Designing for What’s Next: A Peek at 2026 Home Trends

If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been hard at work creating some incredible spaces for our 2025 clients — and we’re officially fully booked for the year! First, a heartfelt thank you to our amazing clients who trusted Dwell Well Design Co. to bring their vision to life.

But if you’re dreaming about a refresh for 2026, now is the time to start planning — because the ideas coming next year are anything but ordinary. Here’s a peek at what we’re seeing for 2026, and why you’ll want to get on the schedule early.

First, let's talk: My Take on Trends

Here’s the thing about “trends” — I don’t believe in designing for them, but I do believe in being aware of them.

Trends can be a window into what’s feeling fresh in design — new materials, colors, or ways of living that reflect how we’re all evolving. Ignoring them completely would be like saying you don’t notice the seasons change. Of course you do.

But where it goes wrong is when people chase trends just because they’re popular. Your home shouldn’t feel like a time capsule from a specific year — it should feel like you.

So at Dwell Well, I take what’s new, filter it through the lens of how you live, what inspires you, and what feels authentic to your space. That’s how you stay current without being trendy.

1. Curated Maximalism

Minimalism has had a good run, but 2026 is all about layering personality back into our spaces. We are talking all of it- patterned wallpaper, rich textiles, and collected artwork that feels like it has a story. This isn’t clutter — it’s curation. Your home should feel alive with the things you love.

2. Nature-Inspired Textures

Nature is the ultimate mood board, and next year we’re seeing a lot of organic materials and tactile finishes: limewash walls, warm wood grains, mixed stone, and handmade ceramic tiles. These textures make a space feel grounded, cozy, and timeless.

3. The Rise of the Living Kitchen

The kitchen won't be just a showpiece — it’s the living center of the home. The biggest shift we’re seeing? The rise of the living kitchen.

Today’s kitchens are designed to blur the lines between cooking, dining, and relaxing — creating one connected, multifunctional space where real family life unfolds. We’re prioritizing kitchens that feel like living spaces — layered with warmth, color, and personality. You might see fewer upper cabinets, more open shelving, and freestanding pieces that look more like furniture than built-ins. And behind all that beauty? Seamless functionality that performs like a dream.

Expect bold palettes, unexpected countertop materials, and clever storage that makes entertaining effortless.

These kitchens are deeply personal, designed for connection, and (no surprise here) the number-one request in large-scale remodels. They’re not just where we cook anymore — they’re where we live.

Credit: Bonnie Christine

4. Playful Color Palettes

Beige has been nice, but 2026 is bringing a new sense of fun with saturated hues, unexpected color combinations, and bold accents. We’re talking emerald and paprika, blush and oxblood, ochre and navy — all balanced with the right neutrals so the space feels intentional, not chaotic.

5. The Art of Craft

Luxury this year isn’t about logos or labels (in fact, that’s the anti-trend). It’s about craftsmanship. We’re seeing a return to thoughtful, well-made pieces that stand the test of time. Think cashmere throws, bespoke upholstery, and solid wood casegoods built to last a lifetime. This is where smart investment meets quiet sophistication — design that feels as good as it looks.

Why You Should Plan Now

If one (or all!) of these ideas has you ready to reimagine your home, now is the moment to get on our 2026 calendar. Our design process includes months of sourcing, planning, and construction coordination — so starting early means you’ll be sipping wine in your new kitchen (or cozying up in your revamped living room) right on schedule.