As we step into 2026, many of us are busy setting resolutions to hit the gym or eat healthier, but there’s a whole world of creativity buzzing in the realm of interior design. Bold statement alert: What if this year, instead of just focusing on personal transformations, we also reimagine the spaces we call home? Interior designers are already ahead of the curve, and they’re not just sticking to the basics. They’re shaking things up, and you’ll want to hear what they’re planning—because some of these ideas might just surprise you.
Interior design isn’t just about making a room look pretty; it’s about crafting spaces that tell a story. And even the pros, who seem to have it all figured out, are spotting areas in their own designs where they can push boundaries. From daring color choices to unconventional trends, here are seven decorating resolutions designers are making for 2026—plus, the must-have items to snag before they become the next big thing.
1. Dare to Be Bold
Are you tired of playing it safe with neutrals? You’re not alone. Cathleen Gruver, founder of Northern Virginia’s Gruver Cooley, is urging everyone to step out of their comfort zones in 2026. ‘After years of designing luxury homes, I’ve realized the most memorable spaces are those that reflect joy and confidence,’ she says. But here’s where it gets interesting: bold doesn’t always mean bright. It’s about choosing pieces that resonate with your personality, not just what’s trendy. Think textured metals, rich hues, or statement furniture that tells a story. Controversial question: Is playing it safe with decor really worth it if it means sacrificing personality?
Shop the Look:
- Z Gallerie’s Bronze Tiger Lumbar Pillow
- HAY’s Antiquity Dinner Plate
- Inner Child’s Hand-Marbled Scallop Waste Bin
2. Rethink Metal Finishes
Flat, uninspired metal finishes? So last year. Sarah and Rebecca Goesling of Goesling Group are all about subverting expectations with unconventional metal treatments. Etched brass, molten chrome, reverse-knurled steel—these aren’t your grandma’s metals. And the best part? You don’t need a full renovation. Swapping out cabinet knobs or adding a textured metal accent can instantly elevate a space. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this trend too niche, or is it the next big thing in design?
Shop the Look:
- ARHAUS’s Wall Mount Antique Brass Dinner Bell
- Ferm Living’s Agapé Wall Candle Sconces
- Zentique’s Diggs Metal Table Vase
3. Bring Warmth with Wall Textiles
Tapestries and hanging rugs aren’t just for bohemian vibes anymore. Franky Rousell of Jolie is all about using textiles to add depth and warmth to walls. ‘They soften acoustics, filter light, and create a layered atmosphere,’ Franky explains. It’s a simple yet impactful way to transform a space without breaking the bank. And this is the part most people miss: Wall textiles can replace traditional art, making them perfect for those who want something unique but don’t know where to start.
Shop the Look:
- Urban Outfitters’ Palmera Fan Floating Headboard
- McGee & Co.’s Hortensia Wall Tapestry
- The Salvaged Vessel’s Hand Painted Abstract Textile Art
4. Experiment with Unexpected Color Pairings
Annie Harrison of Fare Inc. is tired of playing it safe with color palettes. Why stick to the same old combinations when you can mix things up? Think satin periwinkle with velvet chocolate or high-gloss chartreuse with matte baby blue. These pairings might sound risky, but they create a dynamic tension that’s both exciting and grounded. Thought-provoking question: Are we too afraid to take risks with color, or is there a method to the madness?
Shop the Look:
- Threshold’s Velvet Contrast Fringe Pillow
- Palais Lampshades’ Thalassa Palm & Cinnamon Lampshade
- Anthropologie’s Adele Martini Glasses
5. Upgrade Your Hardware
It’s the smallest change with the biggest impact. Annie Harrison insists that updating hardware—whether on cabinets, doors, or drawers—can completely refresh a space. It’s a tactile update you’ll notice every day, and it’s surprisingly affordable. But here’s the kicker: Why do we keep putting this off when it’s so easy and effective?
Shop the Look:
- West Elm’s Modernist Wood & Antique Brass Hardware
- AnthroHome’s Odessa Jewelry Knobs
- Berenson’s Iron Cabinet Handle
6. Embrace the Surreal
The world feels uncertain, and Sarah and Rebecca Goesling are leaning into that ambiguity with surrealist design elements. Think 1920s circus stripes, vegetal tones, and glass block accents. It’s a nod to the unpredictability of our times, but in a way that feels intentional and artistic. Controversial interpretation: Is surrealism in design a reflection of our chaotic world, or is it just a passing fad?
Shop the Look:
- Crate & Barrel’s Cubey Linen Table Lamp by Brigette Romanek
- Birch Lane’s Jebb Upholstered Ottoman
- Zodax’s Clam Shell Serving Dish
7. Edit Ruthlessly
While some designers are going bold, others are taking a step back. Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James believes that subtraction is the ultimate sophistication. ‘Removing unnecessary pieces elevates what remains,’ he says. Christopher Boutlier adds, ‘It’s not about making a home feel empty, but about removing the noise.’ Final thought-provoking question: In a world that constantly encourages accumulation, is minimalism the ultimate act of rebellion?
Shop the Look:
- Casafield’s Open Weave Wall Hanging Basket
- BELOVED’s 20 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet
- H&M Home’s Foldable Storage Basket
So, which of these resolutions will you adopt in 2026? Are you team bold and daring, or do you lean toward simplicity and editing? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
