile elements, which add warmth and visual interest to spaces. Using materials like polished plaster, textured wallpapers, and grass wallcoverings, interiors are becoming more inviting and layered. Caroline Milns from Zulufish highlights the shift toward more sensory environments in home design.
4. Hotel-At-Home Bedding
The trend of crisp white, minimalist bedding is declining as individuals seek personalized and expressive designs. Bedding is transitioning to patterned and colorful options that add character to bedrooms. Jessica Hanley points out that creating a cozy, layered space through bold bedding choices resonates more with homeowners as they prepare for 2026.
5. Flamboyant Bathrooms
Maximalist bathroom designs are becoming less popular as clients favor tranquil and serene spaces. Blair Moore from Moore House Design notes a growing preference for bathrooms that utilize high-quality materials and textures to create calming atmospheres. Spa-like environments that emphasize materiality without visual clutter are emerging as the new standard.
As design evolves ahead of 2026, embracing these emerging trends while letting go of outdated ones is essential. By introducing thoughtful changes, homeowners can create spaces that reflect personal style and functional living. For more insights and the latest trends in interior design, keep an eye on El-Balad.
