7 decor trends that designers say will fizzle out by the end of 2026

Trends come and go, but knowing which ones are losing momentum can help you create a home that feels fresh now and timeless for years to come.

Trends are a tricky business. While you might discover a trend or two that feels organic and timeless to you and your home, many are simply a phase that seems to show their age in record time.

To help create a home that feels at once timeless and relevant, taking a forward look at home design trends is key. For the real nitty-gritty on what’s on its way out and what’s coming in hot (and with greater staying power at that), we’ve gathered a slew of designers to sound off on the design trends that they predict will fizzle out by the end of 2026.

1. Grandma Coastal and Auntie Chic

There’s no denying we’ve been leaning into all the color, patterns, and accessories, turning our homes into uniquely layered and personality-forward havens. But Leah Hook, founder and principal designer of Gray Oak Studio in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, urges homeowners not to go overboard.

”This trend, especially for young families who live in a naturally layered home thanks to all the accessories that young children and pets bring to life, will feel overwhelming sooner rather than later,” she warns. “We don’t need to swing back to the extremely simple, clean, white interiors that were in favor for so long, but there is a happy medium.”

The designer suggests creating a personalized space using pieces that feel special to you, but skipping the generic ones you might find at your local chain home decor superstores.

2. Trend-Driven Architecture

Kristen David, founder and principal designer of David Design Group, says the social media-dominated styles like modern farmhouse, European cottage, or any number of trending architectural styles in between, are a surefire way to put a timestamp on your home.

Instead, lean into home styles that are unique to your area, climate, history, and environment, she says. “Architecture and interior design decisions with roots tend to age far more gracefully than design based on a hashtag.”

3. Sage Green

Muted greens have had their moment in the sun, whether on cabinetry, exterior siding, or splashed all over our walls, but Elizabeth Valkovics, founding principal at Batten Court Design in Pinehurst, North Carolina, says the sun is setting on this color trend. “Consider more timeless alternatives like rich olive greens or warm ochres,” she suggests. “These are less trendy and evoke more of a timeless appeal.”

4. Overly-Styled Bookshelves

“The concept of creating a rainbow wall of books or heaven forbid, fake books to simply decorate your shelves is, well, dare I say, atrocious,” says Valkovics. “Fill your book shelves with books you actually read and interest you.”

Placement should vary, with books stacked both horizontally and vertically. Complement them with antiques, framed photos, and other meaningful accessories, she suggests. “Above all, know that it shouldn’t scream ‘don’t touch!’”

5. Taj Mahal Quartzite

One type of quartzite has been dominating countertops, but Hooks says it’s time for a change. “Taj Mahal quartzite came on so fast and so strong, it’s been absolutely everywhere, and it already feels ‘been there done that’ because of the widespread obsession,” she says.

Instead, the designer suggests skipping the preconceived notions and finding a natural stone that uniquely appeals to you rather than feeling tied to just one type of quartzite. “Go to the stoneyard, touch, feel, and enjoy all the natural beauty, and find something that you truly fall in love with.”

Related: The Pros and Cons of Common Kitchen Countertop Materials

6. Tulip Light Fixtures

“We are seeing hyperfeminine spaces by way of color (think mauve, pink, and powder blue), floral pattern overload, and scalloped edges on everything,” says Hooks. The designer believes the current tulip light fixture popularity is a product of our fixation on feminine decor. “We love all of these design elements, but believe that abundance of any one style or element ultimately time stamps a space or pulls it into a niche that may (or may not) stand the test of time.”

Alternatively, the designer advises balance. In each space, look for ways to incorporate both masculine and feminine elements, as well as some neutral decor. This blend will create an experience and aesthetic that has more staying power than spaces designed around one or the other.

7. High-Volume and High-Contrast Spaces

High-volume spaces (think soaring ceilings and bold architectural elements), along with high-contrast spaces (a palette of white, black, and wood elements), are showing signs of age. Designer Brittney Blanton of B. Blanton Design says she believes these trends, often used in luxury new builds, will start to fall out of favor as we near the end of 2026.

Thinking through scale, how ceiling heights can serve each space, and softer color palettes that create more atmosphere within rooms will continue to gain traction. “We’re seeing a shift toward cozier spaces that feel cohesive with the rest of the space and overall design of the house, versus tall ceilings for the sake of tall ceilings,” she explains. 

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens