As 2026 approaches, interior designers are witnessing a significant shift away from the minimalist aesthetic that has dominated home design for the past decade. Rather than embracing entirely new concepts, homeowners and designers are rediscovering classic design elements that were largely abandoned around 2015. These emerging preferences include curved furniture pieces, richly layered textures, bold jewel-toned wall colors, and traditional architectural details like crown molding in newly constructed homes.
The movement represents more of a correction than a revolution, according to industry professionals. Clients are increasingly choosing to reupholster vintage furniture instead of purchasing new pieces, and they're experimenting with material combinations that might seem unconventional but create striking visual interest. After years of beige and white-washed interiors that prioritized stark minimalism, these traditional elements are being embraced as sophisticated alternatives that add warmth and character to living spaces.
Curved furniture and architectural elements are leading this design renaissance. Nancy Davilman, principal designer at ND Interiors, notes that "the infatuation with curves and channeling will continue into 2026." This trend extends beyond traditional furniture categories, appearing in unexpected applications such as curved kitchen islands, rounded dining tables, arched headboards, and kidney-shaped sectionals upholstered in luxurious fabrics like bouclé and velvet.
The functional benefits of curved design elements are driving their popularity in contemporary homes. These pieces fundamentally change how people interact within a room, encouraging face-to-face conversation and creating more intimate seating arrangements compared to traditional L-shaped sectionals. In open-concept spaces that often lack natural focal points, a strategically placed curved sofa can define the room's flow while maintaining clear sightlines throughout the area.
Karin Bohn, founder and creative director of House of Bohn, observes this curved trend expanding into millwork and stonework applications. "Countertop profiles are a great way to bring a sense of playfulness and creativity to a space," she explains, citing examples like double bullnose or stepped edge profiles that elevate overall design aesthetics. Cabinet makers are also incorporating unique profiles including cane detailing, fluting, and shaker doors with curved elements, moving away from the flat panel and typical shaker doors that Bohn describes as "a trend of the past."
Textural layering is emerging as another defining characteristic of 2026 interior design. Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, declares that "texture is the new luxury," with designers combining materials like velvet, wool, rattan, and linen to create interiors that feel both inviting and lived-in. This approach differs from previous applications where texture served merely as an accent; now it forms the foundation of how entire rooms are conceptualized and constructed.
The technique involves creating contrast between different tactile experiences - smooth versus nubby, crisp versus plush - to generate visual depth in otherwise minimal spaces. High-pile wool rugs serve as room anchors, while bouclé accent chairs add warmth without visual weight, and velvet upholstery introduces a refined sense of luxury. This layered approach explains how a simple white sofa can appear rich and sophisticated when styled with a thoughtful mix of linen pillows, wool throws, and velvet lumbar cushions.
Pattern usage is also experiencing a renaissance, though in a more considered and intentional manner than previous decades. Google search data analyzed by Tapi Carpet & Floors reveals that searches for patterned sofas have increased by 79 percent, while interest in wall mural ideas has risen 70 percent. "It's about creating layers that tell a story rather than sticking to a single style," Constantinou explains, emphasizing the narrative quality of contemporary pattern mixing.
Kitchen design is reflecting this same philosophical shift, with clients requesting multiple marble or stone varieties within a single space. Bohn describes projects where backsplashes feature one material, countertops showcase another, and flooring incorporates a third option. "Mixing stones with intention creates depth in material use and visual interest," she notes, highlighting how this approach adds sophistication while maintaining visual cohesion.
The concept of "dressed rooms" represents perhaps the most significant departure from recent minimalist trends. Lauren Farrell, principal interior designer at Pacaso, observes that "a new generation of homeowners are re-discovering the beauty of detail." This includes the return of chair rails, picture-frame molding, decorative toe kicks, and layered crown molding that collectively redefine traditional interior approaches. Rooms now feature bedskirts, lined drapery, and upholstery that balances structure with softness.
Homeowners are particularly interested in adding architectural weight to spaces that currently lack character, especially in newer construction built during the height of the minimalism movement. Designers are reimagining previously dismissed elements like chair rails, updating them with cleaner profiles and pairing them with wainscoting or applied moldings for enhanced textural effects. Crown molding is being scaled appropriately to ceiling height - typically 2.5 to 6 inches for standard 8-foot ceilings - and layered with picture molding or deeper baseboard profiles to establish visual hierarchy and proper proportions.
Window treatments have become substantially more elaborate, with layered combinations of blinds and drapery becoming standard practice rather than occasional exceptions. As Farrell concludes, this comprehensive approach represents "the antithesis of minimalism's sleek perfection," signaling a fundamental shift toward interiors that prioritize comfort, character, and visual richness over stark simplicity.
