Do you know what the most popular interior design style is in Massachusetts?
Boston Condos for Sale
Do you know what the most popular interior design style is in Massachusetts?
How will interior design evolve in 2026?
Timeless custom details and “quiet elegance” will dominate interior home design next year, according to predictions from Houzz.
Based on Houzz data, home design photos and interviews with design pros, the home design software company offered its forecast for up-and-coming design trends.
Based on that research, here are some interior design stylings we might see crop up in 2026.
Traditional style
Natalie Clayman Interior Design. Photo by Jeff Jones.
Next year’s homeowners will be attracted to the Tudor influence of traditional design styles. Houzz said that impact will be prominent in kitchen design, with features like inset cabinets, plate racks, arched range hoods and warm woods.
Elsewhere in the home, traditional details like arches, scalloped edges, custom millwork and earth tones will also contribute to a timeless and classic aesthetic, Houzz said.
Flat cabinetry
Similarly, flat-panel cabinets and vanities are set to rise in popularity next year. In fact, according to Houzz research, flat-panel cabinetry is the second-most popular style after Shaker.
“Smooth, unframed doors and subtle edge profiles give cabinets a refined, custom look that feels modern yet timeless,” Houzz said. “They’re also easy to wipe clean.”
Built-ins
Whether homeowners need extra storage or simply a place to keep knickknacks, built-in cabinets will be the way to go in 2026. These multifunctional “cabinet walls” will be especially popular for small homes where homeowners want to maximize space and minimize extra furniture.
Built-ins can also be customized by using various wood finishes, paints, stones and metals, increasing the personalization factor that today’s homeowners crave.
Natural stone accents
From countertops to backsplashes, Houzz said natural stones like quartzite and marble will speak to homeowners’ desire for “quiet elegance.”
“The result feels organic and luxurious, pairing beautifully with wood cabinetry, earthy palettes and classic metals,” Houzz said.
Checkers
Houzz reported that searches for “checkerboard floors” jumped 38% year-to-date compared to 2024, while searches for “bathroom checkerboard” designs more than doubled, skyrocketing 103% year over year.
While the classic black-and-white checkerboard is most common, homeowners are also putting their own spin on the timeless pattern with hues like sage, emerald, oxblood and burgundy.
Wall-mounted bathroom faucets
This sleek trend also has practical applications: When faucets are mounted to the wall rather than the bathroom counter or vanity, homeowners are likely to benefit in the form of clear surfaces that are easier to clean than traditional sinks. Wall-mounted faucets also increase countertop space in small bathrooms, and pair nicely with custom or oversized sinks.
Furthermore, Houzz said faucets are the No. 1 feature upgraded in typical bathroom renovations, so there’s a high likelihood wall-mounted faucets will pop up in bathroom upgrades this year.
Art deco shapes and textures
Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.
Expect to see lacquered surfaces, metallic accents, jewel tones and mirrored surfaces, or any other details that walk the line between “historical sophistication” and modern sensibility.
Warm yellows
Speaking of gem tones, Houzz said that deep, warm yellow tones are increasingly popular among designers. From ocher and topaz to mustard or honey, warm-toned, earthy yellows are unseating buttery or citrusy yellows in interior design.
From upholstery to accents, warm yellows will be center stage in 2026 — especially when paired with rich shades like rust, burgundy and caramel.
Outdoor garden rooms
Continuing a growing trend of recent years, outdoor garden rooms will help homeowners blur the boundary between interior and exterior.
The concept of a “garden room” doesn’t actually refer to a room, though — Houzz is talking about the trend of distinct zones that split outdoor areas into “destinations.” Think reading nooks, dining patios, play lawns and gardens, all surrounded by as much greenery as possible.
Houzz even said this design trend can make outdoor spaces appear larger by “[creating] a sense of discovery even in compact yards.”
Do you know what the most popular interior design style is in Massachusetts?
As we emerge from the dark winter months and begin to enjoy longer daylight hours, the seasonal shift often sheds new light on our living spaces, revealing areas in need of a refresh.
