Design, Decoded: The Trends Defining 2026

Where animal instinct, color authority, vintage influence, and modern craft collide

After a crazy couple of months and the holidays, I’m back and ready to share my predictions for this year’s design trends. Housekeeping note: I’ve updated my links process. Click on the images to access the products referenced.

Every design publication has put out its predictions for 2026 trends; the difference in mine? I’m not being pitched by brands (yet). I’ve looked around at what is truly trending across various media, social platforms, and so on, and I’ve found some the best of the best. The first? Purple.

Color of the year

Despite Pantone’s assertion that the color of the year is one of depression and sadness (read: Cloud Dancer), I’m seeing purple in a lot of places. From high heels to upholstery to paint and carpets, purple is the ONE. My first fave use? Farrow and Ball’s Titmouse Blue. She’s deep and dark and sexy, and yes, I love her color-drenching moment in the kitchen image. I’m also coveting the subtle lavender of Lulu and Georgia’s Portola sofa, and of course, I’ll never leave out high heels. My pic is the Dominion mule from the breakout brand Trinity Prince by Jermaine Parris.

Fringed

We love a cute fringed bang, but the fringe we’re referring to is fringed upholstery, fringed curtains, beds, even! It may be my most beloved 2026 trend. The most impressive version? Anthropologie’s Sinclair Bed. Available in cream or mint, it’s dreamy. And your living room? While definitely luxe and pricey, I found a custom George Smith mohair velvet, fringed sofa that is perfection. And lighting? Look no further than the Gabriel Scott Kelly Chandelier. She’s been around since 2012 but avoided the “overuse” phenomena I see so often in lighting (à la bubble chandelier anyone?). Need something more budget-friendly? While still pricey, Nickey Kehoe’s Fireplace Pullup Chairs (someone give that copywriter an award because Fireplace Pullup Chair is brilliant) are gorge and fringed.

Some fun and peak chic places we’ve witnessed fringing include an A-MAH-ZING sconce from Arteriors, and a vintage Gabbeh from Rug & Kilim (bonus points for the bird).

Animalia

I love an animal incorporation. This year has two of my faves – swans and dogs. They. Are. Everywhere. Following 2025’s flurry of media on dog-forward design – dog beds, dog nooks, even dog rooms with custom dog bathing areas – we’re seeing dogs pop up in product. From lamps to pillows to wallpaper to décor, they’re everywhere. And swans? They’re ruling the universe. From challah covers to wallpaper, pillows, and decor.

But let’s not limit ourselves; it is the year of the horse after all. I’ve spied some gorgeous pieces across products using horses, birds, and forest creatures, to name a few.

Tapestries, Wall Textiles and Wall Murals

I wrote about the evolving trend of tapestries at High Point Market in the fall. Since then, there’s been further evolution into really interesting wall textiles and murals. Some of the best pieces, IMO, are vintage. The quilt I’m showing now reminds me of the quilts I grew up with (my mother and a good friend quilted), and this one is extra special. It’s an African American Pine Burr Quilt from the 1920s, and the name “Pine Burr” is derived from the pattern and texture. What I appreciate most about the piece is the story it would have told to the maker. Years of scraps would have been collected from other home-sewn items, and each scrap was a memory of a day dress, men’s trousers, a new baby, etc. It’s special.

I’ve also found some cool new pieces that are great examples of evolving use of textiles. The first is the Suzani Surfboard. Made to order, it is a functioning surfboard intended for use and decor. I also found a linen and cotton blanket, with marigold-like florals and a tea-stained look.

Wood

If you haven’t noticed, wood is back in a big way. And unlike previous editions, it’s across a myriad of shades. I’m partial to the soft warm wood in Pinch’s Mercier Press. But then, there’s James and James Oliva Desk in “Tobacco on Alder” and I’m mesmerized by the warm and dark contrast (Bonus! The send samples!). If it’s flooring you seek, look no further than The Hudson Co’s reclaimed mixed oak. Want a little art deco on the side? Me too. And I’m eying Artemest’s Pedrera Bed.

Tile Journey

A good glossy tile always has me captivated, and one of this year’s trends is…tiles. Especially the glossy, the glitzy, the iridescent, and the metallic. Recently, Francis Nicdao posted an image from his travels in Italy that left me speechless. It was the bar at Palazzo Talia and featured these fabulous, shiny, almost foiled-looking tiles. It was a great example of how far tile has come. The closest thing I could find was tilebar’s Amulet Mist. I love it in gold, but it’s also offered in a great silver. I’m also a sucker for gloss. Glossy nails, glossy lips, glossy paint, and yes, glossy tile. So the minty greenish glossy Zellige tiles are right up my alley. Lastly, I would be remiss to leave out the evolution of Delft. Particularly, Petra Palumbo’s Delfts. Y’all, she has a burger tile. And fries. I’m dead.