As 2025 draws to a close and Americans begin planning their post-holiday home improvements, interior design experts have identified three key trends that are expected to transform living spaces throughout 2026. Following the typical post-Christmas period when homeowners focus on refreshing their interiors, these emerging trends offer fresh inspiration for creating cozy and comfortable spaces to navigate the new year.
Homeware specialists at furniture retailer Sofology have conducted extensive research to pinpoint the interior design movements that will dominate American homes in the coming year. Their analysis reveals three distinct trends that blend nostalgia with contemporary luxury, vibrant color palettes, and thoughtful curation techniques.
The first major trend, dubbed "90s Nostalgia," extends the decade's fashion revival into home decor. This movement, also known as "Nostalgiacore," provides a comforting sense of familiarity while offering an updated minimalist aesthetic softened with contemporary modernist luxury elements. "Clean lines, chrome and glass accents are paired with warm wood and soft textures, creating minimalist spaces that feel both cozy and effortlessly modern," explains Julia Bilotta, a creative stylist at Sofology.
The second significant trend focuses on "Sun-Kissed Colors," representing a sophisticated interpretation of summer brights. This eye-catching approach combines deeply pigmented, richer shades ranging from terracotta to intense pink, offering a refined take on Mediterranean-inspired design. "Deep terracotta and vibrant pinks bring warmth and richness, perfectly highlighting bold shapes and statement pieces for a modern Mediterranean feel," Bilotta notes. This color palette moves beyond traditional summer pastels to embrace more complex, saturated hues that add depth and character to living spaces.
The third trend, called "Bookscaping," elevates the timeless appeal of books as decorative elements within interior design schemes. This approach involves creating curated displays that combine literature with ceramics and collected treasures to define a room's color palette and aesthetic direction. Bilotta emphasizes that "coordinating sofa tones like soft denim against deep walnut add rich contrast," while using architectural focal points to anchor room designs.
According to the experts, successful bookscaping requires thoughtful curation that acts as a visual backbone for the entire space. The technique involves strategically mixing books, ceramic pieces, and personal collections to elevate the overall look while suggesting color palettes for the rest of the room's design scheme. This approach allows upholstery pieces and furniture to complement the carefully arranged displays rather than compete with them.
These three trends reflect a broader movement in American interior design toward spaces that balance comfort with sophistication. The emphasis on nostalgia, warm color palettes, and personal curation suggests that homeowners in 2026 will prioritize creating environments that feel both stylish and deeply personal, moving away from stark minimalism toward more emotionally resonant design choices.