Design trends often reflect what is happening in the world around us and the ways we interact with others and our environment. These shifts translate into how we live in and use our homes, informing our purchasing and décor choices. In the proudly nonconformist culture of Portland, décor is ultimately defined by personal taste and a celebration of originality. Yet trends can provide a glimpse into what is happening in the larger social sphere of our communities and even the world and serve as an inspiring palette…
The Shift from Minimalism to Maximalist For Boston Condos
Minimalism is not just an aesthetic: it is a movement that has become a way of life that, when put into practice, naturally extends to a person’s living space as well. It is defined by an intentional reduction in material possessions in the home with the added benefit of decluttering mental space at the same time, ideally creating more freedom to rest and enjoy quality time with loved ones. It gained traction during the pandemic as we all stayed indoors longer and people began to examine their homes more closely, and it doesn’t appear to be fading as a lifestyle or decorating trend anytime soon. Maximalist, on the other hand, is not a rejection of minimalism, but rather a response to the somewhat predictable styles that have come to define minimalism, such as all-white kitchens and generic accent décor. It does not contradict the benefits of simplified living, but comes out of a desire to express ourselves, to stand out and be unique. Maximalist shows up as bold color and accessory choices within a still-uncluttered room, but now a room with a more individual touch that reflects the personality of the homeowner.
According to Barbara Miller, design director for Neil Kelly, the drive to reduce “visual clutter” is as strong as ever. Case in point: the increasing popularity of custom pullout shelves and cabinets designed to conceal appliances and keep countertops clear, in contrast to the familiar sight of appliances parked on kitchen counters. At the same time, vibrant wall colors and accents are making a reappearance in defiance of the neutral and monochromatic color schemes that have dominated decorating palettes in recent years. The movement is more about creating a personal aesthetic through thoughtfully chosen trinkets, fixtures and even decorative wallpaper that reflect an individual’s unique taste. Maximalism “…embraces all things bold and bright, with an emphasis on decoration and personality,” according to interior designer Shanade McAllister-Fisher.
Boston condo owners and Beacon Hill renters are Conscious of Sustainable and Affordable Design
Sustainable design has been gaining momentum for many years in Back Bay and across the country and has been utilized in a variety of home applications, for example choosing appliances for their energy efficiency, rather than just their features alone. Now, rather than choosing a few eco-friendly home upgrades, the shift is to a holistic approach to decorating and design that focuses on natural and renewable materials such as rattan, bamboo and terracotta, which also happen to be more affordable than their synthetic counterparts.
Both high interest rates and inflation have played a role in encouraging consumers to consider more cost-effective decorating techniques, and the shift towardnatural fibers and more locally sourced materials results in sustainable home design that is simultaneously lighter on the wallet and the environment.
Bold is Beautiful
The Pantone Color Institute declared Viva Magenta its 2023 color of the year, a bold pinkish red that defies conventional neutrals and embraces a more daring and colorful way forward. This has influenced more adventurous color choices in home design, from a range of deep reds and pinks to dramatic accent colors like deep indigo blue and emerald green. The whites and grays that have reigned for years as the go-to palette for interior design are now making way for bold statement colors. For example, slick and sophisticated matte black is turning up everywhere, from appliances to fixtures to range hoods, eliminating the question of “chrome or brass” and presenting a new modern alternative. The new neutrals also reflect a departure from cooler white and gray tones and embrace warm earthy hues, like beige, cream and blush as primary colors, which serve as the perfect complement to more vibrant accent colors.
Flexible Spaces
We learned to see and use our homes in new ways during the pandemic, and many of the changes it initiated in our everyday lives have stuck. With many people now working from home, the need to use one space for many purposes is a major consideration, from design and layout to choosing adaptable furnishings that can be reconfigured to suit different needs. The creation of multifunctional spaces arises from the need to use rooms in a variety of ways throughout the day or week. Boston Seaport condo owners may use a room in their home as an office during the day, only for it to transform into a place to relax or entertain in the evening. One simple way to achieve this transition is through lighting – bright overhead lights during the workday which then give way to dimmable fixtures and lamps to create a relaxing ambience in the evening. You can also arrange furniture to designate separate areas for work and downtime, such as a desk and chair in one corner and a comfortable couch in the other. Another way to create a multipurpose room and save space at the same time is to choose dual-purpose furniture, like a desk that can be converted into a dining table or a coffee table with storage. Even adapting the color scheme in different areas of the room to their intended use can help to encourage focus or relaxation. Implementing these ideas can help to achieve a functional, yet versatile space.
Stage Your Home
If you’re considering popular home design trends in order to prepare your home for the market, we would love to consult with you on the best way to stage your home to attract the ideal buyer.
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Eighteen different styles made up the most popular searches in at least one state. The trends include longtime favorites like midcentury modern and modern farmhouse as well as international design, such as Scandinavian, Japanese, and French country styles, Joybird notes in its study.
