Design trends that will sell in 2026

When predicting real estate market trends in 2026, figures and statistics only tell part of the story. Interior designers and architects have a distinct influence on the housing market, from the way a home is staged for photo posting to the difference in market appeal between a Craftsman and a mid-century modern home; every detail is important.

Agents need to understand not only sales and advertising data, but also the ongoing trends in the interior design and architecture world. This is where industry experts – Julie Lepper, an interior designer at Synthesis Design, and David Longpre, an architect at Longpre Architecture – say what to look out for in 2026.

Wrought iron

This traditional, elegant style is often reminiscent of fairy tales or historical places. Often used in home features such as stairs, railings, fencing, furniture, fire pits and hardware, Lepper also sees wrought iron as doubling for sculpture in a home.

“Wrought iron has a traditional quality, hand-forged and durable,” they say. “It is embraced in both modern and classic interiors to anchor spaces.”

Lepper sees black or matte finishes will be more popular in 2026, as they offer a “bold yet sophisticated statement” for any interior or exterior space in a home.

The wave of layering

According to Longpre, 2026 will be the year of layers:

“The flat, angular minimalism gives way to facades with depth, louvers, louvre walls, veils, semi-transparent walls and darkened sight lines,” he says. “Spaces that play with light and shadow, creating mystery and intimacy.”

Imagine a novel, where the stories unfold in each chapter. This trend is about treating luxury with care and tenderness, and no longer about shouting. Longpre explains that this is in the rich moments of everyday life.

Infuse color

Ever walk into a room where you feel like you’re bathed in one color? In interior design, this technique is known as ‘color drenching’.

“One color is applied to multiple surfaces in a room, including walls, ceilings, moldings, furniture and even decor, to create a cohesive, compelling look,” says Lemmer.

The infusion of colors creates an ‘enveloping effect’, creating an atmosphere that can be both cozy and dramatic. Another expert tip from Lemmer? If a room has architectural details such as crown molding, using the same color can enhance the beauty of those structural elements.

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Silver combined with earth tones and splashes of color are ‘in’ for 2026 (Synthesis design)

Simplicity in architecture

In 2026, opulence may not necessarily equate to luxury.

“The McMansion era is over,” Longpre says. “Millennials don’t want homes that radiate status; they want homes that work.”

Expect architectural designs that are more refined and functional, with a scale that feels more modest and subdued – spaces where the natural landscape and garden spaces take the lead.

“I’ve seen more and more clients choosing architecture as the tranquil frame around nature rather than the star of the show,” he adds. “That humility is the new luxury.”

Silver over gold accents

Although gold has represented ‘first place’ in interior design for years, silver accents may give gold a run for its money in 2026.

“Silver feels like the natural evolution, sleeker, quieter and more subdued,” says Lemmer. “It reflects a more subdued, quiet elegance rather than bold opulence.”

Experts expect to see silver combined with earthy tones such as burnt orange, rust, olive and chocolate brown. Lemmer also recommends layering with natural materials such as stone, marble and dark wood.

Softness

For some architects, mental health is starting to become as important as aesthetics when it comes to designing homes.

“By 2026 you will see a trend towards softness – texture, wood, warmth, tactility,” says Longpre.

These are spaces designed for the mind as much as the body. This is what Longpre calls ‘psychoarchitecture’.

“Well-being doesn’t have to be a perk for the elite; it can and should be baked into the architecture itself.”

What does softness look like when applied in architectural practice? Imagine curved lines, inviting textures and warm lighting instead of a stark and cold look.

Vintage and heirloom pieces

As we continue to implement eco-friendly ways to design and build homes in 2026, vintage and heritage pieces feel like a natural trend that will come into vogue in 2026.

Items such as eclectic accents and statement furniture pieces each have their own unique story, something that homeowners and designers alike are increasingly appreciating.

“The light wear and imperfections add authenticity and a ‘lived-in’ charm that new items cannot replicate,” adds Lemmer.

Thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales, flea markets and online marketplaces are hotspots for vintage and heritage finds

Consider these as prompts for testing, not commandments. Translate them into better photos, thoughtful walkthroughs, and sharper pricing conversations, and see how buyers in your market respond. Agents who combine design intelligence with clear advice will gain trust by 2026.