1. Swap Muddy Hues for Saturated Earth Tones

Color is always a hot topic when it comes to trends. Are neutrals in or are they out? Will 2026 be all about muted tones or saturated hues? Here's what the expert says. "Muddy tones like muted, grayish-browns, dull taupes, or olive mixed with gray feel drab and outdated," says interior designer Amy Courtney.

Instead, she suggests leaning into richer hues. "Swap them for more saturated earth tones like deep terracotta, warm ochre, and rich olive if you're going for a neutral palette," Courtney says.

2. Replace Scalloped Details with a More Restrained Approach

"One trend we’ve seen carried into 2025 that may benefit from a gentle pause is the heavy use of scalloped details," says interior designer Christina Cruz. While scallops can be beautiful when applied thoughtfully, the designer says their recent overuse has made them feel more playful than polished. "A more restrained approach allows the look to feel elevated rather than overly sweet," Cruz says.

Photo: Michael Clifford / Interior Designer: Drew Michael Scott.

3. Skip the Greige and Curate Rooms with Character

As we head into 2026, interior designer Michelle Murphy shares she's ready to say goodbye to the greige-everything movement. "I think rooms deserve more character than a sea of gray and should be thoughtfully curated," the designer says. Instead of layers upon layers of neutral greige tones that simply feel blah, embrace contrast, rich tones, surfaces with a patina, and items that tell a story.

James Nathan Schroder

4. Let Fluting Go and Replace It with Raised Paneling

"Fluting is overdone and starting to look like a DIY detail—it’s time to let it go," Courtney says. If you love the textured effect and the visual interest it brings, there's a different look the designer suggests replacing fluting with. "Replace it with classic raised paneling, which adds depth and sophistication without feeling ubiquitous," Courtney shares.

5. Say Goodbye to Bubble Furniture and Hello to Subtle Architectural Curves

Bubble furniture was a hot design trend for a while, but Cruz says the moment has passed. "Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda will always hold its place in design history, but the influx of replicas has diluted its magic," the designer says. "As we head into 2026, the pendulum is swinging toward subtler, more architectural curves." Instead of bubble furniture, Cruz recommends opting for forms that feel sculpted rather than inflated.

Julie Soefer

6. Part with Inspirational Typography and Let Art Speak for Itself

Another trend designers begging people to part with? All that inspirational typography. "Words of affirmation in decor have lingered long enough," Courtney says. While a meaningful song lyric or a framed quote that holds a special place in your heart can be a beautiful addition to your walls, a plethora of generic word art and decor is a design trend you'll want to leave behind in 2025. "Let art, texture, and objects carry the personality instead," Courtney says.

7. Trade Black, White, and Gold for a Warm Tonal Palette

"One color scheme I’d happily retire is the black-white-and-gold combo," Murphy says. She says the color trio has become overly used and recommends an elegant alternative. "A more elevated direction is warm, tonal palettes layered with espresso, walnut, cream, and aged metals, paired with one intentional, saturated hue," Murphy shares. She explains that this feels richer, more modern, and much more personal.

Werner Straube

8. Replace Checkerboard-Everything With Sophisticated Geometric Patterns

Although Cruz says a touch of checkerboard can deliver a chic, graphic punch, she notes its ubiquity has dimmed the novelty. "When the pattern shows up on every surface from bath mats to backsplashes, the effect becomes more costume than considered," the designer says. For a more sophisticated take, she suggests replacing the overused pattern with a geometric pattern that introduces rhythm and structure without overwhelming a space. "For example, an oval tile with a contrasting grout line," Cruz suggests.

9. Leave the All-White Look Behind and Embrace Warmth and Saturation

When it comes to tired design trends it's time to leave behind in 2025, Murphy says it's definitely the all-white look. "The all-white, neutral look has dominated for years, but it’s starting to feel flat and impersonal," she says. What once felt clean and fresh can now come across as cold and uninteresting, which is why the designer recommends leaning in the opposite direction to add visual interest and character. "Homeowners are craving warmth, saturation, and spaces with real depth and many layers to their design," Murphy explains.