Local Custom Designers Want You to Visit in the New Year

“One design element that we see continuing in 2026 is the waterfall island. Although it once displayed a sleek, modern look, it has become extreme and, depending on the material, can feel cold or monotonous. Today’s homeowners want more warmth, personality, and visual interest in their spaces. Ultimately, the heart of the family should reflect who you are—not just the latest trend.” – Colleen Lettich Hyde, ODE Design

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“Interiors feel very warm as people ditch the gray millennial era for warm neutrals, saturated colors, and beautiful design.” – Amber Guyton, Blessed Little Bungalow

“Light just keeps getting better: small, well-thought-out fixtures that complement a room’s architecture and elegance rather than overpowering it.” – Corinne Ekle, C2 Designer

“When the host has become more relaxed and informal, the traditional dining room is becoming less and less important. Many buyers are now giving priority to expanding their kitchen areas while finding new projects for the well-organized dining room. The high-style dining room that once hosted a few gatherings a year is becoming something important – home offices, beautiful cinema rooms, or homes adults are designed to relax indoors.” – Jamie Lyn Smith, Smith Home Studios

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“Confidential behavior is a thing of the past! We’re hearing more and more requests for detailed woodwork. We’re seeing a desire for “comfort” in homes and we’re expecting trends like ceiling treatments, inlays, and detailed crown molding to make a comeback. – Liz Fraser Wooten, Ashdown Studio

“We’ve noticed our 2026 customers desire more depth with colors and natural materials. Requests for plain white walls and bouclé-like fabrics are a thing of the past! We expect to see more limewash, stone tables, and patterned fabrics in 2026.” – Liz Fraser Wooten, Ashdown Studio

“The modern farmhouse style will hopefully come out officially in 2026. The large black and white interiors and exteriors are boring and look builder-standard. The black metal accents and fixtures draw the eye to them, making them stand out rather than tie in with the rest of the design in the house. The look doesn’t feel purposeful, it feels very lazy. – Liz Potarazu, LP & Co.

“As for the bouclé, it has been a design favorite for almost ten years, but its popularity has reduced its influence. Designers are rediscovering depth with other tactile materials such as brushed wool, slub line and matte chenille that offer the same feeling of comfort but with more scale and less déjà vu.” – Christopher Boutlier, Christopher Boutlier Interiors

“Maximalism is back, and it will always be there. We see a bold acceptance of color, for example, and layered design and when done well, it creates a space that really stands out. Customers crave that balance; they want their homes to feel calm and alive, but they are also not willing to give up the ‘wow’ factor. Being strong and expressive gives personal approval.” – Eleanor Tate Stairs, Dekay & Tate Interiors

“We are seeing more and more consumers embracing the beauty of combining wood tones throughout their homes, from architecture to pieces of furniture. In the past, many preferred a uniform look, where the floors, cabinets and furniture matched. Now, there is a growing appreciation for the warm and natural feel that brings warmth and depth to a space.” – Sierra Schmitt, S-Squared

“Sculpted walls and ceilings are the defining feature of the year. Flat drywall gives way to plasters, crisp details, and gorgeous wallpapers and maps that add warmth and dimension.” – Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, RSZ Design + Development

“Buyers want homes that feel like themselves—not like a catalog or a showroom, but a reflection of their story. They’re asking for spaces that show confidence and restraint at the same time—rooms with personality, but not too much clutter.” – Cheryl Stauffer, Crimson Design Group

“In 2026, several popular details will quietly move aside as the interior changes to clean lines and more precise materials. Café curtains have been around for a long time, they provide charm and privacy, but they tend to obstruct the architecture and spoil the natural light. The movement now focuses on full attention, floor-length or soft shades instead of feeling without a simple fabric.” – Christopher Boutlier, Christopher Boutlier Interiors