The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) released its 2026 Trends Outlook report in January, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, which analyzes the forces shaping interior design amid rapid social, technological, and economic change.
The annual report examines shifts in lifestyle, wellness, technology, the workforce, and the economy, and outlines how those shifts redefine expectations for the built environment. It examines everything from sustainability and adaptive living, to AI and design, and provides context to help interior designers anticipate change and make informed decisions in the year ahead.
“To best serve clients and communities, designers must understand how broader societal shifts are influencing the way people live, work, and connect,” says Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID, in a prepared statement. “The 2026 Trends Outlook goes beyond identifying trends—it translates them into practical, actionable guidance designers can apply to strengthen their businesses and amplify their impact.”
Key Trends Influencing Interior Design in 2026
Kerry Kirk
From economic uncertainty to generational change, evolving societal conditions continue to shape client expectations and demand for interior design services across the industry.
Economic Conditions
Consumers and institutions are becoming more selective, value-conscious, and outcome-driven. Investment is concentrating on spaces that support performance, well-being, flexibility, and long-term value—elevating the role of design in delivering measurable results.
Living Arrangements and Relationships
Baby boomers are rethinking how and with whom they live. Downsizing, co-living, aging-in-place strategies, and urban “senior roommate” models are gaining traction, particularly in high-cost cities. Many are balancing independence with multigenerational caregiving responsibilities, driving demand for housing models centered on dignity, adaptability, and connection, rather than age-based segregation.
Spacecrafting
Maximalism Returns
After years of restraint, cultural expression is swinging back toward boldness and individuality. Quiet luxury is giving way to saturated color, playful silhouettes, and visible personality. Celebrity influence is accelerating the shift, with cobalt blue emerging as a standout hue, Y2K-era denim resurging, and bold beauty choices are signaling confidence and individuality. The mood is optimistic, nostalgic, and deliberately noticeable.
Technology vs. Conservation
Technologies meant to increase efficiency are also driving higher energy demand. Smart systems, AI-enabled devices, and connected homes add significant load to individual spaces and place growing strain on an electrical grid. Designers are increasingly called upon to build energy literacy into their work—carefully modeling loads, anticipating future demand, and planning beyond essential systems. The rapid expansion of AI data centers intensifies this challenge, raising questions about energy use, water consumption, and environmental impact even as AI delivers benefits in forecasting, optimization, and monitoring.
[Related: 5 Ways Design Professionals Can Use AI]
What’s Impacting the Business of Interior Design
The final section of the report addresses trends influencing the business of interior design, including operational and strategic considerations.
Global Risk Environment
Geopolitical conflict, climate extremes, societal polarization, and rapid technological change are creating an increasingly volatile operating environment. For design practices, these overlapping risks underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and scenario planning.
Procurement: Cost Pressure and Volatility
While manufacturers report strong order volumes, pricing volatility driven by tariffs, raw materials, and labor remain significant challenges. Nearly three-quarters of firms report raising prices to offset rising costs, prompting a shift toward greater transparency, flexibility, and strategic sourcing across the supply chain.
More About the Report
The ASID 2026 Trends Outlook Report is authored by Dr. S. Dawn Haynie, ASID research fellow, and Lindsey Koren, ASID director of communications. Other contributors include Cynthia Harrison, designer for SuccinctStudio, and members of the ASID Trends and Futures Committee, a multidisciplinary group of designers and educators focused on advancing future-ready design solutions.
This report is the first installment in ASID’s three-part Outlook series, and will be followed later this year by the Economic Outlook and State of Interior Design reports. It is available for download at asid.org, and free to ASID members and available for purchase for nonmembers.
Read this next: 4 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2026
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