The world of home design is constantly evolving, and it’s often true that the trends in this space shift most significantly at the turn of the year. In our 2026 Trends Forecast series, we take the guesswork out of this game by tapping the expertise of skilled professionals to identify what’s in vogue this coming year. When it comes to interior spaces, comfort colors and cottagecore charm are on the rise.
Revival House
Warm, Comforting Colors to Rule 2026 Home Interiors
Hirshfield's
With creamy neutrals and soft cottagecore styles popular in homes right now, it’s no surprise that an influx of warm, comforting colors are on the horizon for 2026. Rather than stark black-and-white combos, sleek silvers, and cooler cement grays, it’s earth tones and warm wood stains that are on the rise. And while color-drenched rooms are trending right now as well, homeowners should be mindful of intense hues that might overpower spaces.
“People want color, just livable color,” explains Wendy Doornink, color services manager at local paint and decorating company Hirshfield’s. “That means muted-down, softer blends like reds muddied a bit with brown, or greens toned down with gray, like our Fallen Fir R071 shade.”
While BEHR Paint Co.’s pick for color of the year follows this pattern with Hidden Gem, a smoky jade, Hirshfield’s chosen color is Martica 0811, a soft buttercream-yellow perfect for infusing warmth, optimism, and a little liveliness into your home.
“It’s a color we’re starting to see a lot in fashion and appliances, especially here in the Midwest,” Doornink says. “It reflects light beautifully and adds a modern punch to grays, navy, and both golden and white oak woodwork.”
People are craving homes that are calm and comforting,” adds Katie Brandt, CEO of Katie Brandt Interiors. “Our lives have been taken over by our phones and computers, so warmer surroundings feel good when we remember to unplug.”
- Expert tip: Looking for more ways to incorporate a color trend into your own home? Aside from swapping out your throw pillows, Doornink suggests painting a ceiling. “It’s a great way to add color,” she says. “It’s not in your direct line of sight, but still influences a room’s energy.” Other options include modern draperies and patterned wallpaper, as well as very light color tinting and mid-tone stains on cabinetry and woodwork.
Cozy Cottagecore Is on the Rise
Revival House
Move over, modern farmhouse—it’s cozy cottagecore and charming “granny chic” that are having their moments in the Midwest. “Picture a warmer version of Scandi design,” explains Bre Perrigo, owner and principal designer of Revival House. “It’s less of those cool, crisp black-and-whites and harsher contemporary finishes and more floral patterns, mismatched textures, and ornate fixtures.”
Check out three interior design elements that complement this nostalgic style, which Perrigo predicts will remain at the forefront of 2026:
- Function over fashion: “While built-ins and floating shelves have always been around, now owners are wanting them to display their personal collections of meaningful items—no more purely decorative elements like $250 Vogue books that are pretty to look at, but no one’s actually going to read.”
- Dedicated personal spaces: “We’ve had a surge of craft room requests lately. Now that people are back in the office, they don’t want to be reminded of work at home. Instead, people have been getting back into art, sewing, and scrapbooking, and they want dedicated spaces to accommodate their hobbies.”
- Thoughtful details over flashy showstoppers: “A few years ago, everyone was into those chef’s kitchen-style double islands, but now they’re realizing they don’t need quite so much space. Now, there’s an emphasis on smaller, thoughtful details—like a kitchen shelf by a window where someone can put their favorite olive oil, salt and pepper, and basil plant.”
Related: See All of the 2026 Color of the Year Announcements
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