How to redecorate your home using the latest design trends

Ready for a home refresh, but not in the market for a pricey reno? You can transform your most lived-in spaces by leaning into trends making a splash in 2026. Whether you want to change the look of your living room, bedroom or any other area of your home, explore ways to use personalization, rich color and texture to bring new life to your spaces.

Express yourself

One of the biggest trends of the year is turning away from minimalism and toward a space that tells your story. You can create a personalized space by curating specific items that are meaningful to you, using them as inspiration for the rest of your decor.

An heirloom rug, piece of art or furniture, some special item you collected while traveling or any of your own treasures can become the room's focal point, using the colors, feeling or time period conjured by the piece to help you design the entire space.

Use a photo of your cherished item to create a digital or analog "mood board." Put that photo in the center of the board, then gather colors, textures and other photos that inspire the vibe you're going for. This process can help you make choices about paint colors, window treatments and furnishings you may want to add to the space, and what you want to remove.

Pro tip: Have a collection of special items? Put it proudly on display! Invest in a special case, shelving and lighting to show your treasures at their best.

Dive into rich earthy tones

Don't be afraid to experiment with color. You can get paint swatches, stickers or small samples of paint to try out in a room first, to see what you really like. Remember to view the paint color after it's completely dry and at different times of day.

• Trending colors include earth tones like deep olive or plum, terracotta, rust or chocolate brown, which can be beautifully contrasted with warm neutrals such as taupe, cream and camel.
  
  
• Color drenching is on-trend, which means painting all of a room one color — including the trim, doors and millwork. You can even include the ceiling! By eliminating the contrast you get with white trim, for example, color drenching creates drama and a strong sense of cohesion in a room.
  
  
• Wallpaper has also made a serious comeback, so you may want to check out some of the latest designs, patterns and colors that can really transform a room. Don't want to wallpaper a whole wall? Consider using wallpaper in small areas, like behind open shelves or in framed panels using decorative molding. You can also add wainscoting or a chair rail and only use wallpaper above (or even below) the rail.

Pro tip: One surprising new trend is using wallpaper on the "fifth wall" — in other words, the ceiling. Wallpapered ceilings can create a great effect for any room, especially small spaces, as it draws the eye upward. Consider using the technique in a space where you have a striking light fixture or chandelier you want to showcase.

Sink into texture

Creating a warm, comfy vibe in any space is easy if you choose textures that you want to run your fingers through. Make your whole room more cozy by opting for furniture with soft, sculptural shapes, and using natural materials such as wood, cotton, wool and linen. Textural variety is also on-trend with wallpaper choices like grass cloth and sisal, papers with fluted or ribbed effects, faux plaster and even woven fabrics.

Mixing different textures, including mixed metals for hardware, is a continuing trend this year, helping to contribute to the sensory-rich atmosphere that seems to be what everyone's craving in today's home design.

Pro tip: Maximize visual interest by mixing and matching everything from matte black and brushed nickel to silver and bronze for your faucets, cabinet pulls and more.

Whichever options you choose to create your own unique atmosphere at home, enjoy the process of discovering what you like best, and don't be afraid to let your own personality shine through. Personal expression, variety and comfort are the guiding principles of the latest trends in home decor.