Every year at this time we’re inundated with lists telling us what was hot last year is suddenly old news. Dear readers, you know I believe in authentic design and filling your homes with what you deeply love, not blindly following trends. But when trends come in big and show up everywhere, it’s usually as a response to social needs and economic forces. It’s a good idea to look at the big picture, notice what’s driving these interior design trends and incorporate some of them into your own home as a balm to what’s happening in the world today.
These 5 design trends are ones I can get behind. Not only will your home look fresh and current, but there’s hidden health benefits in adopting these trends. I’m showcasing the trend as it appears in magazines with my own photos of quick and easy ways to bring some of this goodness into your home.
1 l Natural Wood
Wood is back in a big way. If you’ve checked out Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen that the trendy kitchens are all featuring wooden cabinets and rustic harvest tables. As we seek comfort in our homes, wood brings warmth and actually reduces anxiety and stress. It brings a sense of safety and closeness to nature, making wood a hot trend for 2026.
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Karen’s Easy Cheat:
An easy way to dip your toes into this trend is to bring in a few small wooden pieces. Cutting boards displayed on a counter, fruit in wooden bowls, a wooden bench over an ottoman are simple ways to incorporate natural wood. And if you have the room, add a wooden accent table or vintage chest. You’ll get all the health benefits of natural wood and keep your look current without having to do a kitchen renovation.
2 l Layers of Lighting
You’ll be hearing a lot about layers of lighting this coming year. The effects of light on occupant wellbeing is top of mind in 2026. For optimum health and wellness, I like to do a combination of recessed lights, wall sconces, cove lighting, chandeliers, lamps and under cabinet lighting. This allows a room to easily transition from bright functional lighting to a warm and cozy ambience.
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If a lighting overhaul isn’t something you can take on right now, lamps are an easy way to create beautiful ambiance. Every corner of a room should have a light source. A combination of table lamps, floor lamps and plug in wall sconces create beautiful ambiance. Use soft white bulbs for a comfortable and cozy mood.
You may have noticed, if you’ve been to a restaurant lately, the widespread trend of small rechargeable lamps on every table. Studies show that eating by the soft glow of light slows down our nervous system and actually aids digestion. Restaurants may use rechargeable lamps for safety and convenience, but I actually prefer using candles, especially tea lights. Every Autumn to Spring our family has eaten dinner by candlelight. Take a lesson from a mother of 3 boys, the calming effect of a candle promotes good behaviour and leads to lovely mealtime conversations.
3 l Warmer Palettes
2026 is all about warm soothing colours. For the last few years I’ve been specifying complex creams and beige wall colours as the cool grey and stark white trend slowly fades out. And colours just keep getting warmer. Trend forecasters predict colour drenched rooms in teal, earthy dark greens, oxblood and rich plum to dominate in the coming year and beyond. Warm rich colours are cozy, restful and emotionally pleasing, which is a lovely antidote to a stressful and chaotic world.
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4 l Biophilic Design
In the field of design, biophilia refers to architecture and urban planning that incorporates and mimics nature. The thought is that humans are intertwined with nature and by embracing natural design patterns and organic selections, our mental health and wellbeing will benefit. In the last few years the concept of bilophilic design has shifted to residential design, with living walls, water features and the use of natural materials in the home.
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If you only do one small change in 2026, I encourage it to add some live plants to your space. Fresh and healthy greenery will create a calm and soothing atmosphere. This in turn can lower blood pressure and heart rate, while reducing stress levels. In general just being around greenery makes us feel better. And the good news is that both the colour green and pictures of nature also provide positive health benefits. While a wall of living plants would be nice, buying a potted fern, hanging a picture of nature and painting something green will create a biophilic atmosphere.
5 l Curved Furniture
Curved furniture is having it’s moment in modern design. 2026 will be the year of the rounded sofa and lounge chairs. Curves bring flow and movement to a room leading to sense of calm and safety. Our brain’s threat response is actually eased when viewing curves. Because so many of our homes in North America are box shaped with little to no architectural flourishes, adding curves in decor pieces softens interiors. I personally love the look of a curved sofa, but be warned, they’re not that comfortable! Better to invest in a pair of good lounge chairs with a rounded frame. Now those are snuggly.
The Trend:
Karen’s Easy Cheat:
It doesn’t just have to be curved furniture that brings relief from all those angular lines. A round lamp base will add softness to a space, as will round vases, toss cushions, coffee tables and even plants with rounded leaves. Stay away from geometric and striped fabrics and choose fabrics that are swirly. A round ottoman in the centre of a room instantly softens the space, making it peaceful and friendly.
These are the top 5 interior design trends of 2026 that I wholeheartedly agree with. They’re focused on creating safe and cozy environments so our spirit can be nourished.
When you’re connected to your home, it supports you living your best life. I hope 2026 is the year of creating cozy and blissful homes that bring comfort and hopefully a little softness to the world.
