Are Themed Rooms “In” in 2026? We Asked Design Pros and They Had a Lot to Say

Designing your home is all about making choices that bring you joy, and 2026 is officially on course to be the year of ultra-personal, curated interiors.

If there’s a look, color, fun wallpaper, or concept you adore, committing with a room decorated around it is the ultimate way to showcase your love— but we had to ask the pros: are themed rooms actually in style, and how can they be done in a way that feels chic, not cheesy?

What Is a Themed Room?

A themed room is a room with furniture, paint, wallpaper, and decor all shaped around a particular color, place, era, or interest. Frequently seen in holiday homes, offices, powder rooms, and guest and kids’ bedrooms, themed spaces showcase serious personality.

They’re an opportunity to celebrate your favorite things, can help you feel inspired each time you enter the room, and are sure to make memories and conversation when loved ones come to visit.

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Are Themed Rooms “In”?

The short answer: yes. Our experts agreed that when it’s done well, a themed room is—and always will be—in style.

“People are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel expressive and personal, and even as trends shift, rooms that create atmosphere and character tend to age well because they’re rooted in emotion rather than trendiness,” interior designer Elizabeth Markel says.

How to Do a Themed Room Without Getting Tacky

There are a few tried-and-true themed room takes designers swear by to keep things feeling chic, and the first is a major interior design trend from the past few years.

“Color drenching is a common, long-standing practice of top decorators, which has only recently been given this name,” interior designer Peter Spalding says. “It is very chic, and so is a bathroom covered in super-quirky wallpaper.”

If you prefer a themed room built around a hobby, like surfing, or a more broad coastal look, design pro Jordan McDonough says to avoid clichés, keep things personal, and draw in hints of the elements you love most—like a platform bed inspired by driftwood, or muted blues and beiges for a beachy bedroom.

“The key to a chic themed room is restraint and intention,” she says. “For example, instead of spelling out a theme with signage or obvious references, lean into textures, materials, shapes, and artwork that subtly reinforce the concept.”

4 Common Room Themes That Aren’t Too Hard to Pull Off

Jewel Box

The jewel box-themed room is a designer favorite for a reason: this classic look can be accomplished with a variety of tones and textures, as long as they’re within the jewel tone family.

Use the staple palette of blue, green, and purple with metallic accents for a bold statement, like Spalding does in this lounge space.

“What I love most is how these deep colors can make even a small space feel special—almost like a curated little jewelry box rather than a limitation,” Markel says. “They add depth, drama, and a kind of cozy luxury that neutral palettes just can’t replicate.”

Color-Drenching

Creating an immersive themed room doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the best starting points is to pick a favorite color, and drench as much of the space in it as you can— like Emily Henderson does in this serene green living room.

If you’re new to the world of color drenching, pick one color for the walls and main furniture items. Look for items in that color across a variety of shades and textures, and bring in a couple of neutrals or accent hues to make the room feel more natural and livable.

Statement Wallpaper

“One of the easiest ways to create a concept room is by using a statement wallpaper and pairing it with unique lighting,” Markel says. “A bold or textured wallpaper instantly sets the tone without needing to overhaul the whole space, and distinctive lighting—like a sculptural lamp or a warm, moody sconce—adds personality and depth.”

The best place to make a big impact with wallpaper is a powder room, like this one by Whittney Parkinson Design.

Subtle Settings

Another quick way to theme a room is through subtler nods to a geographical location using scents, motifs, materials, and colors that bring the feeling of your location of choice without turning the space into a postcard.

For example, this autumnal Vermont-themed bedroom by Somerled Designs stays fairly neutral and grounded, bringing in the area’s iconic red leaves as accents and patterns, with gentle nods through wallpaper and wall art.