Tired of the same old fitness goals and healthy eating pledges as we ring in the new year? Imagine instead channeling that fresh-start energy into transforming your living space into a true reflection of your personality. Interior designers, those masters of aesthetics, are doing just that for 2026, setting bold resolutions that go beyond mere updates—they're about embracing joy, experimentation, and even a touch of chaos in design. But here's where it gets exciting: these pros aren't just dreaming big; they're tackling real gaps in their own homes, from daring color choices to unconventional materials. And this is the part most people miss: by following these trends early, you can snag unique items before the crowds. Ahead, we'll dive into seven decorating resolutions these experts are committing to for the year, complete with shopping tips and insider insights to make your home refresh not just timely, but timeless.
- Dare to Be Bold
(Image credit: Tom Mannion. Design: Studio Hollond)
Fed up with the endless sea of neutral tones? Cathleen Gruver from Northern Virginia's Gruver Cooley design studio is too. After years of crafting luxurious homes, she's realized that the truly unforgettable rooms are those infused with authentic delight and self-assurance. For 2026, Cathleen is urging both her clients and herself to ditch the 'safe' options in favor of pieces that truly resonate. 'Selecting items that spark personal joy, rather than opting for what's predictable, builds a home with depth, character, and staying power,' she shares. And for beginners wondering how to start, think of it as choosing decor that tells your story—maybe a vibrant accent wall or a quirky statement piece that makes you smile every time you walk by.
Boldness isn't about overwhelming loudness; it's about trusting your instincts and letting your unique style shine. Color is a fantastic starting point, but experiment with textures and patterns too. To get ahead, consider these picks:
Z Gallerie
Bronze Tiger Lumbar
HAY
Antiquity Dinner Plate
Inner Child
Hand-Marbled Scallop Waste Bin
- Experiment with Edgy Metal Finishes
(Image credit: Genevieve Lutkin. Design: Hollie Bowden)
Plain, forgettable metal surfaces are losing their appeal as we look toward 2026. Sarah Goesling, Owner and Principal, and Rebecca Goesling, Director of Design at Goesling Group, are eager to shake things up with more creative approaches to metals. 'We're thrilled to dive into finishes like etched brass, flowing chrome, and intricately textured steel,' they explain to Homes & Gardens. 'These add a subtle rebellious twist to classic metals, turning everyday elements into something special.'
And here's the twist most overlook: it's easier than you think. A quick change to detailed knobs or handles on kitchen cabinets or bedroom furniture can elevate them into mini masterpieces. These 'high-touch' spots encourage closer interaction, adding a playful, sensory layer to your space. For those new to this, imagine how a doorknob with an etched design could transform a bland door into a conversation starter.
ARHAUS
Wall Mount Antique Brass Dinner Bell
Ferm Living
Agapé Wall Candle Sconces, Set of 2
Zentique
Diggs Metal Table Vase
- Add Cozy Wall Textiles
(Image credit: Studio Alexandra)
Some resolutions feel like long-awaited permissions—like splurging on that dream vacation or treating yourself to a professional haircut. For Frankie Rousell, Founder and CEO of Jolie, it's all about introducing wall textiles. Tapestries soared in popularity in 2025, and they're sticking around for 2026 as an accessible alternative to pricey paintings. 'We're incorporating tapestries, hanging rugs, and framed fabrics in places where traditional art feels out of reach,' Frankie notes. 'They bring warmth, texture, and softness to acoustics and lighting, creating a more immersive, varied wallscape that's easy to achieve.'
If you're a beginner, picture how a woven tapestry could soften a stark room, much like adding a throw blanket to a couch—simple yet transformative. And this is the part that sparks debate: Is this trend a nod to tradition or a bold step into modern eclecticism?
Urban Outfitters
Palmera Fan Floating Headboard
McGee & Co.
Hortensia Wall Tapestry
The Salvaged Vessel
Hand Painted Abstract Textile Art
- Mix Unexpected Color Combinations
(Image credit: James McDonald)
Designers often stick to familiar palettes to meet client expectations, leading to repetitive projects. Annie Harrison of Fare Inc. compares it to a seasoned musician stuck performing the same hit over and over—reliable, but limiting. Why relegate playful pairings like red and green to holiday decor? Sarah and Rebecca Goesling from Goesling Group are pushing this boundary further. 'We're drawn to blends like soft periwinkle with rich chocolate, glossy chartreuse alongside pale blue, and orange tones paired with metallic moss,' they say. 'These combine lively, emotional shades with steady, practical ones, blending excitement with balance for a fresh, dynamic look.'
For newcomers, think of it as color therapy: an energetic hue lifts the mood, while its earthy counterpart grounds it. This approach could be controversial—do these 'clashing' combos really work, or are they just trendy risks?
Threshold
Velvet Contrast Fringe Dec Pillow
Palais Lampshades
Thalassa Palm & Cinnamon Lampshade
Anthropologie
Adele Martini Glasses, Set of 4
- Refresh Hardware Essentials
(Image credit: Kensington Leverne. Design: De Rosee Sa.)
We've all heard it before, especially from our earlier discussion on metals: a hardware swap can revitalize without a full renovation. Fare Inc.'s Annie Harrison is finally tackling this in her own home for 2026. Updating knobs on doors, cabinets, or dressers is a simple, budget-friendly tweak that feels tangible every day. 'It's a subtle yet meaningful change that reinvigorates a room's vibe,' Annie emphasizes. 'Repeating these small interactions daily gives your space a polished, renewed feel.'
Beginners, start small—swap one set of handles and notice the difference. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this minimal update enough, or do you need bigger changes to truly modernize?
West Elm
Modernist Wood & Antique Brass Hardware
AnthroHome
Odessa Jewelry Knobs, Set of 2
Berenson
Iron Cabinet Handle
- Lean Into Surreal Elements
(Image credit: Summerill & Bishop)
In these uncertain times, with all the global shifts and digital tricks, the world feels increasingly surreal. Sarah and Rebecca Goesling aren't fighting it—they're incorporating it. 'We're welcoming surrealism and embracing the unknown,' they share. 'Instead of avoiding the weirdness, from harmless illusions to digital deceptions, we're channeling it into design.'
This manifests in playful ways: think 1920s-inspired circus stripes, elusive motifs, earthy greens, glass blocks, and sustainable luxuries. Key elements include green as the hero color, stripes as a go-to pattern, glass block for texture, and iridescent finishes that captivate. For those unsure, surrealism here means adding whimsical touches that mirror life's unpredictability—perhaps a glass block feature wall to symbolize clarity amid chaos. And this is the twist that might divide opinions: Is embracing 'weird' decor a liberating trend or just too out-there for everyday homes?
Crate & Barrel
Cubey Linen Table Lamp 33.8" by Brigette Romanek
Birch Lane
Jebb Upholstered Ottoman
Zodax
Clam Shell Serving Dish With Spoon
- Simplify and Declutter
(Image credit: Sarah West Interiors)
While some designers ramp up the drama and color, others are opting for the opposite: stripping back to essentials. Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James stresses that 'subtraction is the most powerful resolution. Removing excess elevates what's left, creating a more refined, purposeful space than endless adding on.' Christopher Boutlier of Christopher Boutlier Interiors agrees, noting it's about silencing the visual noise. 'Assess each room critically and discard what no longer fits your lifestyle. This reveals the beauty of scale and materials, fostering a serene luxury beyond any single item.' Annie Harrison focuses on practical decluttering, like organizing shoe storage—a task she often does for clients but neglects at home.
For beginners, start with one room: remove clutter and see how it enhances focus. But here's the controversy: In a world pushing maximalism, is minimalism outdated, or is it the ultimate sophistication? Do you see decluttering as liberating or boring?
Casafield
Open Weave Wall Hanging Basket
BELOVED
20 Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet
H&M Home
Foldable Storage Basket
These resolutions aren't just personal—they align with broader shifts. Explore the major interior design trends influencing 2026 homes.
What do you think? Are you ready to embrace bold colors and surreal twists in your decor, or do you prefer the calm of simplification? Does the idea of unconventional metals excite you, or does it sound like too much hassle? Share your agreements, disagreements, or even counterpoints in the comments—we'd love to hear how these resolutions resonate with you!
