This Is the #1 Decor Trend Designers Say You Won’t See Again in 2026

With each passing year, certain design trends fall to the wayside in order to make room for various new looks to make their way into homes. What was popular in 2023 changed as styles evolved heading into 2024, and the same will be true for the coming year, too. But beyond just the changing tides of what’s in and what’s out, we were curious to find out if there was any one aesthetic in particular that pros are especially eager to remove from homes—their own and their client’s—as we head into 2026, and the experts we spoke with certainly had a lot to say about they’re feeling so ready to ditch.

Below, find out what trend designers say they’re so over as we wrap up 2025, plus a few more trends they can’t wait to see fade out before the new year approaches.

As we look ahead toward 2026, designers are more than ready to move away from minimalistic, matchy-matchy spaces. “Spaces where everything coordinates a little too perfectly—identical woods, matching metals, one consistent palette—end up feeling sterile,” says Sara Swabb, the founder of Storie Collective. And she isn’t alone in feeling this way.

“Spaces that are overly coordinated or stripped of personality are starting to feel cold and uninspired,” says Tracy Morris, the founder of Tracy Morris Design, who adds that such rooms can “feel more like showrooms than homes.”

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If you noticed yourself nodding yes, Swabb and Morris share several useful tips to help you take your existing space from coordinated to charming. Keep in mind that as you work to incorporate more character into your home, you don’t need to get rid of everything you own and start totally from scratch. One practice that Swabb has been employing is adding unexpected artwork to rooms throughout her own home that need a bit of extra zing.

She’s also made an effort to weave in furniture pieces from local makers, finding that handmade items add the storied charm that she so desperately craves. “There’s a soulfulness in those imperfections that you simply can’t replicate,” she says. And for a space to feel totally like your own, remember that “perfection” isn’t the goal. “Perfection is boring,” Swabb says. Instead, look for ways to make your space feel like you. (And if at the end of the the day that means you keep your coordinating couch and loveseat underneath unexpected and personal art, you’re still introducing imperfections and personality into your space.)

According to Morris, one way to instantly zhush up your home is to get rid of any matching furniture sets—or certain pieces within matching sets. “Rooms look more interesting when they include a mix of textures, finishes, and styles that tell a story,” she says. However, there’s no need to break the bank during this process, or throw out perfectly good furniture just because it matches. If you’re ready to make a change but not sure where to start, consider your options first. Before bringing all new pieces into your home, consider selling that pair of accent chairs that came with your sofa and using the proceeds to source some eye-catching vintage seating.

Facebook Marketplace is a great resource to use to both buy and sell and often yields amazing, unique-looking finds at incredible price points. Estate sales are also worth scoping out as you look for furniture with flair, and you can style decor from different centuries and design styles together as complements.

When it comes to finding accessories that take your space from minimalistic to more like you, try shopping your home before heading out to the store. “Pair your grandmother’s brass candlesticks with a contemporary marble table,” says Katie Gutierrez, the co-founder of Errez Design. “Mix and layer textiles like linen, velvet, or maybe even bold, patterned upholstery that reminds you of your culture or childhood.” If that sounds more your speed, remember there’s no right or wrong way to accessorize your space. As Gutierrez says, “Think less about styling and more about storytelling.”

Two More 2025 Home Design Trends Designers Are Over

Beyond moving away from overly coordinated spaces, professional designers have plenty more feelings about other trends they’d love to see fall to the wayside come 2026. Geometric shapes and furniture styles, along with gray tones, top the list for the designers we spoke with.

Exaggerated Shapes

Swabb is ready to move on from curved furniture and scalloped details galore, finding these styles to be a bit overused for her liking. This doesn’t mean she’s opposed to organic forms as a whole, though. Instead, she’s is eager to see structured pieces with more subtle curves take hold of the style trends come 2026. “It gives you the same softness, but with greater longevity,” the designer says.

Lots of Gray Tones

Morris is eager to move past all of the gray tones that have characterized homes in recent years. “Those cool, flat grays can make a space feel lifeless,” Morris says. Luckily, she finds that she isn’t alone ready to say goodbye to millennial gray and hello to warmer, natural tones taking over.