Apartment therapy predicts: a concise orientation before we get practical.
Apartment therapy predicts: Quick notes
NEW YORK – According to the Apartment Therapy 2026 State of Home Design, homes will be saturated in warm, rich neutrals next year.
With mortgage rates still high, rentals in short supply and a +44% year-over-year increase in home project content traffic on the Apartment Therapy site, the company said it’s clear that those who are not ready to move homes are focusing on improving and personalizing the ones they’re in.
The newly released trend forecast predicts what Apartment Therapy’s more than 140 design experts expect to see with regard to emerging décor styles, colors and materials in the new year.
Warm, chocolate browns will dominate 2026 decor. Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy
Some key highlights include:
- Color Forecast: Homes will be saturated in warm, rich neutrals next year, and color drenching will continue to have a moment. Some top colors include Espresso Bean, Warm Mahogany, Martini Green and Marigold.
“I love the warmth brown brings to a space,” said Jennier McKissick, owner of Jennifer McKissick Interiors, told Apartment Therapy, according to a release.
“I love warm, saturated color. After years of minimalist neutrals, these hues bring emotion and personality back into spaces,” said Ariene Bethea, owner of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio.
“Deep ochre, warm cocoa and rich espresso hues bring such a sense of depth and comfort to a space,” said Laura Chappetto, Element Design Network principal designer.
Patterns will abound in 2026. Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy
- Pattern Forecast: Designers anticipate a shift to simple geometric patterns (stripes) and hand-drawn floral and fauna patterns.
“The focus on natural materials, layered textures, and calming palettes creates spaces that feel both refined and livable, which is exactly what people are craving right now,” said Marlaina Teich, interior designer at Marlaina Teich Designs.
- Materials Forecast: The experts from Apartment Therapy predict that Delft tile, a style of decorative ceramic tile that originated in the Netherlands which can add charm to interiors, will be everywhere along with light, natural materials like unbleached oak and cork.
“There is a beautiful shift happening toward spaces that feel personal and enduring, layered with natural wood, handmade tile, and textured textiles that tell a story over time,” said Sara Swabb from Storie Collective, founder and creative director. “I love seeing clients embrace imperfection and choose materials that age gracefully.”
- Architectural Features Forecast: Designers plan to bring coziness into their clients’ spaces by adding alcoves, niches, nooks and millwork.
Alcoves, niches, nooks and millwork will be popular this upcoming year. Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy
“We are in a phase now where design is truly about your own taste, curated and unique to you,” said Andrea Sinkin, Andrea Sinkin Design.
“I hope layered, collected minimalism sticks around for 2026: that sweet spot between curated luxury and livable ease,” said Krysten Ledet, owner, Krysten Ledet interiors.
- Other predictions:
- Curvy furniture silhouettes 69% vs. clean-lined furniture 31%
- Patterned wallpaper 59% vs. wallpaper mural 41%
- Color drenching 66% vs. pattern drenching 34%
- Brass 79% vs. chrome 21%
- Their biggest goals are making their spaces cozy (61%), modern (52%) and functional (51%).
Survey participants said they plan on spending an average of $5,600 making over their space in 2026. And, when it comes to purchasing home accents, survey respondents said they look for high quality pieces that deliver strong value for the price.
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