Neil Kelly has released its 2026 Home Design Trends Forecast, outlining how homeowners are prioritizing living spaces that feel grounding, warm, and connected to the natural world. The forecast identifies nine key trends driven by a desire for authenticity and restorative environments amid accelerating technology and AI integration.
A central theme is the 'Return to Earth,' with homeowners moving away from man-made materials toward natural elements like stone, wood, and organic textures. Design Director Mary Miksch notes a specific return to natural materials in wood flooring and paneling, highlighting the Pacific Northwest's expertise. This trend reflects a broader craving for connection to nature in a digital age.
Statement wallpaper and pattern play are emerging as architectural details rather than afterthoughts. Botanical prints, moody landscapes, and mural-style art add personality, while ceilings are becoming the 'fifth wall' for bold statements. Warm color hues are replacing grey and whites, with designers anticipating more jewel tones like deep purples, cabernet reds, natural greens, and teal-blues. Matt White, general manager for Neil Kelly Eugene/Springfield, observes a shift from white kitchen cabinets and tile toward darker, warmer hues.
In response to digital saturation, the 'Crafted with Intention' trend sees clients seeking hand-crafted custom pieces for storytelling and real-life connections. Amanda Armstrong Sava, general manager of Neil Kelly Seattle, notes demand for handrails, millwork, and custom tilework that bring artistry into everyday spaces. Metallics are also evolving, with champagne bronze, brushed brass, and warm nickel taking center stage, often mixed harmoniously rather than matched.
The 'Vintage Meets Modern' trend reinterprets classic motifs from periods like Victorian or Craftsman for contemporary homes, blending heirloom silhouettes with modern furniture. Mood-boosting design prioritizes emotional quality, using color psychology, scent, sound, and tactile materials to create restorative sanctuaries. Curves are replacing straight lines in architecture and furniture, adding movement and warmth through features like arched openings and round countertops.
Health and wellness are becoming integral to home design, with increased requests for sauna rooms, steam showers, and home gyms. Matt White predicts more clients will prioritize spaces supporting daily self-care, such as infrared saunas and cold plunges. For over 70 years, Neil Kelly has been recognized for award-winning design and craftsmanship, with services including design-build remodeling and custom homes. Homeowners can learn more by visiting https://www.neilkelly.com.
These trends signal a significant industry shift toward holistic living environments. For business and technology leaders, the emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship presents opportunities in sustainable sourcing and artisanal manufacturing. The wellness focus may drive innovation in home-integrated health technologies, while the rejection of stark minimalism suggests a consumer preference for warmth and personality in design. As AI and digital tools advance, the human desire for tactile, authentic experiences appears to be strengthening, potentially influencing product development and marketing strategies across related sectors.
