Neil Kelly has released its 2026 Home Design Trends Forecast, revealing how homeowners are increasingly prioritizing living spaces that feel grounding, warm, and reflect the natural world. As technology and AI accelerate, one continuing trend is the desire for the grounding and calming presence of nature. Natural materials feature prominently in refined, architectural ways, with stone, wood, and organic textures taking center stage. Homeowners crave authenticity and a connection to nature in an increasingly digital world. "We are seeing a movement away from man-made, fabricated materials and a return to natural, organic materials especially in wood flooring and paneling," shares Mary Miksch, Design Director for Neil Kelly. "No one does wood products better than the Pacific Northwest."
Wallpaper is becoming an architectural detail, not an afterthought, according to Selah Ewert, General Manager of Neil Kelly Bend. "Botanical prints, moody landscapes, textured papers, and mural-style art add personality and depth to any room." Pattern play can have a big impact such as checkerboard floors, graphic tile layouts, block prints, or statement wallpaper in entries, laundry rooms, and powder baths. Bold statements won't be limited to walls, ceilings, and functional surfaces. Look for the ceiling to become the "fifth wall" in 2026.
Warm, brown and jewel tone colors are trending while the grey and whites seem to be on their way out, shares Matt White, general manager for Neil Kelly Eugene/Springfield. "There is a shift from the big splashes of white in kitchen cabinets and tile, as homeowners lean into the darker and warmer hues." Designers anticipate seeing more complimentary jewel tones such as deep warm purples and rich cabernet-style reds, followed by dark natural greens and teal-blue peacock hues.
In an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, people crave craftsmanship and attention to detail as they gravitate toward intricate design details. "More of our clients seek hand-crafted custom pieces and design elements that bring meaning and artistry into everyday spaces," shares Amanda Armstrong Sava, general manager Neil Kelly Seattle. "Whether handrails, millwork, cabinetry or custom tilework, hand-crafted pieces offer storytelling opportunities and real-life connections."
A shift toward champagne bronze, brushed brass, warm nickel, and mixed-metal moments is emerging. Instead of matching every finish, clients are embracing nuanced mixing as long as the tone and temperature feel harmonious. Very intentional use of mixed metals paired with champagne bronze as the star. Chrome will continue to make a comeback as an accent paired with darker tones such as rich velvet furniture with chrome legs.
Vintage meets modern design honors history while reinterpreting classic motifs for modern living. This trend is about creating spaces that feel rooted in a period (Victorian, Craftsman) and bringing these dated details into a current modern home. Heirloom silhouettes, classic patterns, and expressive details grounded by modern furniture lines and simplified styling will be seen.
The emotional quality of a space is as important as its aesthetics, with designers prioritizing warmth, joy, personal connection, and the sense of home as a restorative sanctuary. The use of color psychology, lighter palettes in high-traffic areas, and immersive deeper tones in bedrooms and lounges will increase. Scent, sound, and tactile materials will increasingly become part of whole-home design planning. Homeowners will create curated areas for entertainment like coffee and beverage bars.
Soft, flowing curves continue to replace straight lines and hard edges. Curves, circles, and sculptural shapes will appear in everything from architecture to furniture. These forms add movement, warmth, and a sense of ease. Curves will be seen in showers, arched openings, barrel vaulted ceilings, round countertops and fluted moldings.
Matt White, Neil Kelly Eugene General Manager, predicts an uptick in requests for designing spaces for health and wellness. "More clients are asking our team to design and build sauna rooms, steam showers and home gyms," shares White. "With infrared saunas and cold plunges trending, clients are prioritizing spaces that support daily self-care and long-term wellness in the comfort of their home." For more information, visit www.neilkelly.com.
